To Be or Not To Be (Vaccinated)
That is the emotionally-charged question of the day. But rather than get so emotional, let’s ask some pointed questions. For starters, do vaccines provide benefits that outweigh the risks? New York City seems to think so. The city has mandated the measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations and vows to fine those in certain neighborhoods who do not comply. Thus, if you are unwilling to pay (or cannot afford to pay $1,000), you may be hauled off to jail. Is this justice? Is New York City really acting for the public good? Or, are our personal and health freedoms slowly being eroded?
The other side, known as anti-vaxxers, strongly disagree with New York City’s vaccination mandate. But perhaps they should be called pro-choice rather than anti-vaxxers. Are they not ready to fight tooth and nail for the health of their children? (Yes, this group believes that their unvaccinated children have better health. They also believe that supporting the immune system naturally ameliorates the severity of an illness and if their child contracts a disease, the child will be immunized for life against the disease — no booster vaccinations required.) What about their personal freedom? And are government agencies really looking after the health of its citizens or are they doing the bidding of multinational drug companies?
And to further confuse the issue, a rumor is circulating that Bill Gates has not vaccinated his own children, yet sends billions of dollars overseas to force vaccinations on the poor. Wouldn’t billions of dollars buy lots of food, essential nutrients, clean water and sanitation facilities? Wouldn’t those services help these people more?
The pro-choice side asserts that it was not vaccines, but better nutrition, clean water and sanitation that led to a decrease in mortality and disease in the first place. This argument is backed by holistic medical practitioners (including some MDs) who also claim that there is bribery and corruption behind the big drug companies. Some think that big pharma’s greed and disregard for human lives is ultimately ruining our healthcare system. Therefore, the decisions that our governmental agencies make tend to protect industry profits rather than the health of American citizens. Is freedom of expression and discussion of crucial issues being ruthlessly suppressed by big pharma? Is greed and immorality overtaking integrity, values and character? Are we, as a nation, ethically impaired?
Remember, at one time, the majority believed that the earth was flat, that the sun revolved around the earth, and that bloodletting was a viable medical procedure. We no longer have these beliefs. Today, citizens who do not want to vaccinate their children are in the minority. It’s never been easy to disagree with common wisdom. Demanding total conformity by silencing dissent through force and intimidation ultimately never works. Shouldn’t these parents be allowed religious or philosophical exemptions? How can we be so intolerant for some things, yet stress diversity and tolerance in other aspects of our lives? Are we not being hypocritical?
America has always championed individual rights and universal truths. The rule of law, minority rights, and liberty should be a goal for all humanity. Zero tolerance is not reality –it just is not how life works.
Democracy requires a principled defense of unpopular groups. Let’s embrace the ideals of freedom, moral leadership, and the practice of virtues. Let’s uphold the principles and practice of democracy. In other words, let freedom truly ring.
