The battle lines are drawn over mandatory vaccinations, with concerned parents on one front and over-zealous government officials on the other.
The vaccine intimidation battle remains a sticking point in the battle between the government and the people as to who should make medical
decisions. But as we have noted in previous columns the people have successfully fought back.
This past spring, action by a number of determined action groups resulted in the reversal of the human papillomavirus (HPV) mandate ordered by the Texas governor, as well as legislation from Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., to block federal funding for state-mandated HPV programs.
The fight by parents now turns to Maryland, specifically, Prince George's County (PG County) which is within needle distance of Washington, D.C.
In a scene reminiscent of cattle roundups, the state's attorney has issued summons to more than 1,600 parents of children whom have not provided certificates of immunization for their children. These parents have been told to appear in court on Saturday Nov. 17, 2007 — and either subject their children to on-the-spot, state-mandated vaccines of up to 17 vaccine doses — or face imprisonment.
Parents who ignore the court's demands could face a $50 fine for every day their child is out of compliance or up to 10 days in jail.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way, but it's got to get done," threatened Maryland State Attorney Glenn F. Ivey. But Mr. Ivey apparently has no problem invoking his own right to informed consent and parental control. In a radio interview on Thursday, he admitted that he chose to refuse the hepatitis B vaccines for his own children.
Of particular note is that this mandate applies across the board to all schools, public and private, and even daycare facilities whether they
receive government funding or not.
There is action you can take immediately:
1. E-mail Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. The e-mail form is on his Web site: www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/.
2. Volunteer on Saturday Nov. 17.
If you live in the Maryland area as many people as possible should attend the hearing on Saturday. CNN and other news crews will be out there live on Saturday. It is important to support parental rights and informed consent!
The "Hands Off Our Kids" Coalition and other members including The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons are not against vaccines.
Vaccines have improved the quality of life and will save many lives as noted in an earlier story this week in the Health Section of Newsmax.com.
But the coalition also recognizes that vaccines are a personal medical decision a decision that should be made by parents with the consultation
of their physician. A state or school mandated vaccine amounts to coerced medical treatment without consent.
Finally we wonder if Mr. Ivey has ever issued a roundup order for all the Maryland attorneys who don't do as he says.
Editor's Note: Michael Arnold Glueck submitted this week's comment.
Michael Arnold Glueck, M.D., comments on medical-legal issues and is a visiting fellow in economics and citizenship at the International Trade
Education Foundation of the Washington International Trade Council.
Robert J. Cihak, M.D., is a senior fellow and board member of the Discovery Institute and a past president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.
© 2007 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
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