Both of my older sisters contracted measles. Back then, it was an illness that everybody got, just like chickenpox.

And that generation did just fine. In fact, they didn’t suffer the plethora of autoimmune, allergic, and chronic illness that younger generations have developed.

Perhaps we need to do some serious research comparing vaccinated populations with non-vaccinated populations. It’s hard to believe that there hasn’t been a single randomized, controlled study comparing two such populations.

It would be nice if politicians would stop parroting incorrect vaccine information. What we need is a politician to stand up and demand answers from the CDC. Was data altered to obscure a link between the MMR vaccine and autism?

Finally, people’s attention needs to be turned away from those who don’t vaccinate and focused on why nearly 1 in 50 children now have autism. That seems like a better use of resources than focusing on a 100-person measles outbreak.

No parents want to harm their children by not vaccinating. Childhood illnesses can cause severe problems, even death. But so can vaccines.

We should respect individual choices. That kind of freedom is what our country was founded on.

I would never criticize a parent for vaccinating, nor would I be critical of those who do not want to vaccinate. It’s tough enough for parents out there. The rhetoric needs to be toned down.