Gutting of vaccine panel is tragic, political mistake
Re: “RFK Jr. ousts entire vaccine advisory committee,” June 10 news story
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr.’s decision to fire all the experts on the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) will be a tragic, political mistake. They are excellent, ethical scientists.
Our data has shown that every time a new approved vaccine has been introduced into Colorado, the incidence of severe infectious diseases affecting our children has dramatically decreased. The current measles outbreak in the U.S. is a clear example of the lack of adequate measles vaccination.
Any effort to replace true experts who rely on randomized double-blind clinical trials with other members who may have political or conspiracy bias is a disaster waiting to happen. Instead, parents should rely on vaccinating their children based on the recommendations of the Colorado Board of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and their child’s physician. Vaccines are considered one of the most effective public health accomplishments of the 20th and 21st centuries. We should continue to go forward, not backwards.
James Todd, Denver
Editor’s note: Todd is a retired infectious diseases pediatrician.
Iran seeking admission into nuclear weapon club
Every time another country pursues a nuclear weapon, the United States and other members of the nuclear club are alarmed. But when that country finally gets the bomb, the others begrudgingly accept it into the club. And indeed, nuclear weapons are much better at deterring nuclear attacks by others than for actually using offensively.
Iran is most likely no different. Any country in its circumstances would be sorely pressed to acquire the ultimate deterrent.
No matter what any of us may think of the Iranian government, Iran is balancing against Israel chiefly but also against the United States. The international system, the product of independent states pursuing their own security, abhors an imbalance. Unbalanced power does not restrain itself. In the Middle East, Israel is the unbalanced power. In time, some state or combination of states will rise to restore a balance.
In the last two years, Israeli leaders have scoffed at American concerns and American laws regarding the civilian toll of its wars. Now, Israel wants to drag us into its ill-considered war against Iran. We would be foolish to comply.
If you agree that we must not jump into this war, please email your Senators and House Representatives. And write to President Trump as well, at whitehouse.gov/contact/.
Todd Buchanan, Eldora
DougCo’s Home Rule election funded by special interests
Douglas County’s Home Rule effort is secretive, rushed and for special interests. In March, Douglas County commissioners spent 90 seconds placing a $500K special election ballot measure in a summer off-year election. This guaranteed a low turnout and minimum citizen engagement for the most important decision a county can make.
Home Rule became even shadier by advocates advancing false claims regarding how it could exempt a county from state laws, from firearm laws to the state minimum wage. The misrepresentations by pro-Home Rule advocates became so acute that the Douglas County Sheriff spoke out against these misrepresentations in a public forum, and the Fraternal Order of Police now opposes Home Rule.
So why the rush, secrecy and mendacity? Follow the money. And what that trail shows is the pro-Home Rule campaign had just five donors contribute more than $110K; three developer/business entities from outside Douglas County, and the spouses of a developer/commissioner. And this does not include the large amounts of untraceable dark money from a “nonprofit” that has been spending to support the Home Rule campaign. Meanwhile, reports show the Home Rule opposition supported by hundreds of scrappy citizens who live in Douglas County, donating $34K.
Which campaign is for special interests and which is by and for the people?
Bob Marshall, Highlands Ranch
Editor’s note: Marshall is a Colorado state Representative for House District 43.
This is very personal for me. My extended family has several members of the LGBTQ community, including transgender members. Trust me when I tell you that these people aren’t making “lifestyle” choices. They are being who they are. Even with the more liberal attitudes of the last few years, nobody would intentionally “become” lesbian, gay, or transgender.
The science is clear, and it contradicts right-wing religious beliefs. The Human Genome research clearly shows that gender is on a spectrum. Just as humans differ with respect to eye color, skin color, etc., they differ with respect to gender. Gender dysphoria is a real thing. Making the transition from birth-defined gender to one’s real gender is terribly difficult for the person and his/her family.
Denying care to minor children will inevitably result in suicides. The Trump administration has singled these people out for persecution because of pressure from right-wing religious people. These policies are in conflict with the Constitution, and the SCOTUS should be ashamed of themselves for ignoring the Constitution and science.
James W. Craft, Broomfield“]”]
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