Korematsu v. U.S Mock Trial
This project focused directly on the events leading up to, during, and after the Pearl Harbor attacks and the treatment that followed towards the Japanese and Japanese-American people living in the U.S.
Morality and the Politics of Justice
Should Vaccinations Be Mandatory for All US Citizens?
Project Description & Reflection:
The Morality and Politics of Justice has been a project centered around how we determine what is right and what is wrong; challenging what we already know, and how we’ve come to our own viewpoints. We began our project by exploring what it means for a law to be just, and for a law to be unjust. Studying the civil rights movement headed by MLK and other instanced of civil disobedience, as well as reading the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. These created a foundation for the actual philosophical and political beliefs that we would learn to build upon. For the following weeks we would go in depth and learn all about the ideologies of utilitarianism, libertarianism, Rawls' theory of justice, and deontology; exploring the details of values of each, as well as the philosophers that popularized them. Once we had learned all of this, we set out to find a political issue facing the US or the world currently and research it in depth. After researching our political issue we then wrote an op-ed, a pro and con essay for both sides of the argument, and created an artistic or personalized visual to accompany our writing pieces. As a final test of our knowledge on our issues and of political and moral philosophy, we held an exhibition in a public venue, encouraging passersbys to hear both sides of our argument and push back on what we had found, and concluded.
While writing three separate essays to encompass our views and our research, there was much that needed to be improved in our writing to created enjoyable and engaging writing that would properly convey our arguments. One of the largest improvements that needed to be made between drafts of my essays was changing my passive writing to active writing. Changing a sentence such as “This belief is held by the majority of people” to “The majority of people believe...” This was in order to create more concise and understandable writing. In terms of content, I struggled to present strong evidence for my opposing argument. In face, it is still something that I need to work on, is pulling stronger evidence for arguments that I don’t personally believe in.
Now that I have looked at both sides of this argument, my perspective has only moved more further towards the side I was already on. Through extensive research, I have reinforced my beliefs on vaccinations and how necessary they are for society. After struggling to find substantial evidence for the opposing side, it showed me that there isn’t any real argument to be made against vaccinations in terms of science or safety. I did learn better ways to counter anti-vaccination arguments and provide evidence as well, but overall I have not shifted my stance dramatically.
When asked if there is a middle ground in the argument over vaccinations, I would say no; at least not any middle grounds that would create real change. The issue with vaccines is that they invoke feelings that can be conflicting, the ideas of liberty and the “greater good” or societal protection. Both play into very different parts of human morality and essentially ask which you value more, your right to choose or the safety and prosperity of society. Everyone is different and leans to either for one reason or another. Unfortunately there is no middle ground that satisfies both, the supporters believe that only total and mandatory distribution will protect people, and the opposers believe that no one should interfere with their rights and liberties.
The Morality and Politics of Justice has been a project centered around how we determine what is right and what is wrong; challenging what we already know, and how we’ve come to our own viewpoints. We began our project by exploring what it means for a law to be just, and for a law to be unjust. Studying the civil rights movement headed by MLK and other instanced of civil disobedience, as well as reading the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. These created a foundation for the actual philosophical and political beliefs that we would learn to build upon. For the following weeks we would go in depth and learn all about the ideologies of utilitarianism, libertarianism, Rawls' theory of justice, and deontology; exploring the details of values of each, as well as the philosophers that popularized them. Once we had learned all of this, we set out to find a political issue facing the US or the world currently and research it in depth. After researching our political issue we then wrote an op-ed, a pro and con essay for both sides of the argument, and created an artistic or personalized visual to accompany our writing pieces. As a final test of our knowledge on our issues and of political and moral philosophy, we held an exhibition in a public venue, encouraging passersbys to hear both sides of our argument and push back on what we had found, and concluded.
While writing three separate essays to encompass our views and our research, there was much that needed to be improved in our writing to created enjoyable and engaging writing that would properly convey our arguments. One of the largest improvements that needed to be made between drafts of my essays was changing my passive writing to active writing. Changing a sentence such as “This belief is held by the majority of people” to “The majority of people believe...” This was in order to create more concise and understandable writing. In terms of content, I struggled to present strong evidence for my opposing argument. In face, it is still something that I need to work on, is pulling stronger evidence for arguments that I don’t personally believe in.
Now that I have looked at both sides of this argument, my perspective has only moved more further towards the side I was already on. Through extensive research, I have reinforced my beliefs on vaccinations and how necessary they are for society. After struggling to find substantial evidence for the opposing side, it showed me that there isn’t any real argument to be made against vaccinations in terms of science or safety. I did learn better ways to counter anti-vaccination arguments and provide evidence as well, but overall I have not shifted my stance dramatically.
When asked if there is a middle ground in the argument over vaccinations, I would say no; at least not any middle grounds that would create real change. The issue with vaccines is that they invoke feelings that can be conflicting, the ideas of liberty and the “greater good” or societal protection. Both play into very different parts of human morality and essentially ask which you value more, your right to choose or the safety and prosperity of society. Everyone is different and leans to either for one reason or another. Unfortunately there is no middle ground that satisfies both, the supporters believe that only total and mandatory distribution will protect people, and the opposers believe that no one should interfere with their rights and liberties.
I-Controversy
Morgan Voorhees
Issue Question: Should vaccinations be mandatory for all U.S citizens?
Part 1: Personal Connection
In my own opinion, vaccinations should be mandatory for all able U.S. citizens, and it’s a moral and logical obligation for everyone.
The argument against vaccinations is one that seems to have appeared multiple times in history since the discovery of vaccines, each one with a different background and supporting demographic. It would seem there are always deniers and opposers of any new discovery; vaccines are no different. In fact, it would stand to reason that any medical discovery faces tough opposition before it can be effectively implemented into common practice; for instance, the discovery of handwashing. Ignaz Semmelweis, a hungarian physician, proposed hand washing between autopsies and child deliveries using a chlorine solution. By implementing a handwashing policy, the infection and mortality rate for the hospital decreased drastically. However, it did not last. Semmelweis’s discovery was disregarded by the medical community, and he was institutionalized. Hand washing remained unused for some time after. We see a similar case with vaccines; there is always opposition, whether or not it comes immediately, or afterwards.
My personal experience with vaccines has been very normal, at least in a middle class environment. My vaccinations have been up to date since the day I was born, and as a result, I can proudly say that I have never contracted a preventable deadly disease, such as polio or smallpox. Growing up, vaccines have always been a normal part of my life. Every few years, visiting a doctor’s office, receiving a shot, and going about the day. As I’ve grown, I’ve been exposed not only to the vaccines themselves, but the research that supports them. Reading about deadly diseases like measles, smallpox, and polio is very disturbing. To see the damage and death that these diseases once caused brought forth an immense appreciation for modern medicine and our current system of vaccinations. While I would not claim to be a very emotional person, I felt something stir deeply in me to hear about these diseases, and then hear that people wanted to destroy what had been eradicating them and protection the population.
Along with all of the support and research going into vaccines, there still are many obstacles and difficulties that impede discovery and effectiveness. One obstacle that I have encountered in my own experience is pricing and funding. The fact of the matter is vaccines are not cheap; they cost quite a bit to research, synthesize, and distribute. When the vaccines finally reach the consumer, they can be very difficult to pay for, even with insurance. For those without insurance, it can be near impossible. Some vaccines costing over $200 per dose. While I have been lucky enough to have medical insurance to cover my vaccinations, there are others who do not enjoy that same privilege. People in poor neighborhoods and cities that cannot afford vaccinations are not only at risk of becoming infected themselves, but also have a high probability of spreading these diseases, to other unvaccinated people. This causes a massive chain of sickness, and the inability to pay for treatment or protection.
When I look at the major factors in my own opinion on vaccines, I see my medical inclination and fascination, my own vaccinations, and way that they have and are affecting people around the world. This issue is interesting because while my personal connection and involvement is not very strong, my interest and passion for it are. It is my hope that displaying both sides of the argument will enable people to see the whole issue, and allow them to make an informed, educated decision when it comes to vaccinations.
Part 2: Vaccinations Should Be Mandatory for all U.S. Citizens
When arguing for the sake of vaccinations and mandatory vaccinations legislature, scientists and citizens bring up; public safety and herd immunity, risks and side effects, and long term benefits. There are multiple aspects that surround vaccinations, each with supporters and opposers. These aspects being herd immunity, eradication, and safety. By dissecting each, a greater understanding of vaccination issues can be achieved.
One of the larger arguments for vaccinations, herd immunity, is a scientifically and logically provable phenomenon that scientists and doctors attempt to achieve through vaccinations. Herd immunity exists when a large amount of any population is immune or resistant to a specific pathogen. Two things happen when more and more individuals are resistant: 1. Individuals that aren’t resistant are protected from the pathogen by the resistant. 2. Overall spread of the pathogen is reduced or contained by the resistant population. In terms of vaccinations, this means that the more people that get vaccinated, the more the unvaccinated are protected against diseases. This is especially necessary for people who cannot be vaccinated. There are multiple reasons for not being vaccinated such as: pregnancy, auto-immune compromisation, or an allergy to ingredients in a certain vaccine. (Fine) [1]
Another argument supporting vaccinations is eradication. Throughout history, scientists have sought to not only fight and protect people from diseases, but to eliminate them all together. So far only one disease has been entirely eradicated from the earth, smallpox. Though today it is only another history lesson, smallpox used to be one of the most widespread, deadly diseases to exist on the face of the earth. Smallpox, or variola major, has documented infections as early as 1570 B.C.E in Egypt. (Greenspan) [2] Since then, smallpox has blinded, disabled, and killed hundreds of millions of people. In the twentieth century alone, smallpox killed over 300 million people worldwide. Only 36 years ago, on February 1st, 1980, was smallpox officially declared eradicated. (Saint) [3] This only being possible through the use of vaccines. Because smallpox has been eradicated, this means that there are no naturally occurring cases of smallpox in the entire world, and only two samples remain; one sample kept in a hidden laboratory in the United States, and the other in Russian Federation. (Disease) [4] Interestingly enough, the first vaccine ever created was a result of cowpox, a less deadly form of smallpox, being used to protect people from contracting with smallpox.
The final major argument is a response to the concerns/myths surrounding the safety of vaccinations and the side effects that come from using them. To put it simply, people are afraid of that which they do not understand. To many people, vaccinations seem dangerous or frightening because of oversimplified or misrepresented data about them. For instance, a major myth surrounding vaccines is that infantile or juvenile vaccinations cause autism. Despite the overwhelming consensus from scientists and medical professionals, there are a large amount of people who believe in this idea. There has been no proven evidence that has ever stated that vaccines cause autism. In fact, the CDC conducted its own research study in 2013 (DeStefano) [5], confirming that there is no connection between vaccines and autism. The CDC also disproved any connection between the mercury-based preservative thimerosal and autism, as well as any other pronounced side-effects. (Vaccines) [6]
To argue for the installation of mandatory vaccination laws in America, just reasoning and thoroughly researched evidence must be presented in order to produce a law, or laws, that incorporate the necessary requirements of the population. When we look at US laws surrounding vaccinations, a disturbing trend appears at the state level. Over 17 states allow for “philosophical” and religious exemptions from mandatory vaccinations, and 47 states allowing religious exemptions regardless. (State) [7] This poses multiple problems; the first being that herd immunity with inevitable break down as the US allows for more and more exemptions from vaccinations. With over 47 states allowing non-medical exemptions, an alarming percentage of the population is making the decision to not vaccinate themselves or their children. With less vaccinated people existing within the population to create the “shield”, more people who are medically unable to vaccinate themselves are at risk to come in contact with a preventable disease, limiting their options for defending themselves against disease. Most would argue that is is not fair to allow those who have no means of protection against diseases to suffer the consequences created by the choices of the able. Similarly, the decline in vaccinations inevitably leads to the inability to eradicate new diseases from the world populations. Again, the moral argument is made, should people suffer from diseases such as polio or measles while eradications is reasonably in reach? According to the scientists researching vaccines, and doctors administering vaccines, and activists that inform people about vaccines: no, they should not.
Those who believe that vaccinations must be mandatory for all who are able, believe that it is the moral duty of all citizens to protect others; That it is a logical duty to eliminate the obstacles that face humans as a species, and an emotional protection of those from the terribleness of disease.
Works Cited:
[5]DeStefano, Frank, MD, MPH, Cristofer S. Price, ScM, and Eric S. Weintraub, MPH. "Increasing Exposure to Antibody-Stimulating Proteins and Polysaccharides in Vaccines Is Not Associated with Risk of Autism." Thesis. Center for Disease Control, 2013. The Journal of Pediatrics 163.2 (2013): 561-67. The Journal of Pediatrics, 1 Apr. 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00144-3/pdf?ext=.pdf>.
[4] "Disease Eradication." History of Vaccines. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/disease-eradication>.
[1] Fine, Paul, Ken Eames, and David L. Heymann. ""Herd Immunity": A Rough Guide." Oxford Journals. Ed. Stanley Plotkin. N.p., 1 Nov. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/52/7/911.full>.
[2] Greenspan, Jesse. "The Rise and Fall of Smallpox." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 07 May 2015. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.history.com/news/the-rise-and-fall-of-smallpox>.
[3]Saint Louis University. "How Poxviruses Such As Smallpox Evade The Immune System." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 Feb. 2008. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131122956.htm>.
[7] "State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools." ProCon.org. N.p., 7 Aug. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://vaccines.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=003597>.
[6] "Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Nov. 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html>.
Part 3: Vaccinations Shouldn’t Be Mandatory for all U.S Citizens:
Those against vaccinations, or them being mandatory, defend their stance with three arguments, pertaining to personal rights and liberties These arguments are: concern over the safety of vaccines, freedom of choice, and choices based on experience.
One of the biggest concerns that comes up when talking about vaccinations is safety. While vaccines are always insisted on being safe, there have been numerous adverse reactions to vaccines and their ingredients recorded. According to the World Health Organization, and average of 10.3% of recipients of the HPV vaccine exhibit symptoms of a reaction more severe that simple swelling or redness. Symptoms including Urticaria, Headache, Myalgia, Arthralgia, and Gastrointestinal disorders. (World.) With a ~10% chance of having a reaction, people all over are concerned about the safety of vaccines, and if the ingredients are playing a part in causing these reactions. One ingredient that has been the center of multiple controversies, is thimerosal. Thimerosal is an antifungal agent used as a preservative in vaccinations. However, when exposed to the body in high enough doses, it is metabolized into ethylmercury. Organizations such as WHO and the CDC continue to assure people that there is isn’t enough thimerosal in vaccines to cause harm. To many though, this is still a strong concern that brings up many questions.. What if there is too much thimerosal in vaccines? What negative effects could be caused by methylmercury in the body?
Another argument that many people use is the freedom of choice. In recent years more and more people have begun to subscribe to alternative lifestyles or medicinal practices. Practices such as naturalism, eastern medicine, homeopathy. Those who are a part of these life styles don’t receive vaccines because they are fundamentally against their beliefs and practices. It would be infringing on an individual’s rights to force them to vaccinate themselves or their children. To do so would be a violation of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Although it is acceptable to incentivise or encourage people to be vaccinated, it is morally wrong to force anyone to do something that conflicts with their beliefs, religion, or personal lifestyle.
Although those who hold this position are not necessarily libertarian, the arguments they make are very much so. Valuing personal liberties and freedom above all is in fact, a very common political belief system. People of this mindset argue “Let me do what I like and deal with the consequences of my actions on my own. If I wish to vaccinate myself, let me. If I decide not to vaccinate, don’t force me.” This belief can apply to almost any political issue: abortion, recreational drugs, or gay marriage; each a matter of personal choice that places the consequences on the recipient, not other people. Which, at least currently, is why there is such a large anti-vaccination movement in America.
Works Cited:
World Health Organization. World Health Organization, June 2012. Web. 2 Nov. 2016. <http://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/initiative/tools/HPV_Vaccine_rates_information_sheet.pdf>.
Morgan Voorhees
Issue Question: Should vaccinations be mandatory for all U.S citizens?
Part 1: Personal Connection
In my own opinion, vaccinations should be mandatory for all able U.S. citizens, and it’s a moral and logical obligation for everyone.
The argument against vaccinations is one that seems to have appeared multiple times in history since the discovery of vaccines, each one with a different background and supporting demographic. It would seem there are always deniers and opposers of any new discovery; vaccines are no different. In fact, it would stand to reason that any medical discovery faces tough opposition before it can be effectively implemented into common practice; for instance, the discovery of handwashing. Ignaz Semmelweis, a hungarian physician, proposed hand washing between autopsies and child deliveries using a chlorine solution. By implementing a handwashing policy, the infection and mortality rate for the hospital decreased drastically. However, it did not last. Semmelweis’s discovery was disregarded by the medical community, and he was institutionalized. Hand washing remained unused for some time after. We see a similar case with vaccines; there is always opposition, whether or not it comes immediately, or afterwards.
My personal experience with vaccines has been very normal, at least in a middle class environment. My vaccinations have been up to date since the day I was born, and as a result, I can proudly say that I have never contracted a preventable deadly disease, such as polio or smallpox. Growing up, vaccines have always been a normal part of my life. Every few years, visiting a doctor’s office, receiving a shot, and going about the day. As I’ve grown, I’ve been exposed not only to the vaccines themselves, but the research that supports them. Reading about deadly diseases like measles, smallpox, and polio is very disturbing. To see the damage and death that these diseases once caused brought forth an immense appreciation for modern medicine and our current system of vaccinations. While I would not claim to be a very emotional person, I felt something stir deeply in me to hear about these diseases, and then hear that people wanted to destroy what had been eradicating them and protection the population.
Along with all of the support and research going into vaccines, there still are many obstacles and difficulties that impede discovery and effectiveness. One obstacle that I have encountered in my own experience is pricing and funding. The fact of the matter is vaccines are not cheap; they cost quite a bit to research, synthesize, and distribute. When the vaccines finally reach the consumer, they can be very difficult to pay for, even with insurance. For those without insurance, it can be near impossible. Some vaccines costing over $200 per dose. While I have been lucky enough to have medical insurance to cover my vaccinations, there are others who do not enjoy that same privilege. People in poor neighborhoods and cities that cannot afford vaccinations are not only at risk of becoming infected themselves, but also have a high probability of spreading these diseases, to other unvaccinated people. This causes a massive chain of sickness, and the inability to pay for treatment or protection.
When I look at the major factors in my own opinion on vaccines, I see my medical inclination and fascination, my own vaccinations, and way that they have and are affecting people around the world. This issue is interesting because while my personal connection and involvement is not very strong, my interest and passion for it are. It is my hope that displaying both sides of the argument will enable people to see the whole issue, and allow them to make an informed, educated decision when it comes to vaccinations.
Part 2: Vaccinations Should Be Mandatory for all U.S. Citizens
When arguing for the sake of vaccinations and mandatory vaccinations legislature, scientists and citizens bring up; public safety and herd immunity, risks and side effects, and long term benefits. There are multiple aspects that surround vaccinations, each with supporters and opposers. These aspects being herd immunity, eradication, and safety. By dissecting each, a greater understanding of vaccination issues can be achieved.
One of the larger arguments for vaccinations, herd immunity, is a scientifically and logically provable phenomenon that scientists and doctors attempt to achieve through vaccinations. Herd immunity exists when a large amount of any population is immune or resistant to a specific pathogen. Two things happen when more and more individuals are resistant: 1. Individuals that aren’t resistant are protected from the pathogen by the resistant. 2. Overall spread of the pathogen is reduced or contained by the resistant population. In terms of vaccinations, this means that the more people that get vaccinated, the more the unvaccinated are protected against diseases. This is especially necessary for people who cannot be vaccinated. There are multiple reasons for not being vaccinated such as: pregnancy, auto-immune compromisation, or an allergy to ingredients in a certain vaccine. (Fine) [1]
Another argument supporting vaccinations is eradication. Throughout history, scientists have sought to not only fight and protect people from diseases, but to eliminate them all together. So far only one disease has been entirely eradicated from the earth, smallpox. Though today it is only another history lesson, smallpox used to be one of the most widespread, deadly diseases to exist on the face of the earth. Smallpox, or variola major, has documented infections as early as 1570 B.C.E in Egypt. (Greenspan) [2] Since then, smallpox has blinded, disabled, and killed hundreds of millions of people. In the twentieth century alone, smallpox killed over 300 million people worldwide. Only 36 years ago, on February 1st, 1980, was smallpox officially declared eradicated. (Saint) [3] This only being possible through the use of vaccines. Because smallpox has been eradicated, this means that there are no naturally occurring cases of smallpox in the entire world, and only two samples remain; one sample kept in a hidden laboratory in the United States, and the other in Russian Federation. (Disease) [4] Interestingly enough, the first vaccine ever created was a result of cowpox, a less deadly form of smallpox, being used to protect people from contracting with smallpox.
The final major argument is a response to the concerns/myths surrounding the safety of vaccinations and the side effects that come from using them. To put it simply, people are afraid of that which they do not understand. To many people, vaccinations seem dangerous or frightening because of oversimplified or misrepresented data about them. For instance, a major myth surrounding vaccines is that infantile or juvenile vaccinations cause autism. Despite the overwhelming consensus from scientists and medical professionals, there are a large amount of people who believe in this idea. There has been no proven evidence that has ever stated that vaccines cause autism. In fact, the CDC conducted its own research study in 2013 (DeStefano) [5], confirming that there is no connection between vaccines and autism. The CDC also disproved any connection between the mercury-based preservative thimerosal and autism, as well as any other pronounced side-effects. (Vaccines) [6]
To argue for the installation of mandatory vaccination laws in America, just reasoning and thoroughly researched evidence must be presented in order to produce a law, or laws, that incorporate the necessary requirements of the population. When we look at US laws surrounding vaccinations, a disturbing trend appears at the state level. Over 17 states allow for “philosophical” and religious exemptions from mandatory vaccinations, and 47 states allowing religious exemptions regardless. (State) [7] This poses multiple problems; the first being that herd immunity with inevitable break down as the US allows for more and more exemptions from vaccinations. With over 47 states allowing non-medical exemptions, an alarming percentage of the population is making the decision to not vaccinate themselves or their children. With less vaccinated people existing within the population to create the “shield”, more people who are medically unable to vaccinate themselves are at risk to come in contact with a preventable disease, limiting their options for defending themselves against disease. Most would argue that is is not fair to allow those who have no means of protection against diseases to suffer the consequences created by the choices of the able. Similarly, the decline in vaccinations inevitably leads to the inability to eradicate new diseases from the world populations. Again, the moral argument is made, should people suffer from diseases such as polio or measles while eradications is reasonably in reach? According to the scientists researching vaccines, and doctors administering vaccines, and activists that inform people about vaccines: no, they should not.
Those who believe that vaccinations must be mandatory for all who are able, believe that it is the moral duty of all citizens to protect others; That it is a logical duty to eliminate the obstacles that face humans as a species, and an emotional protection of those from the terribleness of disease.
Works Cited:
[5]DeStefano, Frank, MD, MPH, Cristofer S. Price, ScM, and Eric S. Weintraub, MPH. "Increasing Exposure to Antibody-Stimulating Proteins and Polysaccharides in Vaccines Is Not Associated with Risk of Autism." Thesis. Center for Disease Control, 2013. The Journal of Pediatrics 163.2 (2013): 561-67. The Journal of Pediatrics, 1 Apr. 2013. Web. 19 Oct. 2016. <http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(13)00144-3/pdf?ext=.pdf>.
[4] "Disease Eradication." History of Vaccines. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/disease-eradication>.
[1] Fine, Paul, Ken Eames, and David L. Heymann. ""Herd Immunity": A Rough Guide." Oxford Journals. Ed. Stanley Plotkin. N.p., 1 Nov. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/52/7/911.full>.
[2] Greenspan, Jesse. "The Rise and Fall of Smallpox." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 07 May 2015. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <http://www.history.com/news/the-rise-and-fall-of-smallpox>.
[3]Saint Louis University. "How Poxviruses Such As Smallpox Evade The Immune System." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 Feb. 2008. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. <https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131122956.htm>.
[7] "State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools." ProCon.org. N.p., 7 Aug. 2016. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://vaccines.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=003597>.
[6] "Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Nov. 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2016. <http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/autism.html>.
Part 3: Vaccinations Shouldn’t Be Mandatory for all U.S Citizens:
Those against vaccinations, or them being mandatory, defend their stance with three arguments, pertaining to personal rights and liberties These arguments are: concern over the safety of vaccines, freedom of choice, and choices based on experience.
One of the biggest concerns that comes up when talking about vaccinations is safety. While vaccines are always insisted on being safe, there have been numerous adverse reactions to vaccines and their ingredients recorded. According to the World Health Organization, and average of 10.3% of recipients of the HPV vaccine exhibit symptoms of a reaction more severe that simple swelling or redness. Symptoms including Urticaria, Headache, Myalgia, Arthralgia, and Gastrointestinal disorders. (World.) With a ~10% chance of having a reaction, people all over are concerned about the safety of vaccines, and if the ingredients are playing a part in causing these reactions. One ingredient that has been the center of multiple controversies, is thimerosal. Thimerosal is an antifungal agent used as a preservative in vaccinations. However, when exposed to the body in high enough doses, it is metabolized into ethylmercury. Organizations such as WHO and the CDC continue to assure people that there is isn’t enough thimerosal in vaccines to cause harm. To many though, this is still a strong concern that brings up many questions.. What if there is too much thimerosal in vaccines? What negative effects could be caused by methylmercury in the body?
Another argument that many people use is the freedom of choice. In recent years more and more people have begun to subscribe to alternative lifestyles or medicinal practices. Practices such as naturalism, eastern medicine, homeopathy. Those who are a part of these life styles don’t receive vaccines because they are fundamentally against their beliefs and practices. It would be infringing on an individual’s rights to force them to vaccinate themselves or their children. To do so would be a violation of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Although it is acceptable to incentivise or encourage people to be vaccinated, it is morally wrong to force anyone to do something that conflicts with their beliefs, religion, or personal lifestyle.
Although those who hold this position are not necessarily libertarian, the arguments they make are very much so. Valuing personal liberties and freedom above all is in fact, a very common political belief system. People of this mindset argue “Let me do what I like and deal with the consequences of my actions on my own. If I wish to vaccinate myself, let me. If I decide not to vaccinate, don’t force me.” This belief can apply to almost any political issue: abortion, recreational drugs, or gay marriage; each a matter of personal choice that places the consequences on the recipient, not other people. Which, at least currently, is why there is such a large anti-vaccination movement in America.
Works Cited:
World Health Organization. World Health Organization, June 2012. Web. 2 Nov. 2016. <http://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/initiative/tools/HPV_Vaccine_rates_information_sheet.pdf>.