Ask Wolf Blitzer To Question Obama: CALL TODAY!

Angela Warner just sent us this: Wolf Blitzer is interviewing Obama today at 4pm Eastern. We'd like Blitzer to ask Senator Obama to clarify his position on selection vaccination. You can help!

Call CNN and ask for Beverly Obanion (Wolf Blitzer's personal assistant) at 202-898-7900 today. Stay on the line or press 0 for an operator.

Script: "I am calling from (Your State), and I believe vaccines injured my child.  I am deeply concerned about Senator Obama's statements that he does not believe in selective vaccination. I firmly believe it is a parent's choice.  Can you please ask Senator Obama to clarify his position on the show today?"

You can send a fax too! Fax Numbers 202-898-7923 OR 202-898-2263.

Comments

[Christine Heeren]

PhillyLisa,

You are attacking me, a mother and telling me not to vote. But, you accuse me of attacking another mother and say that is wrong? Wow. You need to decide what is right and wrong and practice what you preach.

And btw- no matter how much I disagreed with someone, I would NEVER tell them not to vote. That is as UN-AMERICAN as one can get.

[Kelli Ann Davis]

“The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it."

Twyla:

Again, here is a segment from the bill “To provide for enhanced research, treatment and services for autism” that is scheduled to be introduced during the upcoming lame-duck session by O’Bama and Durbin:

The CDC (along with HRSA) “shall establish a National Center” in order to:

(A) Provide training and technical assistance to frontline autism service providers; and;

(B) Enhance autism program evaluation support in order to—

(i) facilitate the rapid dissemination of evidence-based and promising practices

INTERVENTIONS: the term means “the educational methods and positive behavioral support strategies designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism."

TREATMENTS.—the term means “the health services, including mental health services, designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism.”

So my simple question is this: How is any research conducted under this foundation (where the CDC is calling the shots) going to help our children???

The fact that our segment of the community was NOT involved in the formation of this bill ought to be putting up *MAJOR RED FLAGS* in regards to the kind of *advocacy* we should expect from O’Bama moving forward. And for anyone who thinks he may change *once he's educated* let me say this: I know for a fact that there are several individuals within our community who *have* been providing information to O'Bama's staff for quite some time now.

And yet, we *STILL* were not invovled in the formation of this bill.

[PhillyLisa]

Christine, it's nice to know that the vaccine laws don't affect you. You're very fortunate. However, if you live in a state where vaccines become mandated as they are in New Jersey, you just might have to move to Vancouver as you have stated you will. Since you've said that you have no problem with that, may I suggest that you refrain from voting on Tuesday and leave that to those of us who actually want to live in this nation and WILL be affected by those laws. It's appalling that you would attack a mother who is voting on the issues that directly affect her child. Again, since you're ready to up and leave, you have no business telling anyone here how to vote. In case you haven't noticed, this is a site on autism recovery, and vaccines are believed to be the cause of our children's autism. It seems you are of the belief that this is an Obama campaigning site. Just for the record, I think it's pretty safe to say most here are not one-issue voters, and the very reasons you say you are voting for Obama are the same reasons many are voting for McCain. It may surprise you to know that many (about half the nation) don't share your views, and yes, we are seeing the big picture.

[Twyla]

Thanks, Christine H. Very well said.

Regarding the quote from Obama, leave out "This person included" which referred to someone in the crowd, and Obama still said, "We've seen just a skyrocketing autism rate. Some people are suspicious that it's connected to the vaccines... The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it."

[Not 1,728 and Rising...]

Three children every hour if this is even correct at this point would be 72 children dx'ed with autism every single day...

That would be 26,280 per year and rising...
72x365=26,280.

26,280/12=2,190 children every month who are diagnosed with autism.

I too had to pull out my calculator. Those are the stats if the every 20 minutes dx is still correct. I personally doubt it is.

Angela Warner

[Patrick]

...and we are comparing to a heart wrenching 300/year whom gained life long immunity to measles. Half of those immunized natrurally against the measles having had already been vaccinated.

[Christine Heeren]

Ok. I watched the 15 second clip and I'm still voting FOR Obama.

Again- some are not seeing the big picture here.

And I cannot believe you would fault the guy for not getting out of his limo and walking into a crowd of protesters at night. The man has death threats against his life. I've been to about 50 politician events in my life and usually they are running behind and can't stop for unscheduled visits.

Again- I don't give a you know what about McCain's view on vaccines. He's not going to be elected, I don't believe a word he says and I disagree with him on the WAR, the environment, drilling oil, taxes, social programs, gun control, abortion/choice, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on. Hate to say it- but vaccines and autism are not the only problems in this world. I'm not going to cut my nose to spite my face.

Yes, it's important. Yes, I've spent thousands of hours working on the issue and donating thousands of dollars of labor towards the cause. But, I'm not going to support someone who I do not trust, respect or believe- just because he makes a statement WEEKS before an election. I know- he mentioned vaccines before- but what did he REALLY do about it? Thimerosal is still in the flu shot right? NJ now has mandated vaccines! Why isn't McCain standing up for these issues? I guess Jersey isn't a swing state so he doesn't care.

Remember there was a president who once said "read my lips, no new taxes?" You guys are picking out statements from both guys just to support your own views. Sorry I'm not going to just agree to agree. Plus, I know there are lots of parents who feel like me.

[Patrick]

Wait a minut. 1 diagnosed per 20 minutes. 3 per hour * 24 = 72 per day. 72* 356 = 26,000 new diagnosis per year. Really that can't be RIGHT!!!

[Patrick]

Interestingly enough that is not the footage of the campeign ralley I saw on the news. He Points to someone in the crowd to the left of him. Clearly this is not HIS perspective that he repeated the same statement and pointed at someone in the crowd.

[Pamela]

Patrick

Yes the numbers are shocking but try this. I actually get 26,280 per year using the 1 every 20 minutes number.

Did I get it right...anyone?

24hrs*60 min/hr=1440 min/day
1440/20=72 children with autism/day
72 children x 365 days/year = 26,280 children with autism per year

Now hang your head and cry.

[Mary Webster video included]

The written text of Senator Obama's remarks during a rally in Pennsylvania on April 21, 2008 is a bit misleading, but decide for yourself by watching the video.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/dr_obama_and_dr_mccain.html

(Scroll down to the update of the post.)

Senator Obama stated:

*We've seen just a skyrocketing autism rate. There are some people who are suspicious that it's connected to the vaccines and triggers, but -- This person included. The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it.*

In this clip, you'll see that Senator Obama is referring to someone in the audience when he says, *This person included.* -- not himself.

Also note that Senator Obama actually followed this statement, *Some people are suspicious that it's connected to the vaccines and triggers* with the word *but* -- although he did not finish that thought and continued with, *This person included.*

But, I urge you to watch the video and decide for yourself.

[Patrick]

A child is diagnosed with Autism every 20 minutes. Let's see 6 children per hour times 24 is 144 per day. Excues me while I hang my head to cry because I have to use a calculator. 144 * 12 months = 1728 per year.

That can't be right!!!...and rising...

[Kelli Ann Davis]

“The McCain campaign stated that if elected, McCain 'will work with all agencies to take all necessary steps in an expedient manner to ensure safe vaccines for every American family.”

Which agencies, the CDC and FDA? These are the same agencies who got us into this mess and who are totally focused on CYA every day!

Twyla: Notice that McCain said he will work with all agencies to take steps to *ensure safe vaccines”; in contrast, O’Bama’s pending lame-duck legislation directs *MORE* authority to the CDC (and HRSA) to continue doing *business as usual*!!!!

So if anyone is *clueless* regarding the CDC’s track record on this issue, I’d have to say that goes to O’Bama for doling out even more power to them in this bill!!!

Also, you put in this quote from O’Bama:

“The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it." --Barack Obama, Pennsylvania Rally, April 21, 2008”

From where I’m sitting, this 39 page bill entitled “To provide for enhanced research, treatment, and services for autism” doesn’t even scratch the surface in terms of a specific research agenda – instead, it designates more authority to the CDC in establishing a “National Center” to “enhance the utilization of a national data repository to support basic and applied autism research.”

Hmmm….sounds a bit like the VSD, no? And we all know what happened when CDC was in charge of *that* data!

“CM-- could you send me a link to the video or statement from Obama's website?”

Christine: What Claudine heard from O’Bama may not be on a website, but I’ve got a 39 page document outlining his *strategy* on addressing this national crisis and the CDC and HRSA are *front and center* in it.

The fact that organizations representing the biomedical segment of the community were absent during the formation of this bill is blazingly obvious to any one reading it and the fact that they didn’t have the fortitude to make sure our views were represented only tells me we’ve got some serious problems in the future if he makes it into the White House.

[Patrick]

Sorry I could not find any clips on Obama and vaccines. Although I did catch the clip of Obama mentioning a connection between autism and vaccines on the news during a ralley, but I was dis-heartened to see him point to someone in the audience clearly redirecting any association with this view from himself. He had made light that it was someone else with those views- Unusual.
At youtube in my search I found this:
How To: Stupify Society p3 - Autism and Vaccines
-I didn't know Sean Hannity's family was effected. There was no mention of Obama.

NJ Vaccination Choice Rally - Obama, Corzine, Bon Jovi
-I was disappointed to see filming of Obama drive by this ralley while speaking on a cell phone, nonchalantely waiving and smiling.

This is simpley what came up during my search under Obama vaccines.

[Christine Heeren]

One Issue Voter-

Guess what? I vote for the best interest in my child too. Isn't that funny? You see my son's Dad is in the military and I would like to see him alive for a while. The laws concerning vaccines do not really affect us because we are not vaccinating- period. And I have no problem moving to Vancouver. It is SO beautiful. I went there this summer and went whale watching.

But, hey- you do what YOU think is correct for YOUR child. And I will do the same.

And btw- I believe that life is not so black and white. I do not value a person on how they think on one of a million issues. I look at the big picture. I wish the "story" about what Obama thinks about vaccines was different, but I'd rather vote for a man I agree with 95% of the time, then some other man I agree with 5% of the time.

[Christine Heeren]

CM-- could you send me a link to the video or statement from Obama's website?

Thanks.

[Patrick]

On reviewing the candidates positions on disability issues I was concerned about Obama co-sponsoring a bill called the MOTHERS ACT. On the other hand McCain opposes this bill.
This bill makes me very uncomfortable. I am not sure why specifically women are targeted for screening for mental illness. The fact that males are not targeted in this bill at this moment in time and what the plan is to support these family post-screening disturbs me.
On the other hand I see great benefits regarding the pharmaceutical industry if this bill sticks.

[CM]

Christine, that quote from Obama is not just a rumor. Here's the reference:
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/obama-i-am-not.html
And for more info:
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/10/mccain-or-oba-1.html
Thanks

[Amy M.]

CM, you are so right. Quality IS being based on vaccination rates. We need to keep a very close eye on these vaccination registries they are creating and the laws that may affect them. I will be voting for McCain also.

[Twyla]

I continue to be amazed at how people are drawing conclusions from a few comments made by candidates.

Read Obama & Biden's health care plan for yourself at /www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf. There is nothing to imply mandatory vaccinations.

CM said: "The McCain campaign stated that if elected, McCain 'will work with all agencies to take all necessary steps in an expedient manner to ensure safe vaccines for every American family.'" Which agencies, the CDC and FDA? These are the same agencies who got us into this mess and who are totally focussed on CYA every day! These agencies say that our vaccines are already safe!

"Further, McCain endorsed parental vaccination choice stating, 'The key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves.'" That's not an endorsement of parental vaccination choice. That's a very vague statement which can be interpreted however you wish to hear it - typical politician-speak. To give parents more choice, McCain would have to override state laws. I doubt he has enough commitment to this to take real action. How can you read so much into these words spoken by a politician seeking election?

Here's a quote from Obama:
"We've seen just a skyrocketing autism rate. Some people are suspicious that it's connected to the vaccines. This person included. The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it." --Barack Obama, Pennsylvania Rally, April 21, 2008

[OneIssueVoter]

Geez... don't you get it already - he already answered this question. Boy oh boy, if McCain changed his position on this, you'd be all over him - but yet, you give Obama how many chances to change his mind. He feels how he feels and we already know how he feels.

And in this election, I am a one issue voter. That issue is my child.

[Christine Heeren]

Didn't Obama supposedly say that to another parent? Was it on TV? Was it on radio? How do we know it really was said? It's just rumor at this point. I wish people would confirm before bashing the man.

I think it's a good idea to have someone ask him directly in an interview.

[Keith]

I think the selective vaccine question is the wrong question to ask.

Ask if he will sit down and talk to parents and further investigate links based on issues like Hannah's.

If you want to make it about selective vaccination force a debate about individuals rights over states in general.

[Pamela]

Obama already answered this question...he is not for selective vaccination.

Any other answer at this point is just back peddling. If he gives the answer you want to hear, how will you know if he is sincere?

I think one has to take the answer he has already given and decide...am I a one issue voter or not. If so, on this issue McCain appears most sinceres and in line with the thinking of this community...in a broad and deep way.

If you're not a one issue voter, make a decision on who you think is best for the country overall.

At this point both candidates have made very clear statements about vaccination. It is what it is.

[Julia C.]

When will the interview air?

[CM]

For those of you who are still undecided, please consider the following points about vaccine safety and choice:

The McCain campaign "stated that if elected, McCain “will work with all agencies to take all necessary steps in an expedient manner to ensure safe vaccines for every American family.” Further, McCain endorsed parental vaccination choice stating, “The key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves.”"

However, Senator Obama never responded to Estepp’s requests for improved vaccine safety. In fact, Obama's entire health plan and ASD plan says NOTHING about vaccine safety. Furthermore, he's explicitly stated that he is AGAINST vaccine choice.

And what's even more concerning is this excerpt from a gohealthinsurance article that sounds like Obama would be likely to add MORE forced vaccine policies:

"A major part of Obama's plan puts a strong focus on preventive care ... Obama will also emphasize disease management programs. Obama will change the way health care providers are paid. Doctors and hospitals will be paid based on the quality and effectiveness of the care they provide."

Some insurance companies judge a doctor's "quality" by how many patients are completely vaccinated because they assume that the cost of treating the disease is more expensive than the vaccine. So even though Obama is not proposing an all government health care system, he'd still be gaining authority over our children's doctors because "Obama will change the way healthcare providers are paid".

Quote is from www.gohealthinsurance.com/politics/barackobama.html

So I hope everyone will PLEASE vote for McCain, who has stated that vaccine safety needs to be addressed expediently AND that CHOICE needs to be restored to the parents. Thank you.

[Sara]

I'm not sure why this question needs to be asked again. I think his answer was crystal clear the first time. I voted early yesterday, and as a one issue voter, it was a no-brainer. McCain. Here's to hoping NC stays red.

[Ginger Taylor]

Just got off the phone with a nice man at CNN who said they finished taping the interview 10 minutes ago.

I still encouraged him to see if CNN could get a response from Obama on the forced vaccination issue.

[Petra]

Hi, Petra, Kim here. No, Angela checked out all of the numbers. You can call call call call! (Lord, are we really communicating by comments on blogs now? LOL!)

So shall we fax instead?