Texas-Based PROVE on Candidate's Health Care Plans
We'd like to thank the folks at the Texas-based PROVE, "Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education," for sharing many of our posts with their membership. You can learn about PROVE HERE.
Dear PROVE Members,
We continue to receive a number of requests for additional information in response to our newsletter on the presidential candidates' health care plans. Most are requesting more information specifically on McCain's and Obama's position on vaccination and informed consent. The most specific information I could find appears in several Age of Autism newsletters. Moms that are very active in the autism community have been diligently asking for clarification of positions, on several issues, from both candidates.
Senator McCain did provide a response. It contains a statement in support of informed decisions and families being in charge of their health care. John McCain believes the key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves. Families should be in charge of their health care…and have more control over care. In light of this, John McCain believes in the right for individuals and in the case of children, parents, to make informed health care decisions, and does not support pre-empting these prerogatives. The complete response from the campaign can be read at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/10/mccain-senior-p.html .
Senator Obama has not responded. He did however state to one of the mothers on September 5, 2008, "I am not for selective vaccination, I believe that it will bring back deadly diseases like polio". The newsletter regarding this encounter can be read at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/obama-i-am-not.html .
An additional statement regarding attempts to get candidates to respond can be accessed at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/10/mccain-addresse.html as well as a recent press release at http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/10/mccain-or-oba-1.html.
Campaign contributions for each candidate can be viewed on www.opensecrets.org . According to the most recent report, Senator Obama has received $1,662,280 from the pharmaceutical industry and McCain has received $579,013.
Please take the time to read through this information even if you have already voted. I am also asking you to take a moment today to send comments to each campaign expressing the importance of the right to say no to vaccination and the importance of true informed consent regarding medical decisions for your family. Though supporters of one size fits all universal vaccination policy continue to claim that vaccines are safe, and view those harmed by vaccination simply as acceptable collateral damage, their ability to continue to define what society believes as correct and real is diminishing. It is becoming harder to suppress the science showing not only the connection of individual harm to vaccination, but also the harm to society from mutation of pathogens (strep, one example) and the disruption of natural protection (chickenpox/shingles).
PROVE has always supported the right to make an informed immunization decision. We also support your right to an informed vote. Regardless of which candidate you choose, make your voice count. Fax McCain's campaign at 703-413-0740, attention Rick Davis, and Obama's campaign at 312-819-2088, attention Health Policy Advisor because we were not provided a name.
Rebecca Rex
Co-Founder PROVE
PROVE provides information on vaccines, and immunization policies and practices that affect the children and adults of Texas. Our mission is to prevent vaccine injury and death and to promote and protect the right of every person to make informed independent vaccination decisions for themselves and their family.
This information is not to be construed as medical OR legal advice.
Contact Information
http://vaccineinfo.net/contactus.html (web site)
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Thank you for all of the posts. Very informative.
Posted by: FeFe | November 20, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Ginger's blog clinched it for me. Thanks!
Posted by: life-long democrat voting for McCain today | November 04, 2008 at 06:18 PM
On Ginger's blog:
http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/
Scroll down to number 4 and click on the link.
Thanks to Ginger for getting it up publicly so the community can get a look at what's *coming down the pike* and act accordingly.
Remember, Durbin is a co-sponsor so this bill could still see traction in the next Congress regardless of where O'Bama ends up.
Again, my *MAIN BEEF* is that several national autism organizations were NOT included in the formation of this bill even though we've been in contact with O'Bama's office for quite some time.
If we had been involved in the discussions, I can assure you we would not have *allowed* this bill to go forward without modifications!!
Again, thanks to Ginger for posting the bill.
Kelli Ann Davis
Posted by: Check Out O'Bama's Bill | November 04, 2008 at 02:34 PM
"Regardless of who is elected, it will continue to be a challenge to implement vaccine reform."
Twyla:
Agreed! We need to work with *whoever* reaches the White House and it will be challenging to say the least.
For my part, I'm trying my best to *connect* with candidates who've crossed my path in the last few months and I did speak with Sarah and Todd Palin a few months ago while they were in Carson City.
(Check out this link to see what we did to *capture* her attention ;-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT1F6aNuuDk&feature=channel
Sarah is going to be in Reno in about 7 hours and I plan on going and trying to speak with her once again -- no plane this time around.
Bottom Line: I'm soooooo ready for this election to be *over*!!!
Best,
Kelli
PS...No *crank calls* please ;-) I totally forgot that thousands of folks would see my number and once the plane started flying I was *flooded* with calls from folks wondering what the message was all about!
Posted by: Kelli Ann Davis | November 03, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Twyla,
Senator McCain’s history of supporting our children:
April 27, 2007
Our very first experience with a presidential candidate.
[http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/video/video_vid_player.php?v=20070428_mccain_384k]
Our son addresses the Senator himslef, with some help from mom, at the end of this very short clip.
November 2, 2007
Mom takes autism crusade to the presidential candidates
By Bret Hayworth Journal staff writer
[http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/11/03/news/top/ff6fa2c6b6bc40f7862573870079a560.txt]
November 20, 2007
A-CHAMP Parent-Advocates Meet with Senator McCain
Senators McCain and Lieberman Send Letter Requesting Senate HELP
Committee to Conduct Hearings on Causation, Thimerosal & Related Autism Issues
[http://www.autismactioncoalition.org/McCain_Lieberman_letter.html]
Senator Obama currently sits on the HELP committee (did at the time as well). WE have made numerous requests that he honor this request and help it along, to no avail.
Feb. 29, 2008
John McCain Enters the Autism Wars
February 29, 2008 7:11 PM
[http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/02/john-mccain-ent.html]
At a town hall meeting Friday in Texas, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., declared that "there’s strong evidence" that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that was once in many childhood vaccines, is responsible for the increased diagnoses of autism in the U.S. -- a position in stark contrast with the view of the medical establishment.
September 08, 2008
Obama: "I am not for selective vaccination."
[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/obama-i-am-not.html]
By Claudine Liss
Last Friday evening, September 5, 2008, I had the opportunity to ask Senator Barack Obama about childhood vaccine safety/choice. His response, “I am not for selective vaccination, I believe that it will bring back deadly diseases, like polio.”
Sept. 9, 2008
[http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-i-am-not-for-selective.html]
Obama: "I am not for selective vaccination."
So Barack Obama is full steam on vaccinations:
Obama: "I am not for selective vaccination."
In Obama's Science Debate questionnaire he extols the virtues of vaccines (consistent with the 'vaccines are only good' stance).
Obama also takes by far more money from Pharma.
So the question is now, if he is against selective vaccination, will he force all vaccines on all children, or will he treat vaccination like abortion and say "I may disagree with it, but it is a personal choice"?
Just in -- McCain Supports Parental Vaccination Choice
McCain Supports Parental Vaccination Choice and Prioritizes Vaccine Safety. Obama Silent Despite Repeated Overtures from Parents
[http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/32978395.html]
October 23, 2008
On October 20th, Estepp received a detailed response from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a senior policy advisor to the McCain campaign. Vaccine safety is officially on the McCain agenda. If elected, McCain said he "will work with all agencies to take all necessary steps in an expedient manner to ensure safe vaccines for every American family." And, significantly, McCain also endorsed parental vaccination choice. In response to the new vaccine moratorium request, McCain offered: "The key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves." The full text is provided in the October 23rd post on Age of Autism (AoA) www.ageofautism.com.
Taking matters into her own hands, New Jersey parent Claudine Liss attended an Obama fundraiser with the express intention of getting an answer. Liss explains, "I shook his hand and would not let go until he answered my question. He looked right at me and said, 'I am not for selective vaccination. I believe it will bring back deadly diseases, like polio.'" Liss and many others are declining to vaccinate their children using the CDC-recommended schedule. New Jersey parents are furious about the first-ever mandated flu shot required for day care and preschool. Seven hundred people rallied in Trenton last week in support of vaccination choice. The freedom of choice issue resonates deeply and has made national news, with coverage on Fox News TV, ABC World News Tonight and an Associated Press article that was picked up by dozens of papers across the country.
McCain has been our friend since the Lily Rider back in 2002
McCain has been a friend to our cause since Frist tried to insert the Lily Rider into the Homeland security Bill back in 2002. He was one of only 3 Repubs who went up against Frist.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/archive/index.php/t-111257.html]
How about pharma?
He is privvy about the dangers of Big Pharma and is not afraid to take them on.
Friday, January 11, 2008
McCain to Pharmaceutical Innovators: Drop Dead
[http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomline/current/in_our_opinion/McCain-Pharmaceutical-Innovators-Drop-Dead.html]
February 6, 2008, 7:53 am
Big Pharma Not Fond of McCain’s Big Mo
[http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/02/06/big-pharma-not-fond-of-mccains-big-mo/]
And Senator Obama:
Big Pharma And Its Presidential Bets
Jan. 8, 2008
[http://www.pharmalot.com/2008/01/big-pharma-and-its-presidential-bets/]
These are the figures as compiled by OpenSecrets. Hillary Clinton received $269,436 from the pharma/healthcare sector, while Barak Obama garnered $261,784. Right behind was Mitt Romney, with $260,535 (please click on the chart to make it bigger). One caveat: this is as of Oct. 29.
Drug Money: Pharma Bets On Obama, So Far
Feb 7, 2008
[http://www.pharmalot.com/2008/02/drug-money-pharma-bets-on-obama/]
As the chart indicates, drugmakers have been betting on Barack Obama, who received $154,710 in donations through December, almost entirely from individual employees and family members, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which makes a point of tracking such things. He edged out Hillary Clinton, who raked in $140,544, including $6,000 from PACs, despite her regular promises to ‘take on’ drugmakers. Across the aisle, Mitt Romney collected $103,825, reflecting his pro-business stance and high profile in Boston’s biotech community. Not surprisingly, John McCain received just $39,797, which may seem like to some people, given his support for cheap imports. And Mike Huckabee, well, he got pocket change - $1,610, maybe because he was seen as long shot?
Big Pharma opens wallet to Dems
Liberals have lost their reputation as the long-standing foes to drugmakers as party lines become blurred with McCain.
By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: March 7, 2008: 2:40 PM EST
[http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/04/news/companies/pharma_votes/index.htm]
This is why I am passionate about the McCain - Palin ticket!
Posted by: Lin | November 02, 2008 at 03:58 PM
TwYla,
This is what John McCain has done:
Senator McCain’s history of supporting our children:
April 27, 2007
Our very first experience with a presidential candidate.
[http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/video/video_vid_player.php?v=20070428_mccain_384k]
Our son addresses the Senator himslef, with some help from mom, at the end of this very short clip.
November 2, 2007
Mom takes autism crusade to the presidential candidates
By Bret Hayworth Journal staff writer
[http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/11/03/news/top/ff6fa2c6b6bc40f7862573870079a560.txt]
November 20, 2007
A-CHAMP Parent-Advocates Meet with Senator McCain
Senators McCain and Lieberman Send Letter Requesting Senate HELP
Committee to Conduct Hearings on Causation, Thimerosal & Related Autism Issues
[http://www.autismactioncoalition.org/McCain_Lieberman_letter.html]
Senator Obama currently sits on the HELP committee (did at the time as well). WE have made numerous requests that he honor this request and help it along, to no avail.
Feb. 29, 2008
John McCain Enters the Autism Wars
February 29, 2008 7:11 PM
[http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/02/john-mccain-ent.html]
At a town hall meeting Friday in Texas, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., declared that "there’s strong evidence" that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that was once in many childhood vaccines, is responsible for the increased diagnoses of autism in the U.S. -- a position in stark contrast with the view of the medical establishment.
September 08, 2008
Obama: "I am not for selective vaccination."
[http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/09/obama-i-am-not.html]
By Claudine Liss
Last Friday evening, September 5, 2008, I had the opportunity to ask Senator Barack Obama about childhood vaccine safety/choice. His response, “I am not for selective vaccination, I believe that it will bring back deadly diseases, like polio.”
Sept. 9, 2008
[http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-i-am-not-for-selective.html]
Obama: "I am not for selective vaccination."
So Barack Obama is full steam on vaccinations:
Obama: "I am not for selective vaccination."
In Obama's Science Debate questionnaire he extols the virtues of vaccines (consistent with the 'vaccines are only good' stance).
Obama also takes by far more money from Pharma.
So the question is now, if he is against selective vaccination, will he force all vaccines on all children, or will he treat vaccination like abortion and say "I may disagree with it, but it is a personal choice"?
Just in -- McCain Supports Parental Vaccination Choice
McCain Supports Parental Vaccination Choice and Prioritizes Vaccine Safety. Obama Silent Despite Repeated Overtures from Parents
[http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/32978395.html]
October 23, 2008
On October 20th, Estepp received a detailed response from Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a senior policy advisor to the McCain campaign. Vaccine safety is officially on the McCain agenda. If elected, McCain said he "will work with all agencies to take all necessary steps in an expedient manner to ensure safe vaccines for every American family." And, significantly, McCain also endorsed parental vaccination choice. In response to the new vaccine moratorium request, McCain offered: "The key to health care reform is to restore control to the patients themselves." The full text is provided in the October 23rd post on Age of Autism (AoA) www.ageofautism.com.
Taking matters into her own hands, New Jersey parent Claudine Liss attended an Obama fundraiser with the express intention of getting an answer. Liss explains, "I shook his hand and would not let go until he answered my question. He looked right at me and said, 'I am not for selective vaccination. I believe it will bring back deadly diseases, like polio.'" Liss and many others are declining to vaccinate their children using the CDC-recommended schedule. New Jersey parents are furious about the first-ever mandated flu shot required for day care and preschool. Seven hundred people rallied in Trenton last week in support of vaccination choice. The freedom of choice issue resonates deeply and has made national news, with coverage on Fox News TV, ABC World News Tonight and an Associated Press article that was picked up by dozens of papers across the country.
McCain has been our friend since the Lily Rider back in 2002
McCain has been a friend to our cause since Frist tried to insert the Lily Rider into the Homeland security Bill back in 2002. He was one of only 3 Repubs who went up against Frist.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/archive/index.php/t-111257.html]
How about pharma?
He is privvy about the dangers of Big Pharma and is not afraid to take them on.
Friday, January 11, 2008
McCain to Pharmaceutical Innovators: Drop Dead
[http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomline/current/in_our_opinion/McCain-Pharmaceutical-Innovators-Drop-Dead.html]
February 6, 2008, 7:53 am
Big Pharma Not Fond of McCain’s Big Mo
[http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/02/06/big-pharma-not-fond-of-mccains-big-mo/]
And Senator Obama:
Big Pharma And Its Presidential Bets
Jan. 8, 2008
[http://www.pharmalot.com/2008/01/big-pharma-and-its-presidential-bets/]
These are the figures as compiled by OpenSecrets. Hillary Clinton received $269,436 from the pharma/healthcare sector, while Barak Obama garnered $261,784. Right behind was Mitt Romney, with $260,535 (please click on the chart to make it bigger). One caveat: this is as of Oct. 29.
Drug Money: Pharma Bets On Obama, So Far
Feb 7, 2008
[http://www.pharmalot.com/2008/02/drug-money-pharma-bets-on-obama/]
As the chart indicates, drugmakers have been betting on Barack Obama, who received $154,710 in donations through December, almost entirely from individual employees and family members, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which makes a point of tracking such things. He edged out Hillary Clinton, who raked in $140,544, including $6,000 from PACs, despite her regular promises to ‘take on’ drugmakers. Across the aisle, Mitt Romney collected $103,825, reflecting his pro-business stance and high profile in Boston’s biotech community. Not surprisingly, John McCain received just $39,797, which may seem like to some people, given his support for cheap imports. And Mike Huckabee, well, he got pocket change - $1,610, maybe because he was seen as long shot?
Big Pharma opens wallet to Dems
Liberals have lost their reputation as the long-standing foes to drugmakers as party lines become blurred with McCain.
By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: March 7, 2008: 2:40 PM EST
[http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/04/news/companies/pharma_votes/index.htm]
This is why I am passionate about the McCain - Palin ticket!
Posted by: Lin | November 02, 2008 at 03:54 PM
kat23 and twyla,
I'm sorry, I haven't been doing enough homework! I didn't think Obama had responded to the a-champ questionaire, and only just now had a look at it his response.
I'm still not going to hold my breath waiting for government programs to deal with this issue in any meaningful way, no matter who gets elected-- until the vaccine makers are told they will be held accountable in a court of law for what they've done.
May the best man win.
Posted by: Robin Nemeth | November 02, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Kelli Ann -
I am not missing your point. I think that you are missing my point. I am not saying that Obama is perfect. I am not saying that he is up to speed on vaccine issues. I'm simply saying that I don't see anything to indicate that McCain is any better on these issues.
Both have said some things that give a glimmer of hope. Neither has a record of working on behalf of vaccine safety, e.g. working to remove toxins, research adverse reactions, reduce/spread out the schedule, do a study comparing vaxed & unvaxed.
I don't normally discuss politics because politics can be very devisive, and people are generally very set in their opinions, and I don't think anything I say makes much difference. I truly respect everyone's right to draw their own conclusions. I just think that we shouldn't attach too much importance to some lukewarm statements made by McCain's campaign without a record of action on these issues.
Regardless of who is elected, it will continue to be a challenge to implement vaccine reform.
Posted by: Twyla | November 02, 2008 at 03:51 PM
kar23,
Here we go with the fruit fly research again.
The facts:
Just wanted to clarify that this is another smear attempt against Governor Palin. The study she was referring to and actually stated as such in her speech was the fruit fly research done in France.
The French Kiss Off Award
to Representative Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) for $211,509 in olive fruit fly research in Paris, France.
http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_pigbook2008Oinkers
She plainly stated the FRENCH FRUIT FLY RESEARCH.
The research which some claim may lead to a better understanding of autism was done in North Carolina. As seen here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070905123832.htm or here:
http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/biotech/story/1809660/
Posted by: Lin | November 02, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Phillylisa,
I wasn't attacking anyone. Simply stating that "heresay" isn't evidence enough when there are true records of what Obama has stated. As for the lawyer joke, it wasn't intended quite the way you took it.
Certainly I would like to state that this was NOT a slam against attorneys. Many of whom are my friends, and have been my entire adult life. I don't think any of them have misunderstandings about what is and is NOT acceptable in a court of law. I do not believe that a single attorney I know would post something that is potentially detrimental to another's character without proof of what is being said. That's all.
"Kat23, why do you continue to attack Claudine Liss?"
Exactly when have I attacked CL??
Um, that would be NEVER.
And stating that something is heresay is hardly questioning her integrity. It is stating the obvious...a lawyer should know better than that.
And I will also admit that my "group" of lawyer friends have, for the most part, all been criminal defense lawyers, so yeah, their seeing the humor in law may be more obvious than my friends who work in corporate law. Their skin is not thin, and this conversation would hardly bother them, as it doesn't bother me...but DOES seem to be a problem for you. I truly did not mean to offend anyone.
This is a serious vote. We all can agree on that. As I put "jmo" in my post I meant that. And it is my opinion that making unsubstantiated claims about one of the candidates to sway their vote is unfair. Again, jmo. This is a serious topic that all of us on this board are taking seriously.
Posted by: kat23 | November 02, 2008 at 01:36 PM
"I will go beyond the Combating Autism Act to develop a comprehensive autism policy that invests $1 billion annually by the end of my first term in office to address ASD on all fronts"
Twyla:
You're missing my point. What you've quoted above -- I'M LOOKING AT -- on paper -- in black and white!! It's 39 pages long and I've posted some key segments of it yesterday!
I’m not judging what O’Bama *will do* as indicated by the quote above, I’m judging what O’Bama *did do* and it’s in my inbox.
*THAT* is the point.
When I work on DC issues, I work with folks on *BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE* in order to try and make movement! In fact, Senator Lieberman is one of the *MAIN* reasons why I switched from a registered Republican to an Independent! His office was willing to *hear us* and they proactively helped us on many fronts. I’m willing to work with *whoever* is in office and it’s one of the reasons why I *immediately* put in calls to O’Bama’s staff as soon as I laid eyes on this bill!!! And they haven’t returned my calls.
Bottom Line: I’m worried by this bill. It is not a good bill. And I’m worried because our segment of the community was not involved one iota in the formation of it. And guess what? I’d be saying the *exact same thing* if this same bill was written by McCain!!
Autism is NOT a partisan issue – it is a NATIONAL issue -- and the only thing I’m personally focused on is *GETTING MOVEMENT* for our children. And after looking at this bill, I don’t think it would happen with O’Bama in office – Pure and Simple.
Posted by: Kelli Ann Davis | November 02, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Kat23, why do you continue to attack Claudine Liss? Is it because she's saying what you don't want to hear when it comes to your candidate? Sounds like you made up your mind about Obama and now the truth is inconvenient. First you question Claudine's integrity because she's a mother, and now because she's a lawyer? You're a mother, right? Should we question everything you say and discount it? And the lawyer remarks are unnecessary. I believe several lawyers post here, and what you have said is very insulting to them. I respect the right of everyone to vote on the issues that are important to them, but let's be truthful about the candidates. Let's not pretend they're not saying something just because we don't want to hear it.
Posted by: PhillyLisa | November 02, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Thanks Twyla for your post...AGAIN. I was so tire after working 22 hours that I wasn't able to locate this when I posted last night. No more marathons for me LOL.
All that I hear Mcain saying is that he wants to put children's health back in the hands of the parents. How does that translate into parents can decide on vaccines. Alot of latitude has been afforded to this candidate on how he is answering his "autism" questions. Let's face it...NO ONE wants to touch this topic. Why are we hearing McCain state that "parents can choose their childs vaccine schedule and choose not to vaccinate". I haven't heard that from either party.
Please, imagine a world where we pay taxes on what we are lucky enough to have covered by insurance. For our family, that would be a nightmare. To raise taxes on people earning 250,000 or more...one would have to earn 350,000 to pay 3,000 more in taxes. How is that enough to complain about? If I make 350,000....3,000 will not be missed. It wll not change the ability of my family to have their vacations. My family will not have to consider moving into a smaller home, nor will we have to pinch pennies to afford our son's therapy.
And as for he mother who heard Obama say that he is not for selective vaccines....her being a lawyer means what? Am I suppose to believe that she is more honest because of that? The majority of attorney's I know would even laugh at their field of work being held up as the "honest" opinion. Honestly.
Neither of these guys has actually said what I want to hear. And that includes Palin who made a point of making fun of fruit fly research without realizing the fruit fly research she was referring to, and knocking, was to help kids with autism, and hopefully to help my son with CNS dysfunction..etc..
I will be waiting for whomever wins this election to help our family with the weight of what we carry each day. As I believe all who post here will. I definitely see Obama as more likely to help our family...but quite honestly...I don't see our battle changing much with O or M. But I do see a chance or hope and a new direction with Obama...that is jmo.
Who here believes that our battle is almost over? Really. Who believes that either one of these guys is ever going to stand before that American people and say.."we are in the midst of a crisis with our children....we must look at the vaccine schedule and make sure that it is safe for our children. We are going to test the synergistic effect of all these shots to make sure that they are safe."
I'm sorry, that just seems like a dream world, and I do not seeing it playing out.
What I do see, however, is a continuing fight or the truth, which has always been on our backs.
jmo
Posted by: kar23 | November 02, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I am getting increasingly upset at hearing statements such as: "the only candidate that is talking about helping the children affected by Autism happens to be John McCain and not Obama". That is simply not true. How many times have I posted links to Obama's statements regarding autism?
In his response to A-Champ, he said:
- "I support the removal of thimerosal from all vaccines and work to ensure that Americans have access to vaccines that are mercury free"
- "I believe Americans must know the health effects that caused by the presence of mercury in vaccines. I will also support an examination of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation program, a program designed to compensate those injured by vaccinations."
- "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United Sates and, perhaps the world. One in 150 children is diagnosed with ASD. These numbers cannot be explained solely by increased awareness or changes to the diagnostic criteria. It is a health crisis and I will act accordingly."
- "There is much evidence to suggest that ASD is a genetically-based neurological condition with environmental triggers. As president, I will lead an effort to conduct research to confirm these findings and study the potential triggers. We must find out why many Americans have ASD and other special needs, the causes, and best treatments and intervention."
He also said:
- "ASD affects behavior, communication and socialization and means that Americans with ASD will have a lifetime struggle to fully integrate within the community."
- "I will fully fund IDEA so that we provide children with the support they need to receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment"
- "I will go beyond the Combating Autism Act to develop a comprehensive autism policy that invests $1 billion annually by the end of my first term in office to address ASD on all fronts"
Kelli Ann, what has McCain none for autism lately, other than making vague statements about believing in the right of parents to make informed health care decisions?
It's nice to have a belief like that -- or at least to state that belief in the course of a campaign -- but it's not the president of the United States who tells you that your kids must get vaccinated before entering school or daycare. Each state decides on vaccine requirements and exemptions. I haven't heard anything from McCain about how he would implement his professed belief. Is he going to take action to overrule state laws? I really doubt it. I think this is just something he is saying to attract a few votes, and evidently he is succeeding. Talk is cheap. What has he done?
Posted by: Twyla | November 01, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Remember there are lots of pharmaceutical companies making campaign contributions and not all of them make vaccines or additives.
Also remember that the former Eli Lily executives like Mitch Daniels and Ari Fleischer support McCain as well as some of the current executives like
John C. Lechleiter.
Posted by: Keith | November 01, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Kat23:
Would you consider a 39 page document as *fair and legitimate* and beyond "hearsay*?? (Although, for the record, I trust Claudine's account of her interaction with O'Bama.)
Here are the *FACTS*: O'Bama's is planning on introducing legislation during the lame-duck session that will give *CDC* the following responsibilities:
Set up 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
That's right folks. The Centers for Disease Control (who aren't even sure if we have an epidemic on our hands) will be in charge of determining which practices are evidence-based, which as we all know is the *buzz word* for obtaining insurance coverage.
Not convinced? How about this?
Interventions: the term means “the educational methods and positive behavioral support strategies designed to improve or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism."
Whoops. No biomedical language contained in that little gem.
In contrast, Doug, Senior Policy Advisor to McCain, has been exchanging e-mails with me over the last several days on the insurance angle.
And those are the *FACTS* my friends. Plain and Simple. In Black and White.
Bottom Line: Several National Autism Organizations were completely *in the dark* regarding O'Bama's legislation and I don't have much confidence anything would change IF he reaches the White House. The fact that their staff is NOT returning calls and e-mails speaks VOLUMES -- at least to me.
Posted by: Kelli Ann Davis | November 01, 2008 at 05:17 PM
How is your state doing? Look what is happening in Illinois (Senator Obama's state) which is DEAD LAST in helping children with autism. Corruption in Illinois, Springfield millionaire William Cellini, a power broker and fundraiser for 40 years extorted taxpayers money for his own benefit. Cellini made a fortune worth at least $100 million from political connections in gambling, real estate, asphalt pouring and you name it. Cellini indictment for consiracy to commit mail fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe. Other corrupt people are Tony Rezko (whom Obama purchased a home from). This is serious business, affecting not only Illinois corruption cases but how the U.S. Justice Dept. under President Obama would treat Rezko, who may have more to say. This is were the money in Illinois is going too! Not to children with AUTISM! Now ask him again about vaccinations?
Posted by: Sandy Waters | November 01, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Yes Dana...what a mom, lawyer, accountant heard straight from the mouth of BARACK OBAMA...and Obama has NEVER clarified his position/statement after numerous attempts by many people! Yes, the statement BARACK OBAMA made to an Independent, Pro-choice, anti-war, anti-Bush, PRO SELECTIVE VACCINATION American voter, me....Claudine Liss, Esq. (from NJ the first place in the world to mandate the flu shot)
Barack Obama has shown no courage to speak out publicly regarding the vaccine debate.
Why? Because as he told....he's not for selective vaccination, it will bring back deadly diseases, like polio. He was honest with me......that is how he feels. He's had plenty of chances to clarify.
If he becomes President he will need a lot of educating on this issue. Hope his mind is open. Claudine Liss, Esq. (NJ)
Posted by: Claudine Liss | November 01, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Kat23, then press him for a written answer.
Today McCain took a polling lead.
If Obama cares he will make an official statement to clarify.
Or will that tick of his Pharma contributors?
I don't want a nanny state healthcare system, and especially not one indebted to Pharma.
That is why I am voting McCain.
Posted by: karenatlanta | November 01, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Kat23 wrote:
“It seems unfair to me that what a ?mom? says was said, (somthing btw, not allowed in court, HERESAY) will be posted here as Obama's position.”
Kat,
It has always seemed unfair to me that for twenty two years, parents who believe their child’s health was destroyed by vaccines have been unable to go to court, without first going through a special vaccine court. They’ve been unable to present the evidence they have to a jury of their peers.
Obama seems unwilling or unable to speak for himself on this issue. It leaves one with no recourse but to speculate, and choose which second hand testimony to believe.
Posted by: Robin Nemeth | November 01, 2008 at 03:33 PM