Monday, October 5, 2009

Arrogance?

This morning I heard a doctor on the television dismiss refusing a vaccine as the "height of arrogance." I've heard this argument in regards to natural childbirth as well. I smell a rat. Looking out for one's best interest is arrogant? Self-preservation is arrogant? Consider this analogy: pride has two meanings. One is negative, as in "pride goeth before a fall." Pride in the sense of arrogance is a vice. However, pride can also refer to dignity, as in "Have you no pride?" when someone behaves shamefully. I contend that one can be "selfish" (if we must use this term) in the same way. One can be selfish in taking responsibility for oneself and in looking out for one's one best interest. This is a positive connotation of the word. One need not let the existence of a negative connotation negate the existence of a positive connotation. There are two sides to coins, after all.

Furthermore, there are legitimate medical reasons that some individuals should NOT receive vaccines, and it is irresponsible medicine to make blanket statements on television, otherwise.

1 comment:

  1. My state is trying to pass a law that would allow children to receive STD vaccinations (like Gardisil) without parental consent or knowledge. Another law is trying to be passed that would make it mandatory for children to receive the Gardisil shot in order to go to school!

    Now, we've chosen to vaccinate our children with the normal childhood vaccines, but that's the point....we CHOSE. Others CHOSE not too!

    The funny thing is the average lobbyist supporting such vaccination laws are feminists who tout CHOICE when it comes to killing an unborn baby. Double AUGH!

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