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Commentary: Law shouldn’t be our first resort on vaccinations

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There has been a lot of discussion about Senate Bill 277, which would remove all exemptions from vaccination requirements. The decision to vaccinate should be an informed choice that parents make, not one forced by government.

After much discussion and research, my wife and I decided to start the vaccination schedule for our daughter. We believe it is safe, and in her best interest, but we waited a few extra weeks to do additional research and give us peace of mind. We do, however, want the freedom to make decisions on all future vaccinations.

Am I the caretaker of my own body or is the government? Aren’t parents (not the government) charged with raising children and making decisions for them? If we are forced to do this, what will be forced on us next? Forced abortions and a one-child-per-family policy in the name of population control and the public good, as is the case in China?

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Governments have a history of not always being honest with the people. What if they have something in the future that they promise is safe and it is later found out to be harmful?

Too late, the damage is done.

Like most problems, people will resolve it much better, faster and more cheaply than the government.

So what are some solutions, if not yet another law?

Individual businesses that have large numbers of customers, such as Disneyland, could require people to show their immunization card before entering. No vaccination, no entry.

School choice and vouchers could allow people to go to a school where kids are vaccinated or one where parents have made other choices.

With the recent outbreak of measles it is likely more people became aware of the need to vaccinate and chose to do so. But even if the new law being discussed was in place, it would not have protected my daughter if we had gone to Disneyland, as the measles vaccination is done on or after a first birthday.

Numerous sources have reported that the measles outbreak originated from a foreign tourist. If that is the case, then why not require those entering our county to be vaccinated? And what about securing our borders in the name of the public good?

It has been reported that numerous diseases are coming into this country by people coming here illegally. We are paying the price for this financially and with our health. Start with other solutions first rather than more laws.

Ben Franklin said it best: “People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both.”

ALLAN MANSOOR is a former state assemblyman and Costa Mesa mayor.

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