Gov Perry's HPV vaccination order angers pro-family group

How do his motives matter one bit as to whether the drug is a good idea or not? Perry isn't an expert, so whatever decision he makes is going to be based on advice he gets from people smarter on the issue than he is.

I think motive is a key part of this discussion. You are too generous when you describe people advising Perry as 'smarter' than he is. I read that a former Cheif of Staff of Rick Perry is now currently being paid $250k by Merck to lobby for this vaccination mandate. I am worried about long term effects of this vaccine, for which there is no data. Remember Thalidomide and VIOXX? Both of those medications were once deemed safe for human consumption. I do not want to give my daughter to a drug company for use as a guinea pig.

I am not against the vaccination. I am against it being mandated, especially by one individual. If a parent researches the subject and comes to a different conclusion, I would support their right to do so. I would ask you where will this stop? What if the ADA got Perry to mandate that all students in Texas had to get dental sealants on their teeth to prevent cavities? Not many would argue that sealants are a bad thing, but is it any business of the government? I say no. Although, my children would continue to have regular dental checkups and care, I would do it because it is right, not because the government tells me to.

But your opposition is entirely independent of why Perry acted, and instead deals with the facts of the matter.

So why bring up motive? Why do you think impugning Perry's motive helps your scientific or moral case against mandatory vaccine?

"Well, mandatory vaccines would be great, except Perry took money from Merck, so I'm against it". See what I mean, such an argument wouldn't be persuasive.

Once you have argued your position on the merits, you don't have to launch a personal attack that will do nothing but turn off people who you might otherwise persuade. They would agree with you, but are forced to disagree in order to defend the honor of the person you attack.

My opposition is because this family issue had already been decided, then Perry injected the State of Texas right into my living room.

You continue to ask 'why bring up motive?' It is in reponse to Perry claiming that he is doing it to protect the girls of the state. This vaccine has documented serious side effects and an efficacy rate of about 70%, and only protects against one specific type of cancer. Couple these with the unkown aspect of long term side effects and his protection of females could actually harm thousands.

I was against this vaccination before it was mandated, thus your 'Well, mandatory vaccines would be great, except Perry took money from Merck, so I'm against it' argument exists only in your mind.

As for my 'personal attack', I stated fact. Merck is a financial supporter of Perry and they will benefit from this mandate. Had I said that Perry is stupid, or ignorant or has B.O., I would understand your position.

He claims he is doing it because he thinks it is best for the girls. I see no reason to impugn his motives. You said he was doing it because Merck gave him money. If you had just said Merck gave him money, you'd have an argument (although the implication would be there). But you said he was acting NOT out of a well-meaning but ignorant desire to help kids, but cynically saying so because he wanted campaign contributions.

Here is what I said:

That is a decision for me, my wife to make with advice from a PRACTICING pediatrician, not a governor beholden to a drug manufacturer.

Do you ever question a politicians motives? There are two things that motivate most politcians, money (for reelection) and votes. The former helps procure the latter.

If he thinks it is best for girls, why not have the state strongly urge parents to get this for their children? TV ads, magazine ads, radio ads etc.? Why not do it through the normal legislation process? The answer is because those methods would take time (a loss for the manufacturer), and it may not pass (a huge loss for the manufacturer).

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