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Testy free speech aftermath of SB277 signing: one professor's viewpoint may be cramped

by J.D. Wright Progressive
Opinion analyzing subtext of University immunologist's characterization of SB 277 as a "silver bullet". Notice: IMC does not have an official party line on anything. VIews contained are strictly those of authors. Critiques of capitalism, government, globalism are favored and no racism, sexism homophobic or similar comments are permitted.
Republican politician announced an unlikely "referndum" to repeal SB 277 (actually it is more properly called an "initiative" and others threaten a recall campaign against Democratic leader and pediatrician Dr. Richard Pann. Other conspiracy theorists talk of leaving California or homeschooling their kids where they can presumably skip such topics as evolutionary biology and global anthropogenic climate change.

Despite constant whines from the antivax consipAracy theorists that their view is "censored" because of "Big Phrama", it seems that those who believe in science are actually forced to couch their words carefully. Here is one example. According to an Associated Press report, at least one immunologist is waxing ecstatic over the prospect of passing #SB277.

“Dr. John Swartzberg, a clinical professor specializing in immunology at University of California, Berkeley, who also hasn’t taken a position on the measure, said in an interview that eliminating the personal belief exemption would be a silver bullet for California to strengthen its defenses against the spread of communicable disease.”

Now, as a supporter of the bill, and of vaccinations and rigorous vaccination policies in general, I agree with his sentiment. However, I take issue with using such glowing language – “silver bullet” – from someone who “hasn’t taken a position”. What gives? The obvious answer: he is under tremendous pressure to “stay nuetral” in a town which is a hot-bed of wacky politics and one of the hot spots of undervaccination.

Could it be that “academic freedom” is in danger in the crown jewel of the University of California system?

Be that as it may, the measure, if passed and signed into law, would sweep away in one fell swoop one of the major difficulties in assuring a healthy community of Californians. Antivaccination lunacies are being peddled by wealthy out-of-state charlatans at an accelerating pace and things will get worse before they get better. As the baby boomers age and confront cancer, hypertension, stroke and the whole slew of later stage life complications, the market for fake alternative “cures” will mushroom. Billions of dollars will be made selling bottled water as “homeopathic remedies” and cheap herbal teas as “cancer cures”.

Antivaccination propagandists are indeed tempting targets for those who might label them as parasites, blood-suckers and vampires. Perhaps then the subtext of Professor Schwarzburg’s message, although he “hasn’t taken a position” is indeed telling. And that would make the original fabricator of the MMR-causes-autism hoax - the notorious A J Wakefield - Count Dracula himself! Ironies abound. Stay tuned.
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