If it’s such a good idea, why couldn’t it be voluntary? And voluntary as in opt-in, not run through bureaucratic hoops and intimidation to opt out.
The question is not whether it is “such a good idea” as you said - it is whether it is outrageous.
I say it is a bad idea, but not outrageous. I think those, including MB, who over played it as evil and outrageous have hurt themselves. Not every single issue is apocalyptic or good versus evil - some are just plain bad or just plain lapses in judgement. Why can’t we grow up and just call it what it is. (and that would include Perry, who cannot bring himself to quite the admission he should).
this biologist notes the vaccine is NOT safe. It has a record of having caused more harm than most other vaccines. Frankly, it shouldn’t even be on the market.
Safety and vaccines are not adequately studied for a whole bunch of reasons. I used to be agnostic about vaccines because of their demonstrated benefits with most childhood diseases. Since then, the field has really moved in a bunch of wrong directions at the expense of public safety.
Consider the demographics in Texas. Hispanics are a majority. They have very high rates of teen prenancy and poverty. Gardasil is $360 for a series of three shots. Making it mandatory provides access that would not otherwise be available to a majority in Texas.
Perry's EO was the wrong way to address the situation, but that doesn't change the need for the vaccine in Texas. Gardasil has the potential to save Texas taxpayers money in the long run by preventing expensive cancer treatments.
If voluntary, insurance won’t pay for it.