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.