Posted on 09/18/2011 8:43:48 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
A daring Michele Bachmann appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and faced grilling questions on the HPV vaccine, gay marriage and homosexuality.
As the liberal host of the late night talk show thanked the GOP presidential hopeful for being a “good sport,” he said, “We’ve done a million jokes. Hopefully, you haven’t been watching any of them.”
However, soon thereafter Leno appeared unusually serious as he threw questions at Minnesota Congresswoman Bachmann.
Leno’s first question Friday evening concerned Bachmann’s attacks on Texas Gov. Rick Perry for supporting the HPV vaccine. “Is that bad? It’s a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer,” asked Leno.
“Well I think so,” Bachmann replied. “The concern is that there are potentially side effects that can come with something like that. But it gives a false sense of assurance to a young woman when she has that, that if she’s sexually active that she doesn’t have to worry about sexually transmitted diseases.”
Perry signed an executive order in 2007 requiring Texas middle-school girls to get vaccinated against the sexually transmitted HPV. The order wasn’t implemented though.
“I’m not sure it’s a sense of assurance. It can prevent cervical cancer, correct?” Leno interrupted.
“It’s something that could potentially have dangerous side effects,” Bachmann replied.
Referring to Bachmann’s meeting with an unidentified woman after last week’s GOP debate in Florida who said her daughter suffered “mental retardation” as a result of the HPV vaccine, Leno asked, “Do you regret not getting this woman’s name and address?”
“I don’t know who this person was,” Bachmann replied. “I wasn’t speaking as a doctor, I wasn’t speaking as a scientist, I was just relating what this woman said.”
Questions on homosexuality and gay marriage followed. “That whole ‘pray the gay away’ thing, I don’t get it,” Leno said, referring to her family’s Christian counseling clinic.
Bachmann jokingly pointed to her hair and said, “When I heard that I really thought it was like kind of a mid-life crisis line, like, ‘Pray away the gray.’” But Leno wasn’t in a mood to joke, it seemed.
Bachmann defended the clinic saying it did not discriminate. But she didn’t hesitate to repeat her position that marriage is between a man and a woman.
“It sounds like, if two gay people want to get married, that’s their business, that doesn’t concern us,” Leno responded. “Why is that even an issue? I know gay families that are married, they have children. And they’re wonderful people. It doesn’t seem like they shouldn’t be allowed to be happy. But I’m not going to change your mind on that one.”
Leno also asked about Bachmann’s opposition to raising the debt ceiling. Bachmann said it wasn’t an attack on President Barack Obama, and that she would have taken the same stand even if it was George W. Bush.
Pressed on her slipping down in the polls after Perry’s entrance in the race, Bachmann acknowledged it “changes the dynamic.” “But we’re in for the marathon. We’re not in for the sprint,” she added.
Leno then asked her who her running mate would be if she won the Republican nomination. “You’re taken. You don’t want a cut in pay,” Bachmann replied, teasing him. Leno replied, “Well, we’d probably have an argument over the gay thing.”
Epidemiological studies show women who marry circumcised men, and woman who have fewer number of sexual contacts have much lower rates of cervical cancer.
Having jumped the shark, Michelle (the conservative, not the Wookie) is proceeding to make a fool of herself.
When the match burns your fingers, let go
I've met her in Minnesota. She very, very impressive. I can't think of a better candidate right now.
As has been explained numerous times, Opt-out enabled the vaccination to be paid by insurance. Opt-in would have made the vaccination “optional” and not covered by insurance and possibly too expensive for some families who may have wanted the protection for their daughters.
Whether a parent OK’d or refused the vaccine, no child was required to take the vaccination to attend public school.
Regardless.... this is a subject that is going nowhere, just like MB. Yes indeed it will bring down one of the candidates, Bachmann, but not because of the validity of the vaccine, because it showed a blatant lack of good judgment by Bachmann who has become desperate for anything to re-energize her faltering acceptance by voters.
Gardasil Perry signed his fascist EDICT in 2007.
How about we examine the FACTS from 2006?
2006 population of women per the census was 151,795,031.
Number of cervical cancer cases
diagnosed in 2005 per the CDC was 11,999.
That means that 00.07904% of women
were diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Number of deaths by cervical cancer in 2005 were 3,924.
Percentage of deaths were 00.00258%.
The problem is
1. Long term effects of Gardasil are still unknown.
2. This drug was not adequately tested on girls given
its known side-effects
3. Cervical cancer is both curable if early, and uncommon.
The NET Benefit of a medical treatment is
NET BENEFIT = (Risk with NO treatment)*(the net benefit of the treatment) - (The risk of harm).
Now the total incidence of cervical cancer was
given above, and the risk of harm is
still ongoing and increasing.
Bottom line: In this light, what RINO Perry did
cannot be excused.
He should admit that. End his RINOhood.
What Bachmann did was correct.
So, have Perry, and his supporters on this
thread addressed this? [..........crickets]
Paying the RINO Perry has been a GREAT investment by MERCK.
The PerryBOTs scream that Gardasil CURES cancer.
MERCK could NEVER have gotten away with that lie
in ITS labeling.
But for the company to have a viral group of sycophant RINOs mutating “may prevent a viral infection”
to “cures cancer” and then broadcasting the falsehood
and then spamming the falsehood endlessly
has been worth RUBIES and PLATINUM to MERCK.
Michelle’s only mistake was coming on Jay Leno’s show in the first place. He is pond scum of the lowest order. (Sorry if I offended any amoebas out there)
Regardless, the protection against the most prevalent forms of HPV viruses along with the potential loss of life associated with it makes it a reasonable risk.
PAP smears are a normal procedure that is both necessary and affordable. The idea that a vaccine eliminates a normalproceedure is never a concern for approval of a vaccine.
The requirements for the law required that girls had to be vaccinated at twelve. This eliminates the need for vaccination at 9 years old. Regardless, if given at nine the likely hood of significant risk are minor if any. The benefits being increased because unfortunately so many young girls are sexually active, many even at the age of twelve and thirteen.
One study is no reason to forgo the benefits of a vaccine. Further study as to it's effectiveness should continue. As of now the benefits far exceed the potential risks. You have to remember that as many as 7 - 10 percent of the population is a carrier of the HPV virus.
According to the VAIRS site
“Concerns have been raised about reports of deaths occurring in individuals after receiving Gardasil. As of June 30, 2008, 20 deaths had been reported to VAERS. There was not a common pattern to the deaths that would suggest they were caused by the vaccine. In cases where autopsy, death certificate and medical records were available, the cause of death was explained by factors other than the vaccine.”
FURTHER: ON (GBS)
“To date, there is no evidence that Gardasil has has increased the rate of GBS above that expected in the population. While we continue to carefully analyze all reports of GBS submitted to VAERS, the data do not currently suggest an association between Gardasil and GBS.”
As far as Blood Clots are concerned:
“Thromboembolic disorders (blood clots) have been reported to VAERS in people who have received Gardasil. Most of these individuals had risk factors for blood clots, such as use of oral contraceptives which are known to increase the risk of clotting.”
VAIRS Summary:
“Based on the review of available information by FDA and CDC, Gardasil continues to be safe and effective, and its benefits continue to outweigh its risks.”
“This vaccine is an important cervical cancer prevention tool that will potentially benefit the health of millions of women. Every year, about 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 4,000 die from this disease in the United States. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, causing an estimated 470,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths per year.”
This information is widely available and has been taken directly from the CDC. This is the best information available and the risks are significantly less than crossing a busy street in any major city in this country.
This is an important drug that saves lives.
The fact is that as much as I like Ms.. Bachman, she is absolutely wrong in her response to Governor Perry. He was well intentioned and this entire line of debate is a complete distraction from what we should be discussing. The abysmal performance of Obama and how each of the candidates intends on reversing the disaster of a presidency.
Cervical cancer has no symptoms until the advanced stages. That's one reason it is so deadly.
Gardasil has an exceptional track record for the prevention of the HPV viruses that most often cause Genital Warts and Cervical cancer.
Mr. Perry signed an order Requiring the administration of the vaccine in order to get the expensive $300 drug paid for by insurance and Medicaid. He allowed for an opt out by parents. I think he did the right thing by the wrong means. He should have pushed it in the legislature and taken the time. He decided that getting the drug in use was the only concern. He was wrong there.
Vaccines save lives. Gardasil saves lives. All drugs have side effects. It is up to the individual to decide if a deadly, painful disease outweighs the potential effects of the drugs. Perry had saving lives in mind. Bachman should drop this in favor of her economic differences with Perry.
“They are also giving It to boys now. I will not hesitate to have my sons vaccinated against this disease.”
That is your choice, and probably the prudent thing to do. These vaccinations are probably useful and serve a purpose.
However, no one is “forcing, coercing, or tricking” you to do so! Perry’s idea was to force it (don’t buy the “opt out” talk). On FR, at least in the past, folks are very irate about “nanny-state” policies. This HPV issue in Texas is “nanny-state” at its best. Giving vaccinations against a venereal disease to children that “may” be exposed to a viruse in the future, that “may” cause them to develope cancer later in life....? That is “Nanny-State”, and something that FREEPERS claim to hate.
Let’s take it a step further and force all teens to be tested for venereal diseases and force them to receive treatment. Do you want your government (at any level) to do that?
Also, all this talk about the number of women dying from cervical cancer is fogging the real issue of parental & personal choice in regards to medical matters. IF we are so concerned about eradicating cancer, then let’s ban smoking and all tobacco products from the U.S. The American Cancer Associations says:
Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society. (Source: Cancer Facts and Figures 2011)
Lung cancer estimates for 2011 (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011):
New cases of lung cancer: 221,130
Males: 115,060
Females: 106,070
Deaths from lung cancer: 156,940
Males: 85,600
Females: 71,340
Now I triple dog dare you to advocate the complete banning of tobacco. That is “Nanny-State.” While your at it, go after alcohol as well....think of the deaths to would be prevented from disease and accidents with no alchohol in society? Once again, this is a “Nanny-State” position.
In 2008 I watched this forum pillor Mike Huckabee over some things he did as Governor in Arkansas as “Nanny-State.” Why should Perry get a pass on this? He should not. Should it keep you from voting for him....that I cannot answer...you have to decide that issue. However, his attempts to mandate this vaccine was “Nanny-State” as one can get. Do you want this “Governor” to do the same thing at the federal level. Plus, he does seem to wrap himself in the 10th Ammendment when it is convenient....like in immigration....something that is not a state’s right to regulate.....although the federal government is definitely wrong on this as well.
Bottom line is that Michelle Bachmann is being pillored here by folks that should applaud her because she opposes “Nanny-State” policies. WHAT IS REALLY upsetting folks here in FR is that it hurt Perry...and showed he isn’t as conservative as portrayed....that is why folks are pounding on Bachmann. Granted she went over the top on the statement about mental retardation.
Folks...start thinking. Perry messed up on this issue. Stop defending his “Nanny-State” attempts. Support him if you will, but recognize this failing.
“Calling Michelle Bachmann retarded because she wants parental control of what they are vaccinated for is about as disgusting as it gets. FR has reached a new low in this debate.”
I agree.
All the Perry backers are just mad because she owned him in the debate, they are looking for payback, they get it from Leno because Perry could not defend himself. Sad.
You have to remember the most susceptible members of society to this type of disease are the poor and lower middle classes. They are the most often involved in early sexual encounters and often early pregnancy and yes sexually transmitted diseases.
In order for an insurance company or Medicaid to pay for a vaccine it must be mandatory. This is why Perry signed the order. He allowed for an easy opt out. All you had to do was sign a form.
This is not nanny state. This is giving MORE choice to the lower end of society.
You and I may be able to afford to pay an additional $300 to vaccinate our children. A person living in poverty can not.
Google ‘pictures of Genital warts and cervical cancer’ look at the pictures. Realize that there are MANY carriers who do not know they have the HPV virus. Over 20 million in the U.S. now and growing. Your daughters fiancee may be one of them. He may have had a sexual history before he met her. She may have one you do not know about. This is reality.
Vaccines save lives. Ignorance and misinformation causes confusion which can lead to the death of people. People you may love.
If you do not want the Vaccine and live in TX, OPT OUT. Unfortunately the Legislature denied the opportunity of the poor and middle classes from getting this Vaccine in an affordable manner. Now more people will potentially be infected and more people will probably die.
Either way this is a LOSER of an issue for Bachman and I support her. She looks unscientific and uninformed. Perry also was week in his defense of his decision making.
If we want a conservative to be our standard bearer in 2012 we have limited options. I like Cain, but he is going no where. I like Bachman, but she needs more polish and better information with fewer gaffes. I like Santorum, but he has the problem of losing his Senate Seat in 2006 and is almost as right of center as I am. I also like Perry when the other option is Romney. No candidate is perfect, we have to hit Obama where he is vulnerable and not confuse people.
The candidate that is harping on Gardasil is in the weeds. They are arguing over who gets to drive the fire truck while the country burns. Stop argueing over foolishness and start putting out the fire before the whole society goes up in flames.
Not nanny-state. With the opt out it created an affordable choice for parents. Without a mandate it is a a very high cost to the parents, particularly the poor and middle-class. It is only a choice if you have the financial ability to make the choice. We are not talking about choosing where to go on vacation, or what kind of car to drive. These choices are predicated on ones ability to pay for them. The choice of getting a very expensive drug that could prevent a terrible disease should not be an economic choice. Apparently you and Bachman believe that it should be, you both can afford it. Good for you. I, on the other hand, have had more than my share of medical decisions to make for a child that suffered from a horrible disease. If a vaccine could have prevented his suffering, I would have paid everything I had to pay for it. As it stands my wife and I where driven to the brink of insolvency by paying our deductibles and co-pays alone for our son. I would have gone bankrupt, sold my home and lived as a pauper to save him. Regardless, the argument helps no one. Particularly Bachman.
How about taking the word from a Doctor who deals strictly in these types of matters.
http://www.nationalreview.com/blogs/print/277093
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