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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, May 26 DailyTidings.com Writer Posted May. 26, 2016 @ 12:01 am Posted May. 26, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2324,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Film does a disservice Thanks to Dr. Shames for taking the time to point out and explain the disservice being done to our community by the Varsity Theater's apparently unmoderated showing of the pseudo-documentary film "Vaxxed." Their actions endanger us all by reinforcing emotional fears around autism and vaccines to which our community seems particularly susceptible. The Varsity is of course entitled, and even encouraged, to present alternate points of view. If it chooses to do so, however, it should do so responsibly and with appropriate caveats and disclaimers. A panel discussion similar to ones held at the recent AIFF, for example, might aid in people's understanding of the actual background and motivations of the film and its makers. In Ashland we pride ourselves on scientific-based analysis of important community issues such as global climate change. When a loud voice presents an opinion opposing that type of analysis, it needs to do so very carefully. I hope the Varsity will step up to that responsibility. Alan Oppenheimer Ashland See the film A guest opinion written by a recognized heath authority may be valid, or not. If it has numerous historical errors, it matters little that many others share the view. When the authorities assert that a study of contrary views is irresponsible, I am reminded that this medical culture also sells us statins and many other drugs with doubtful benefit, at great profit. Ignore the history deniers, and see the film "Vaxxed." Ira Edwards Medford A sad example The recent guest opinion, endorsed by a group of doctors, vilifying the movie "Vaxxed" is a sad example of the attack on free thinking in our society. Why does someone who has not seen a movie have a legitimate opinion about it just because they are a doctor? Having seen "Vaxxed," I can tell you that these doctors made huge assumptions about its message. They parroted the inaccuracies throughout the media’s deliberate attempt to detract viewers from the film, and from the corruption it exposes. At the expense of our children, the CDC has prioritized profits of the industry they are supposed to be monitoring. It isn’t surprising that a movie exposing corruption would have such a drastic slander campaign against it. If it weren’t true, those who have a lot at stake wouldn’t be so afraid of what this film exposes. Fortunately, seeing a movie is not a medical decision. You don’t need a doctor’s advice to learn about corruption. But you may need to face the uncomfortable truth that the trusted authorities overseeing vaccine safety and policy are actually paralyzed by the industry they are meant to oversee, which now, instead, controls them. Jean deFauw Ashland Opinion was irresponsible The guest opinion response to the documentary "Vaxxed" was socially irresponsible. The commentator hadn't even seen the film. You have deliberately contributed to the corporate-manufactured taboo on discussing safety in vaccine policy. Our children and our society are in dire need of transparency and accuracy in reporting on all matters, and even more so on epidemic health crisis. Your paper presents as spam and is untrustworthy. Kathy Prout Ashland What the film is about I saw "Vaxxed" in Ashland. I’m guessing that Dr. Shames didn't. The good doctor says Ashland is under-vaccinated, blaming parents choices not to vaccinate on unwarranted fear, rather than on their own observations. If Ashland is not at 93 percent MMR coverage, then it should be a glaring example of measles outbreaks for the entire country. But it isn’t. The film primarily focuses on a whistleblower from the CDC who chronicles a manipulation of data that showed a link of a higher incidence of autism in African American boys. It expressly calls for a different agency to determine the safety of vaccines which are not tested as are other pharmaceutical products. How can we rely on the word of the CDC when that agency is tasked to regulate and oversee itself? Dr. Shames wants to vilify anyone interested in a debate and spread platitudes that fall on deaf ears of the parents who have witnessed regression in a child immediately after the MMR vaccine. Cynthia Cournoyer Grants Pass 'Vaxxed' is important In response to Dr. Shames and medical community who joined him in recent letter to the editor: Have they seen the movie? It sounds like maybe they have not. This is not an anti-vaccine movie, and it is important and educational. As leaders in our community as well as some of the most highly educated members of our community, wouldn't it be more more beneficial to speak directly to the possible misinformation contained within the documentary rather than making assumptions about what it is saying and discouraging others from watching it? It is important too speak up; it is also important to model being thoroughly informed on the subject matter, don't you think? Alexis Rewcastle Delgado Ashland 'Vaxxed' is responsible The recent op-ed by Dr. Shames calling the documentary "Vaxxed" "irresponsible" was irresponsible. No one who has looked even slightly beneath the thin scum that floats atop main media and government propaganda would be so irresponsible as to dismiss the information in "Vaxxed" entirely, as Shames does. That would be to put all of the country's — no, the world's — children and families at possible risk of harm, and not just autism. Even the CDC and vaccine manufacturers themselves disclose the terrible harm their products do, while they exaggerate fears of diseases that are barely a risk to most. What is most responsible: to slander a movie that explores this issue, or to go and see it and decide for yourself? If we listened to Shames, we'd carry on swallowing the propaganda and injecting poisons into helpless children, and attribute the epidemics to other things. It's far more responsible to at least see "Vaxxed" and add to our education from a different source than the ones controlled by ultra-wealthy pharmaceutical companies. Gregg Marchese Ashland Vexed on 'Vaxxed' After reading several guest opinions on the movie "Vaxxed" being shown at the Varsity and thoughtful discussions on the subject of vaccinating or not vaccinating children because of the fear of autism, I have a question: Have any of the children who have not been vaccinated by the current MMR vaccine, risking measles and mumps, been diagnosed anywhere on the autism spectrum? " Sally McKirgan Ashland DailyTidings.com Writer Posted May. 26, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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