Posts
September 24, 2008
Congressperson Carolyn Maloney
1651 3 Avenue, Suite 31
New York, NY 101 28-3679
Dear Congressperson Maloney
We are concerned about misinformation you may have heard at a recent briefing presenting the non-scientific, irrational proposals espoused by David Kirby, and the Age of Autism with regard to a supposed link between autism and vaccines. Vaccines save lives. Study after study has shown absolutely no link between vaccines and autism.
As pediatricians, teachers, nurses, child care providers and parents across New York State and in your District, we are very aware of the struggles that the families of children with autism face and the challenges that test the children themselves. In your position as a political leader, it is important that you have the information you need to support the science, the research and the continued work toward identifyirg the causes, triggers and evidence based treatment for children with autism and autism spectrum disorders.
All of the research, including the most recent and exhaustive study done by the Columbia University School of Public Health, has proven no link between vaccines and autism. And yet a few people, some of whom are making a great deal of money from the suffering and false hope of frightened parents, continue to beat the drum for this discredited position. Many others offer dangerous and unscientific approaches to "cures."
We urge you to stand with us against the forces working to bring irrational fears and "junk science" into the world of children's health. As you know, immunizationasre one of our greatest public health victories along with clean water.
Childhood diseases that can kill and maim our children are just a plane ride away, and yet the anti-immunization groups continue to push for less and less protection for our children. Just this year the Centers for Disease Control reported the largest outbreak of measles in decades. New York was one of the states that experienced a significant outbreak of serious disease. You might also be interested in knowing that the measles that was imported into the US came, not from the third world, but from Europe and from Israel: Developed areas that are experiencing significant outbreaks of disease due to weak public health policy.
We highly recommend that you read Dr. Paul Offit's recent, very well reviewed book, Autism's False Prophets. We have included a review from The Wall Street Journal and an editorial from the New York Times.
We will be contacting your local District Office to schedule a time to come in and talk with you about this very important issue. We know you want to work with us to help protect the children of New York and the children across the country.
Sincerely,
Elie Ward, MSW
Co-Chair, NYS Immunization Coalition
Enclosures (2)
AAP DISTRICT OFFICES
240 Washington Ave. Ext. Suite 505
Albany, NY 12203
Phone: 5181456-0951
Fax: 518/456-8573
420 Lakeville Road Suite 244
Lake Success, NY 11042
Phone: 516-326-0310
Fax: 516-326-0316
WOW! Real scientists. Now I know why the AoAers are worried. Congresswoman Maloney may actually get an education. She sure needs one in this regard. Perhaps she should spend a bit of time at some of the excellent medical and educational facilities in and around her district. If she does, maybe she'll get on board to expand the availability of high quality services to all families of special children, regardless of disability.
ADDENDUM:
On November 24, 2008, Davey posted a letter he sent to David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP President, American Academy of Pediatrics demanding a response. Seems he was a bit upset at having his presentation to some congresscritters referred to as ""misinformation” as well as “unscientific, irrational proposals” to staff members of more than 90 House and Senate offices, as well as two US Representatives who were in the room.
The letter also accuses “a few people, some of whom are making a great deal of money from the suffering and false hope of frightened parents,” of continuing to “beat the drum for this discredited position.” "
True to form the A-MEN Chorus of anti-vaccinators at AoA hooted and howled.
Elie Ward's letter to Rep. Maloney attacking you and Age of Autism is proof once again that if you can't discredit your oponent's claims, you slam their character. These are truly desperate times. I'm sure Maloney's far too informed to listen to them. It's amazing that they even try.Dear Ms. Dachel:
Anne Dachel Media editor
Posted by: Anne Dachel November 24, 2008 at 09:39 AM
You comment just destroyed a brand new hypocrisy meter. If any blog or persons are guilty of character slamming as you call it, it is the cesspool of AoA. Your "writers" have posted diatribes about Orac, Dr. Offit, et al.
If one looks objectively at the history of AoA, as I have, one can only conlcude that "personal slamming" is the reason for your existence.
"You comment just destroyed a brand new hypocrisy meter. If any blog or persons are guilty of character slamming as you call it, it is the cesspool of AoA. Your "writers" have posted diatribes about Orac, Dr. Offit, et al.
ReplyDeleteIf one looks objectively at the history of AoA, as I have, one can only conlcude that "personal slamming" is the reason for your existence."
Well, DuhProbe, if I was immature enough to have a hypocrisy meter (what are you, twelve?), then mine would have just exploded and taken out half of the easter seaboard.
And of course, you NEVER character assasinate anyone, do you? You NEVER slam the character of anyone over at the AoA site. Yeah, Mr. Pot.
And you claim to be objective? One thing I will give you, DuhProbe, you have made me laugh. Thank you for the comedy. I will make sure everyone knows what a humorous and ridiculous site you have going here.
Oh, on a side note, weren't you and your Quack chummies among those who were ridiculing Gulf War Syndrome? Weren't you also among those who were slamming mercury poisoning from the mercury amalgam fillings? Want to reassess your position (i.e. get you head out of your ass)?
I'll ignore your usual ignorant diatribe. Suffice it to say that it is replete with your typical hypocrisy.
ReplyDeleteAs for your red herrings, however, I do want you to fully understand just how stupid you are.
I am a combat vet of the Agent Orange War. I spent considerable time in areas which had been deforested by AO, and, fortunately, I sustained no lasting effects. Some of my brothers, on the other hand, did not. I am probably more aware of just how the government and industry screwed my brothers than you, or any REMF, can possibly ever be.
As for dental amalgams, there is scant evidence of any quality showing that the average person is adversely affected. As far as I am concerned, the jury is awaiting evidence.
Oh, and there is no such thing as "mercury amalgams". You probably will not understand this point/ You spout the wacko conspiracy line quite well.