From David Kirby writing at the Huffington Post:
One year ago, the esteemed Institute of Medicine rejected the theory that the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal might be linked to autism and other childhood disorders. Opponents of the theory – and they are plentiful – assumed that would shut the books once and for all on this disturbing, potentially catastrophic idea.The opponents, it turns out, were sorely mistaken. They underestimated the tenacity of some really pissed off parents, who refused to be dismissed as litigious fruit loops who wouldn’t recognize scientific evidence if it landed on their front lawn.
Consider this. In recent months, the thimerosal-autism controversy has begun to pierce a major-media bubble seemingly transfixed on serving up daily doses of Michael, Martha and the Runaway Bride, while ignoring the potential poisoning of a generation of American children:
Don Imus – continues to champion this cause on his show “like a dog on a bone,” as they say.
Sen. Joe Lieberman – told Imus on the air that this is “a fight worth fighting.”
Rolling Stone & Salon – published RFK Jr.’s article.FOX – local affiliates have covered this story with exceptional dedication, and the Fox News Channel is mulling over a special report.
The New York Times – is working on a major investigation of the controversy
The Associated Press – is also working on a feature.
Montel Williams – will air an entire segment on the controversy on June 21.
The Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church – made news today by demanding the removal of mercury from vaccines; efforts are afoot to ask the national church to follow suit.
Generation Rescue – purchased full page ads in USA Today and The New York Times promoting the mercury-autism link.
Unlocking Autism – Is placing a series of hardball ads reminding George W. Bush of his 2004 campaign statement that thimerosal should be removed from childhood vaccines, and bearing the tag-line “Giving Mercury to Children on Purpose is Stupid.”
Our children were injected with the second most toxic substance in the world (after plutonium). Our kids are now brain damaged. How could we possibly let the issue rest?
This issue will not just go away.
Posted by Dwight Meredith at June 17, 2005 02:55 PM | TrackBackYou know, don't you, that there has never been a link shown between thimerosol and autism? In fact, the major studies done show no link at all.
Posted by: Matt at June 17, 2005 03:37 PMWhich studies are those Matt? Please do not cite either the Danish epidemiological study nor the study by Verstraeten, it would just cause you embarassment.
Posted by: dwight Meredith at June 17, 2005 04:12 PMAs a chemistry/physics teacher with considerable understanding about elements and radiation, I find the comment that mercury was the second most toxic substance next to plutonium begs correction. Both are "heavy metals" which poison enzymes so are indeed harmful. But both are far from the most toxic. And much of plutonium's reputation came from government hype to reduce possible theft. Plutonium is radioactive but its long half life means it it far less biologically hazardous than many other isotopes.
Posted by: dave trapp at June 17, 2005 07:17 PMI'm with Wampum on their collective dismay that more has not been done on getting rid of mercury in shot solutions.
Posted by: Steve Plonk at June 18, 2005 09:42 AMjust a question: you mention the danish issue as having been debunked. where can i read up on that? thx!
Posted by: philip Rogosky at June 21, 2005 02:53 AMPhilip:
There are a number of critques of the Danish study onthe net but if I had to pick a place to start I would choose the Safe Minds article here
Posted by: dwight meredith at June 21, 2005 11:23 PMThis willful ignorance of available scientific evidence is terribly sad and contrary to the interests of autistic children. Please, please, please, keep an objective eye on science. To do otherwise is to mislead desperate parents into dangerous and expensive quackery like chelation therapy. There is a true cause of autism out there somewhere, but we will not find it by putting our fingers on the scales of scientific inquiry. Neither vaccines nor mercury cause autism -- this is as proven as any scientific proposition can be. We owe it to autistic children and to ourselves to be honest about scientific evidence, and to base treatments on empirical evidence rather than superstition.
Posted by: Blargon at June 22, 2005 12:46 AMAre there vaccines available without thimerosal? If so, can they be purchased?
Posted by: Malka at June 27, 2005 11:08 PM