The People of New Jersey will not be denied their voice. In the 3+ weeks since S2173 was pulled, legislators have been slammed with opposition from more constituents on S173 than they’ve seen on an issue.
Ever.
After extensive power-brokering and strong-arming and horse-trading, the bill still did not have the votes. Not to be dissuaded, political fixers went for an amendment, catering to a maneuvering Republican senator willing to cut a deal. In full view (and earshot) of many thousands more parents and allies who descended on Trenton in force for another 10+ hour day (not hundreds, nice try NJ.com) on January 9, 2020 — well organized and provisioned for noise-making, nourishment, and the cold — the New Jersey Senate passed an amendment to S2173 with 18 YES and 15 NO votes, and 7 Abstentions. Take a close look at the above photo for who voted and how.
Showing up bedraggled and beat up at the bitter end of the legislative session with a dishonorable sound bite amendment in tow, this reviled bill is expected to be voted on this coming Monday, January 13 in both houses (subject to Assembly approval of the amended version).
You can read the full eight page amendment here. [1/11/20 Note: the NJLeg website just gave public access to the latest version. The amended S2173 is now in sync with companion bill A3818 and ready for a floor vote in both houses]
This amendment is discriminatory and shockingly out of touch. In an odd turn of events, it may end up helping our cause by drawing attention to what it really says. If you’re perplexed, you’re not alone. It’s not a proud moment for our lawmakers. One thing is for sure — this amendment will not make the issue go away. This is not a comprehensive analysis and I welcome comments and corrections. With just one full day to reach lawmakers, I’m rushing to publish this to support the incredible citizen engagement taking place. If you make it to the end, I do close on a genuinely positive note.
What does the amendment mean?
To be clear, the bill has not yet passed. What happened today is the Senate voted to change the bill, signalling the likely intention of former NO legislators intending to vote YES.
Here’s what the amendment portends.
#1: The religious exemption is struck from the books
It’s gone. The state of New Jersey will no longer acknowledge the rights and legitimacy of citizens to decline an invasive and serious medical intervention — acknowledged to cause catastrophic harm and death to some who receive them by our government that administers a national vaccine injury compensation program — known to contain intensely worrisome ingredients including from pigs, monkeys, cows, terminated pregnancies, and other unsavory excipients — manufactured by corporations and administered by medical professionals that have near blanket liability immunity — for deeply held, First Amendment-affirmed religious beliefs.
#2: Public school kids are SOL
Want to send your kids to public school? No vaccines, no dice. No matter that New Jerseyans pay the highest property taxes in the nation, the lion’s share of which goes towards paying for those public schools.
#3: It’s pay to play… yet again
The amendment has a carve out for private schools. Private school families are permitted to opt out of some or all mandatory vaccines for any reason. Scrape together the tuition at a private facility that will take your kids and you’re good to go.
It is becoming an American tradition. Every public problem has a private solution.
- Worried about crime? Install a gate and a home security system — nearly 27% of US do.
- Disenchanted with public schools? Send your kids to private school — about 25% of US schools are private.
- Dirty water? Install a water filter or drink bottled water — 2/3 of Americans do.
Unless, of course, you can’t afford it.
About 30,000 households in Newark have lead-contaminated water. The NRDC is very concerned. In an interview with Brian Williams, Governor Murphy said the state is stepping up in a big way. Do you agree?
#4: Private schools have some dodgy requirements
The amendment allows a nonpublic facility (i.e., day care, school) to authorize the admission of children and students who are not in full compliance with vaccine mandates.
The facility must require all students or guardians of minor children to sign an acknowledgement form, which contains their policy regarding the admission of non-compliant participants and the actual vaccination rates for the prior academic year.
This information — both the policy and the actual vaccination rates — must be posted at the entrance of the facility.
Seriously? They are fanning the flames of ignorance. Alas, most people do not understand that unvaccinated people are not pestilential. When outbreak specimens are properly molecularly sequenced, a surprisingly high percentage of measles cases are found to be in vaccinated persons (i.e., 38% in the 2014-2015 Disney outbreak). I will repeat what should be obvious. Healthy people do not spread disease. Large numbers of vaccinated also get measles. The focus should be on quarantine for anyone who contracts a contagious disease, regardless of vaccination status.
#5: It’ll get ugly — let rich parents duke it out
The Senate couldn’t get the job done properly. It could not pass the bill as is. It is choosing instead to cram the bill down the throats of public school families while tossing a decaying bone to the more affluent and letting them fend for themselves.
IT’S LESS ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH THAN IT IS ABOUT SOCIAL CONTROL
What is increasingly evident is that this bill isn’t about public health as much as it is about social control.
Ever heard the expression “Divide et impera”? It is Latin for divide and conquer. Politicians have been pitting people against each other for millennia. Our schools have been struggling mightily under the weight of this for some time. State aid cuts versus “extraordinary aid for students with the greatest needs.” Is it right and fair for schools to bear the burden of a public health question that the legislature has been unable to resolve on its own? It is a shameful, ignorant, and authoritarian move to keep children out of school, especially when it is abundantly clear to all that it does nothing to make our communities safer.
Walking in and out of their children’s schools, parents will repeatedly see vaccine information posted at the entrance and be reminded of this issue. How long do you think it will take for parents of the 97+% of children to figure out who’s not vaccinating?
NorthJersey.com reveals the likely reason S2173 sponsor Senator Joe Vitale agreed to the compromise:
The marketplace may take care of this on its own. If a private school or preschool tells parents that 98 of 100 students have been vaccinated, parents of the vaccinated children may pressure the owners by saying they’ll remove their children unless the school accepts only vaccinated children.
At best, there’s going to be a lot more discussions about vaccines. This is an issue that doesn’t hold up well to scrutiny and thoughtful conversation.
At worst, ignorance and fear go together like tea and cookies. It will take one “outbreak” of a few measles cases for panic and vigilante initiative to set in. A whole lot more education is needed. Will facilities also post that billions of dollars have been paid to families as part of the national vaccine injury compensation program and vaccine makers and medical providers are not liable for any harm and death caused by vaccines?
That’s not in the amendment.
MISINFORMATION ABOUNDS
Senate President Stephen Sweeney told reporters that S2173 is good policy based on science:
We’re either going to get it done now or we’ll get it done in the next session. But, by all means, this is getting done. It’s the right health care policy and it’s based on science, unlike what they’re chanting and saying.
Whose science? Last week at the Ocean County Mayors’ Association meeting, Sweeney adamantly denied the presence of aborted fetal cells in vaccines:
Sweeney happens to be wrong. Georgetown University’s Kennedy Institute of Bioethics offers a clear response to the question: Is it true that there are vaccines produced using aborted fetuses? and does not mince words:
Some of the vaccines currently used to prevent diseases such as rubella, measles, rabies, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, chickenpox or smallpox are produced using tissues from human abortions.
The CDC vaccine excipient list makes it easy to determine which vaccines are derived from human lung diploid tissue from terminated fetuses — just search for WI-38 and MRC-5.
#6: Is a free for all good public policy?
The amendment essentially allows private schools to determine their own vaccine policies. Anything goes? It is likely to be implemented unevenly, inconsistently, and unfairly. Or, not at all.
This amendment clearly does not address community immunity. Lawmakers told us that S2173 was about the public health. Apparently it’s about striking the legitimacy of religious beliefs from the state statute and adding yet another reason to withdraw children from public school.
Have you stopped to wonder — in the face of incredible opposition — who said this absolutely must pass and why? Who is this a win for? Anything to pass S2173?
#7: The vaccine registry is a massive privacy issue
HIPAA anyone? If you haven’t heard about “immunization registries,” perk up, people. The amendment provides further insight into how this registry — called the NJ Immunization Information System (see NJIIS FAQs here) — may (and will) be used in the future.
The amendment says registry information:
- will be given to various unnamed “private organizations” plus insurance companies (to help improve outreach and care), as determined by regulation of the commissioner. Is Child Protective Services next? I don’t know if the Division of Motor Vehicles is still named in the latest version of the bill but it was definitely in this one. Why? Are we headed towards a medical FICO score where people will be denied coverage or reimbursement for declining standard of care treatments?
- shall be used to help ensure registrants receive all recommended vaccines in a timely manner. What does this mean, to help ensure? If NJ passes minor consent laws (or even if it does not), will children be vaccinated in schools? Who’s ensuring this and how will they do it?
- will help control communicable diseases by assisting in the identification of persons who require immediate immunization during an outbreak. What does this mean, especially the “immediate immunization” part? Are you knocking on doors? Who decides this? What about parental consent or quarantine?
- will contain the authentic immunization and other preventive health screening records plus detailed information on medical exemptions including documentation. What about medical records privacy? Is the entire community entitled to know? Is this connected to the new psych screening bill called A3926 that will require all children to be screened for depression (and medicated)? And by the way, children with Hepatitis B and HIV cannot be denied school admission under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Does this make any sense? Are these children required to disclose their private medical information to various unnamed entities, too?
- will contain the name of physician writing a medical exemption including all contact information and NPI number. Why isn’t the doctor’s letter sufficient? Will the state be using the registry to monitor and reprimand for “excessive” exemption activity?
Yes, it’s possible to decline participation in the registry. The amendment even addresses one dimension of discrimination to protect families who choose to opt out: “A health care provider shall not discriminate in any way against a person solely because the person elects not to participate in the registry.” However, this raises more questions than it answers. After all, the state is using NJIIS to implement big pieces of S2173… so how will this work?
Oh, and if I read it correctly, prior language preventing the use of information in the registry in a punitive manner was put back in. Are they sanctioning the punitive use of information?
#8: Don’t sign if you don’t agree
The amendment further requires non-compliant parents to sign a form stating that they understand the risks and benefits of vaccination to the child and to public health.
The state knows that some people don’t agree with the alleged benefits of vaccines and others don’t believe that they should have to take risks to protect other people.
We should never sign something we don’t agree with because it can be used against us. Except that the state knows parents really want to keep children in school.
#9: No help on the medical exemption
The amendment specifies that medical exemptions must be based on valid medical reasons consistent with guidelines issued by the ACIP/CDC and subject to approval by physicians employed by or consulting for the state.
This is the narrowest definition and almost no one is eligible. Per the CDC and a provision in the amendment that allows exemptions for siblings of vaccine injured (or deceased) children compensated by the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, you basically have to have sacrificed one child to know you have family susceptibilities in order to obtain an exemption.
It’s already exceptionally challenging to obtain a medical exemption and getting harder every day. Ask California what’s coming next. Everyone should look at the newly passed SB276 that essentially sounds the death knell for medical exemptions. California doctors are permitted to write four medical exemptions. Write a fifth and all five are invalidated plus the licensing board will pay a call. More info here.
#10: Why include college students?
New York didn’t. Unless, of course, we’re sliding towards adult mandates. Heads up teachers and professors, health care workers, first responders, corporate park employees, not to mention people in shopping malls, movie theaters, sports stadiums, and so on. How far will this go?
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This has been a tough discussion. I’d like to close on a hopeful note.
If we’re able to pull back for a moment, we will see that something big has shifted. Many thousands are engaging and showing up. People are getting informed and reaching out to their representatives. We are observing how the legislative process works and does not work. We are seeing what is fair and what doesn’t smell right.
This issue was never simply about a bill. No matter whether S2173 passes or dies this session, nothing will be the same. Yes, there’s more work to be done. And yes, thanks to so many amazing, brave, determined, generous, inspired, and hopeful souls who care deeply about this issue, The People are participating in our governance. We’re working towards the kind of society we want.
Happy new year — 20/20 — the year of clarity of vision is upon us. Onward!
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A travesty. We (our children) have become nothing more than herded cattle. Whatever new vaccine they come up with and add to the already daunting schedule, we bow. This isn’t a free country, our children no longer belong to us, and neither do our bodies.
Disgusting what these CORRUPT bought off politicians(Merck reps) are getting away with. Time to wake up people!
I live in NJ and I am actually sickened by this bill. Corrupt NJ taking away our religious freedom and now taking advantage of our children. Poison them for a profit😡
People need to get out in the streets , hound their representatives . Election coming , it’s the perfect time to state your demands .
Would also be a great time to support the current leader who has proven he is for American rights and America .
Noise from the right is much needed .
VOTE NO! this isn’t about vaccines it’s about taking our rights away as humans and Americans.
Unbelievable.
Unfortunately you are allowing the magician to distract you with the other hand. If the amended bill passes, NO ONE must obey it, because it is IMPOSSIBLE.
Legislators are restrained by law. The state government has a law code. The Federal government has a law code. Never the two shall meet.
The ELEPHANT in the S2173 bill (amended or unamended) is the PRODUCT referred to as both “immunization” and “vaccine.” Neither terms are given LEGAL definitions. By dictionary definition, these two terms do not mean the same thing.
By definition, “immunization” is the act of producing immunity (as in to a disease.) If one has immunity to a particular disease, they do NOT get the disease.
One definition to the word “vaccine” is the original meaning: “cow pox.”
Both terms are used in S2173 as if they are interchangeable. Obviously, they are not. They render the bill MEANINGLESS. For fun, let’s just use the word “immunization.” This means that the state has a PRODUCT THAT GUARANTEES CONFERRED IMMUNITY TO EVERY CHILD. This product does NOT exist! Even if it did, the only SCIENTIFIC METHOD to PROVE immunity is to expose EACH CHILD to the specific disease to see if they get it. This would have to be done to EVERY CHILD for EVERY disease BEFORE they are allowed to enter school. It should be continually monitored in case the protection WANES. There is no language in S2173 to address this.
The BIGGEST ELEPHANT in the room is the FEDERAL LAW. The CURRENT PRODUCT the state of New Jersey injects into kids before entering school (unless they have a religious exemption) is the FEDERALLY REGULATED “Taxable Vaccine.” The state of New Jersey has NO control over this product except to choose to purchase it. FEDERAL LAW controls the DEFINITION of this product. It is the ONLY definition that counts in a court of law. This definition listed in the Federal Code is a part of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.
This body of law set up Federal liability protection for vaccine manufacturers AS WELL AS nurses, health care workers, doctors, health clinics- anyone involved with administering the TAXABLE VACCINE. Also within this PACKAGE of liability protected vaccine is a legal description of a no-fault/payout capped VACCINE COURT. This court is run by FEDERAL Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. Citizens claiming Taxable Vaccine injury attempt entrance to this court to make claims. The Court has a LIMITED Table of Vaccine Injuries which it will pay for (if proven). Payments have an upper limit cap. So, WHERE DOES THIS MONEY COME FROM? The Federal government TAXES each vaccine purchased from manufacturers. The money is kept in the U.S. Treasury until needed for an injury claim payout.
ALSO, in this PACKAGE DEAL, is the citizens’ right to INFORMED CONSENT. The Federal government, BY LAW only “recommends” taxable vaccines.
In September of 2019, I inquired of the HHS the following:
“Please give me the legal definition for the term “vaccine” as used in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (Vaccine injury Table) described in “National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act 1986” Public Law 99-660 Nov. 14, 1986, 42 USC 300aa-14 “Vaccine Injury Table” Sec. 2114 (a).
Does the new Heplisav-B product fit this definition? It is not an attenuated virus. It is an artificial recombinant DNA product with a novel adjuvant, Toll-like receptor 9 agonist.
“Dynavax is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on leveraging the power of the body’s innate and adaptive immune responses through toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Dynavax discovers and develops novel vaccines and immuno-oncology therapeutics. The Company’s first commercial product, HEPLISAV-B® [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted], is approved in the U.S. for prevention of infection caused by all known subtypes of hepatitis B virus in adults age 18 years and older.” (April 18, 2019 Press Release)
I look forward to your response.”
This was the answer I got:
“Per 26 USC 4132, this would be a covered vaccine under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Here is a link to an additional reference: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2006-title26/pdf/USCODE-2006-title26-subtitleD-chap32-subchapC-sec4132.pdf
Respectfully;
Dale Mishler, DHSc, MS, APRN
Captain, United States Public Health Service
Chief, Countermeasures and Review Panel Branch
Division of Injury Compensation Programs
Healthcare Systems Bureau
Health Resources and Service Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services”
Here is a link to the FEDERAL LEGAL DEFINITION of the terms “Taxable Vaccine” and “vaccine”:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2006-title26/pdf/USCODE-2006-title26-subtitleD-chap32-subchapC-sec4132.pdf
Title 26- Internal Revenue Code
p. 2530, Section 4132
” 4132. Definitions and special rules
(a) Definitions relating to taxable vaccines
For purposes of this subchapter—
(1) Taxable vaccine
The term ‘‘taxable vaccine’’ means any of the following vaccines which are manufac- tured or produced in the United States or en- tered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing:
(A) Any vaccine containing diphtheria tox- oid.
(B) Any vaccine containing tetanus toxoid.
(C) Any vaccine containing pertussis bac- teria, extracted or partial cell bacteria, or specific pertussis antigens.
(D) Any vaccine against measles.
(E) Any vaccine against mumps.
(F) Any vaccine against rubella.
(G) Any vaccine containing polio virus. (H) Any HIB vaccine.
(I) Any vaccine against hepatitis A.
(J) Any vaccine against hepatitis B.
(K) Any vaccine against chicken pox.
(L) Any vaccine against rotavirus gastro-
enteritis.
(M) Any conjugate vaccine against strep-
tococcus pneumoniae.
(N) Any trivalent vaccine against influ-
enza.
(O) Any meningococcal vaccine.
(P) Any vaccine against the human
papillomavirus.
(2) Vaccine
The term ‘‘vaccine’’ means any substance designed to be administered to a human being for the prevention of 1 or more diseases.”
We see from these definitions that only CONGRESS can modity the “Taxable Vaccine” list. Only CONGRESS can DEFINE “vaccine.”
According to the one sentence definition, a “Taxable Vaccine” can have ANYTHING in it (even neurotoxins aluminum and mercury), it doesn’t have to work (just “designed”), it must attempt to “prevent” (NOT induce immunity), ANY DISEASE (not limited to communicable disease). A PHARMA WET DREAM!
BACK TO THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
It is clear from the above info that S2173 describes a UNICORN product. It doesn’t exist! Even if it did, by rewriting STATE law, removing religious exemption, they have created a NEW PRODUCT that has NO LIABILITY PROTECTION. The bill makes no provision for a “taxable immunization” with a legal body to make payouts for injury by collecting state taxes. THEREFORE, any citizen can SUE the state for FRAUD if they claim a Federal TAXABLE VACCINE is a New Jersey “immunization” or “vaccine”. They can DIRECTLY SUE the nurse, doctor, health care worker, etc. for ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON if a child is “immunized” against their will. If a child is willingly “immunized” and is injured, they can sue the state for damages in a regular court WITH NO CAPPED PAYOUT.
NEW JERSEY CITIZENS HAVE THE LAW ON THEIR SIDE. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO STOP THIS IN ITS TRACKS.
I
Thanks to Louise Kuo Habakus for this brilliant analysis.
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S2173 was amended yesterday on the floor of the Senate. Please review this article that points out the flaws of this bill and exactly what legislators need to be alerted to TODAY!
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Religious persecution is defined as violence or discrimination against religious minorities, actions which are intended to deprive minorities of political rights and force them to assimilate, leave, or live as second-class citizens.[1] In the aspect of state policy, it may be defined as violations of freedom of thought, conscience and belief spread by systematic and active state policy and actions of harassment, intimidation and punishment that infringes or threatens the right to life, integrity or liberty.
there is no mass health risk. When the quarter of the population gets the plague or something sure but in a country of 300 million even several thousands get measles etc that’s not a health risk. Better chance of an auto accident death than catching a life threatening disease from a non or under vaxxed child. Fear mongering and religious persecution.
and almost zero death from measles.
Please read so you can honestly say you are forming an educated opinion.
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The final vote on S2173 will be on Monday. Urge all state Senators to vote “no”!
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Please take a moment to read this article. It will offer some clarity to anyone who is still unaware or not sure what is going on.
My friends- I’m sure you can find a minute.
Please share it with friends, neighbors, co-workers etc.
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Fantastic analysis! An intelligent and completely realistic way to fully comprehend what is truly going on here. Will be sharing with everyone!
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Louise has written an excellent breakdown of the amendment that passed the New Jersey Senate last night. Brush up on these points so you can get those lawmakers on the phone TODAY.
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Thank you for keeping us updated. Is it known when the voting will be?
monday! we have only today to get this done!!!
good luck! (I am from the Netherlands so unfortunately I can only send my love to support you guys)
WikiHow.com: How to get vaccinated without parental consent
this article says updated January 9, 2020. I wonder when the original was posted. This is ridiculous! Pushing their agenda…really makes you think this is about public health! 🙄
Is Merck headquartered in NJ ? If so, its possible that employees influenced the amendment to provide an “out” for their own families, knowing better than everyone, what is in those vials. Just my thoughts.
Makes me think We can tell which states will have mandates based in Mercks expansion plans.
yes, and great point!
Albany too. Merck moved into Albany now there’s mandates.
Employees of vaccine makers Merck, GlaxoSmithKline and SanofiAventis are paid very well. They can afford to send their children to private schools.
Jennie Conant Macauley
I know. It’s disgusting
Religious beliefs belong to all children and parents not just those who can afford private education
If religious beliefs aren’t allowed in Public School then remove all kosher and hala and vegan meals from Public School menus IMMEDIATELY
And serve everyone PORK equally
Religious beliefs aren’t allowed now😏💉💰🇺🇸
I like your comment 😎
So they admitted that this was never really about the “greater good” or “public health” the is simply about the removal of religious freedom. This is religious discrimination! AND further it’s discrimination against the unwealthy! What they’re saying her is that if you can afford private school – like the people VOTING on this bill… you are protected! Are they passing an amendment that would protect their own children?!
This is wrong on so many levels! NJ, leave religious exemptions alone!!
the ones I have called are not answering
Religious beliefs belong to all children and parents not just those who can afford private education
If religious beliefs aren’t allowed in Public School then remove all kosher and hala and vegan meals from Public School menus IMMEDIATELY
And serve everyone PORK equally
Religious beliefs aren’t allowed now😏💉💰🇺🇸
Thank you, Louise, as always, for being a voice when so many others cannot. The groundswell will carry that voice forward.
Thank you! Can to clarify if it is private schools or just Religious private schools? What about the approved private schools (APS)….those are the ones reserved only for public schools to refer special needs kids to at public expense?
Hi, Jessica. It’s all private facilities (schools, day care centers). I don’t know about APS. The amendment raises far more questions and concerns than it addresses.
Copied…
“So the bill was amended and passed the assembly tonight, it goes to the senate on Monday! The amendments from what I understand are that you can use a religious exemption for private and religious schools IF they accept you and most WILL NOT. Then they will have to keep a tally of those who are unvaccinated. So basically IF you can afford to pay taxes for public school, as well as now pay a private tuition you can keep your parental rights! SO YOU WHO OPT OUT OF FLU, HPV,MMR, ETC…YOU WILL NOW HAVE TO PAY TO SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL OR YOU WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO INJECT THEM…IF THIS PASSES MONDAY! I understand we all cant be there but everyone can tweet, call, email the senators!! Both democrat and republican bc our Republican Senator turned on us tonight, i’m sure he was paid off! CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED NUMBERS, TWITTERS AND EMAILS!”
#votenotos2173 #freedomofreligion #killthebill #wherethereisrisktheremustbechoice”
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😭😔
If you read nothing else about S2173 please at least read this. An amendment was added yesterday after a vote with 7 abstentions. 7 people who are supposed to make good decisions for us remained quiet. I applaud them for not making an uninformed bad snap decision, as some did last evening, clearly without reading the amendments they agreed upon or understanding their implications.
This is NOT about VAX versus anti-VAX. I urge you to read this and then look at the flawed amendments closely. These are the decisions being made for us by the people we put in charge to represent us? A senator who admittedly doesn’t VAX his own family made a last minute decision to support this? Cmon, you can’t deny Pharma funding being the push once you really look at this. There is no public health crisis, they are rushing this for different reason.
The amendments made to this bill are not democratic, they are segregating.
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Thank you for posting & I believe you are correct that this issue goes beyond Vax or Anti-vax. My concerns are with Section 6(a)2 “bona fide religious tenets or practices of the Student.” Anytime the State is granted the right to determine if a Citizen’s practice is ‘bona fide’ to their religion is cause for alarm in my eyes. That said, I do agree with the Emergency provision in the original language of the same section (e.g. think Chris Christie and the NJ EWR Ebola exposure scare). Much more to follow I am sure.
The amendments are classist and an a egregious violation of constitutional rights. It’s basically stating that if you have the money to do so, you can have your religious freedoms if a school decides you may. That is, if you can get through other parents. Otherwise, too bad. It is the most absurd thing. Are they to wear a big V on their chest as well? Separation of church and state. Why are they deciding what religion is? Sweeney himself needs education. He states vaccines no longer contain aborted fetal tissue. It is a fact that they do. They also contain animal organs and tissue, against people’s religious beliefs.
S2173 was amended yesterday on the floor of the Senate. Please review this article that points out the flaws of this bill and exactly what legislators need to be alerted to TODAY!
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Time to leave New Jersey – why not put arm bands on these kids- these politicians make me SICK
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It’s sad, we have been saying the same thing
its disgusting… I don’t know how they sleep at night
they sleep blanketed with money provided to them by the pharmaceutical companies
They will get every state eventually. One by one it’s a plan and IL being so horrid shall probably be up next.
I just can’t even wrap my brain around what I’m reading here
We are not leaving. We stopping this bill and electing 120 new reps who will defend our freedom.
ill campaign hard against any of these clowns
I’m with you LizJane
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Did you read the S2173 amendment yet? You should. Legislators will tell you they addressed our concerns. Not quite. Here’s the analysis.
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Great summary. I needed that.
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EVERYONE PLEASE READ!! IF THIS PASSES ITS GOING TO EFFECT EVERYONE!!! NO MORE CHOICE!
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Happening now in New Jersey…
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Great article ❤️ 👇👇👇
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Read it! you have enough time to take stupid ass what kind of spirit animal am I test…you can read how your kids will be affected
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Please read. Get educated. Get informed. This will affect everyone.
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well written
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horrible people
NJ friends – info on what happened yesterday
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#NewJersey what the #S2173 amendments mean
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A breakdown of what the amended bill. I can’t even wrap my head around it yet. To me it looks like a messy and embarrassing price of work from our law makers, that clearly doesn’t fix anything.
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Thank you for posting this. I am at a loss for words. I am so sad that this is what it has come to. And if people feel they don’t have to worry because their kids are grown think again. We are all at risk here. This goes far beyond vaccinations!!!!!!!!!
Please Read and act
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I was there. It was thousands not hundreds of people. Here’s a update on where this bill has gone, vote is on Monday.
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WTH????? Supposedly getting rid of the religious exemption is for the publics safety but if they go to private school they don’t go in public????
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To read later, my NJ friend says these amendments are far worse. We need to all step up because this is coming our way! Lose of parental rights! Government overstepping, schools giving medical shots. Wake up.
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I’ll be in Trenton on Monday- with the thousands of other people
I’m not one to post political things but what is going on in the state on NJ is scary. My kids are vaccinated up to what was required by age 5. Hell, I got a note home from school on the second day saying that Hailey was missing one (which i knew since she had not had her 5 year well visit yet) and we got it taken care of. Logan has not had a flu shot since pre school and has been sick 1 time in the last 6 years. Hailey and I would get the flu shot and both of us were sick multiple times (even getting the flu multiple times).
There is a vaccine (HPV) that would be coming up for Logan in the next year that I am not comfortable with. What the state is trying to do is say that how you feel doesn’t matter- he has to have it. And a few years from now Hailey will have to do the same. How is that their decision to make?
I am not anti-vax. I am pro choice. The amendment to this horrible bill makes it even worse. You can have a choice only if you can afford to send your child to private school (have you seen the tuition amounts)- but the school itself can decide whether or not to allow you admission. How does any intelligent person think that this would be acceptable?
#VoteNoS2173
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How is it even possible that people abstained from voting??? That boggles my mind…Do they not want to show what assclowns they are for fear that they will lose their seat??? Smh
I’m hoping they don’t want to give Sweeney any ammo….they were strong arming Lagana in December he was the reason why it was pulled.
I pray to god that’s the reason
Well said Vicki! It’s not about being against vaccines, it’s about the choice being taken away from the parents!
same!!
I completely agree with you.
They can arrest me
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T.H.I.S.
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Amazing article Louise!!
Louise is amazing. She’s so intelligent and articulate. Please read. Scary times indeed.
“… ignorance and fear go together like tea and cookies. It will take one “outbreak” of a few measles cases for panic and vigilante initiative to set in. A whole lot more education is needed. Will facilities also post that billions of dollars have been paid to families as part of the national vaccine injury compensation program and vaccine makers and medical providers are not liable for any harm and death caused by vaccines?
“At best, there’s going to be a lot more discussions about vaccines. This is an issue that doesn’t hold up well to scrutiny and thoughtful conversation.”
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You may not think this legislation affects you or your children or your grandchildren but it will one day. This is a gateway bill. It opens the door for the government having control over your body and that of your child(ren). It is discriminatory and elitist. This is beyond the pro verses anti vaccine narrative (if you are still stuck in that mindset, keep scrolling). If you want to learn more, feel free to privately reach out to me.
Louise Kuo Habakus breaks down why this is a bad bill and why you should be concerned:
#1: The religious exemption is struck from the books
#2: Public school kids are SOL.
#3: It’s pay to play… yet again
#4: Private schools have some dodgy requirements
#5: It’ll get ugly — let rich parents duke it out
#6: Is a free for all good public policy?
#7: The vaccine registry is a massive privacy issue
#8: Don’t sign if you don’t agree
#9: No help on the medical exemption
#10: Why include college students?
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One world government!
Bingo, Carina Marie!! United Nations Agenda 21 is alive and well.
I would also like to add that this is discriminatory against special needs as well. I could be wrong but it is my understanding that many, if not most private schools require a certain GPA or entry test level. And do not have special needs support.
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Everyone stay positive. We can still do this on Monday. These amendments are horrific and the people that abstained from a vote on them yesterday may be calculated. We are working hard today.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻
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Such great perspective. I do not reside in New Jersey but believe you are a fighting a fight for all of us. Praying for your rights from Indiana.
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As always, Louise Kuo Habakus gets to the heart of the matter.
S2173 didn’t get better. It just got more exclusive.
Please read to see if you qualify for religious freedom under the new amendments.
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Where is the ACLU and the ACLJ on this?
crickets…..
Bought
We ARE getting involved in ways we never had before in the legislative process. Amen, Louise! Amazing synopsis of the latest. Sending our love to you & yours (miss you!).
“The state of New Jersey will no longer acknowledge the rights and legitimacy of citizens to decline an invasive and serious medical intervention — acknowledged to cause catastrophic harm and death to some who receive them”
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Are you watching what is happening in NJ with SB 2173 to remove religious exemptions to shots? What a saga! This post breaks down the newly proposed amendment (which does not make this bill more palpable). Thoughts?
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It’s disgusting. Now religious freedom has a price tag in NJ. I’m sickened by the level of corruption and outright evil in some of our elected officials.
Praying for NJ legislators to stand up to this corruption on Monday and vote against these amendments and protect parental rights, but it appears they’ve already made their minds up and plan to move forward without regard to the THOUSANDS of people who showed up to protest this bill. 😬🙏🏼
Thank you Mama
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Repost @louisekuohabakus
Can anyone see our rights being taken away here? Come on people wake up, this is going to be used to strip us and then make us submit.
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did you see the amendment in NJ yesterday ? unbelievable
Shakey ground
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You’re fighting for your kids. You’re shouting your hearts out. You’re waking up the sleepers. You’re showing us how it’s done. No matter what the outcome is, you are blazing a new trail, New Jersey. Your numbers, your noise, your dedication to coming day after day. The next state to get hit with this bill will say, “We know what to do now.” They will mobilize faster. They will be louder. They will shut it down.
And, someday, parents will wake up to the fact that putting our own people into office is the only solution. But do it quietly! Except in a few states, the majority of the media and the public are not yet to the point that someone can openly run on the platform of medical freedom. We will get there. In the meantime, sneak your way in.
So well written, thank you
How hard is it to comprehend it’s all about the money?
How hard is it to know health isn’t in a needle?
How hard is it to find your common sense?
So many DO NOT KNOW VACCINE PRODUCERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE! ARE NOT LIABLE IF INJURY OR DEATH OCCURS FROM THEIR PRODUCT!
NOW GO FIND THAT COMMON SENSE AND START ADDING THINGS UP.
Xoxo.
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Great analysis. This bill is beyond atrocious. And I live in CA!
Thank you Louise for summarizing the issues so well!! I was in Trenton on 12/12 and will be there on Monday fighting for my grandchildren and thousands of others. The amended version is unbelievable!! I am passing your excellent article on to hundreds!
Let’s begin with HIPPA violation! Oh, UNLESS you have connections or the private school enrollment.
It’s VIOLATION! An unwanted act on our bodies. Let’s teach our children that NO really means… it depends on who has authority to violate your body. A drug addict, rapist in the school system can now inject our children’s bodies with narcotics, rape drug etc BECAUSE the children will learn THIS CAN BE DONE WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE PARENT.
CHILDREN have been violated, raped within the walls of schools. (girls and boys alike).
We have spent years teaching our children about personal space, improper touching, not taking candy or anything from anyone. NOW we have to say our God Forsaken Government says you have to let people inject (God knows what) into your body!
The Modern Day Hitler in America! It’s on it’s way!
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Well said, from Louise Kuo Habakus:
“If we’re able to pull back for a moment, we will see that something big has shifted. Many thousands are engaging and showing up. People are getting informed and reaching out to their representatives. We are observing how the legislative process works and doesn’t work. We are seeing what is fair and what doesn’t smell right.”
I think the part about seeing how it DOESN’T WORK is key. Whether they want to say it out loud or not, I think a great many people are coming to realize that representative democracy does not do what it says it does.
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After attending several legislative hearings and board of health and board of ed meetings all I could do was encourage people to take a day out of their lives and see for themselves how the wheels turn. I’m sure they would be appalled. The rule breaking alone is incredible.
Such a great learning opportunity.
After one of my experiences I wrote this (2012) it landed in their lap which caused them to review there questionable decision regarding the doctor. They concluded that in spite of it all they were right. That moving the goal posts is fine.
L’etat, C’est Moi
Couldn’t this be interpreted as religious and civil discrimination to essentially force parents, as the only option, to enroll their students in private institutions to protect and obtain their religious rights, notwithstanding these private schools may or may not accept RE’s and IEP’s? Can this be considered an American Civil Liberty violation? Can the Bill of Rights protect our religious freedom against this amendment if this law removes access to exercise our religious rights other than private institutions.
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This makes all vaccine injured public school kids able to sue the state for damages. Where there is risk there must be choice. Where there is no choice, there is fault. Fault cost money and the liable will pay.
S2173 was amended yesterday on the floor of the Senate. Please review this article that points out the flaws of this bill and exactly what legislators need to be alerted to TODAY!
See twitter, email and phone contact info in comments
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Excellent summary. This is a very complex bill and battle. You did a great job explaining it.
This bill, in my opinion, has been written in such a way that once its gets out of the corrupt NJ legislative leadership hands & out of the liberal NJ courts, it will be found unconstitutional (not only the US Constitution but the NJ Constitution) for a number of reasons and in opposition to the Nuremberg Code.
In the end, by the grace of God, corruption in NJ will be exposed, the CDC and big a Pharma lies will be exposed, and children in NJ and across the world will no longer be forced to be inoculated with toxins causing all kids of injury.
Thank you again. Let the TRUTH be told far and wide!!
This is terrifying and far reaching. Even if you are pro vaccine you should not be for this bill. If the government can decide what to to put in someone’s body and allow a registry of who has what, imagine what’s next. As this article states, we’re heading down a path where medical coverage can be denied if you refuse treatments. (I didn’t say vaccines, because it won’t stop there.) Dont give away your medical freedom and yours and your children’s medical rights.
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NJ
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This has gone way beyond if you are for or against vaccinations! Read Louise analysis and see if you still feel comfortable with this garbage legislation. Rise up and stand up for your children!
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Thank you Senator Joe Pennacchio for lending your voice to protect NJ citizens! #VoteNoS2173 #ReligiousFreedom
Pennacchio S-2173 Discriminates Against State’s Children
Senator Joe Pennacchio
S-2173 Discriminates Against State’s Children
January 10, 2020
Contact: Amie Grasso / (973) 227-4012
Senator Pennacchio (R-26) released the following statement on S-1273:
In a statement about S-2173, Sen. Joe Pennacchio said the bill is unfair to poor and minority children whose parents cannot afford to send them to private schools. (SenateNJ.com)
“S-2173 was amended in the legislature yesterday to allow for private schools to opt out of the vaccine mandate. Regardless how one feels about the issue of vaccinations, when it comes to children we should be in agreement that all laws must be equally applied. Children should not be an exception – poor, urban, mostly minority children will be forced to abide by one set of rules that does not apply to children whose parents can afford to send them to private schools.
“The Supreme Court decided long ago that a child’s educational experience cannot be ‘separate but equal.’ Public policy that applies to one must apply to all. S-2173 was doomed to the ash heap of ill-conceived legislation. However, to curry favor and an additional vote, the bill was amended to carve out a private school exemption. This made a bad bill even worse and a more dubious one.
“Since when do we remove the parental rights of one group of our citizens at the expense of another, based on ability to pay? S-2173’s legislative life should come to an immediate end. Our children deserve better.”
This bill is HORRIBLE!!!!
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I am still in awe of how many people still don’t see this as it is…… complete disregard of the Constitution!
‼️A MUST READ‼️
Did you read the S2173 amendment yet? You should. Legislators will tell you they addressed our concerns. Not quite. Here’s my analysis.- Louise Kuo Habakus
#VoteNoS2173
#VoteNoA3818
#Whatarewedoing
#ReligiousFreedom
#MyChildMyChoice
Declan J. O’Scanlon Jr.-this amendment is a travesty!
This is no longer about public health to you and all who are voting for this Unconstitutional Bill. By adding this amendment you have exposed your true colors! To you all it is purely about Money! This amendment is giving the Rich a way out! Pay up or suffer….
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Another MUST READ…..very SCARY NJ PEOPLE (and more states to come)!! Educate yourself and get involved!
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Thank you Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley for recognizing that S2173/A3818 is a bad bill for New Jersey citizens!
We appreciate your support & stand with you brave Assemblyman! Support our supporter by attending or donating to his event 1.22.20‼️
See you in Trenton Monday 1.13.20! #VoteNoA3818 #VoteNoS2173 #ReligiousFreedom #InformedConsent #dontsegregategardenstate
@jamelholley tweeted on 1/9/20
It’s a bad bill and my colleagues in the Senate should vote NO!! This is about freedom and humanity. I’m with the parents and the children until the end.
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Again you hit the nail on the head Louise and I thank you for that. I’m sharing this everyone I know. Love you 😘
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Bad bill, got worse. #discrimination
If you have money, you can buy your way out! 😐
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New Jersey is on the road to completely removing the first amendment rights of the middle and lower class.
Wow, Louise…. you have really done your homework, and conveyed all the key points in such a lucid and passionate way! Brava! And so importantly, your passion hasn’t clouded your lucidity. I’ll be sharing this everywhere that it is pertinent!
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Written by someone I am honored to know Louise Kuo Habakus
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Amazing!!
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The way the bill is written a sibling exemption is impossible based on the way cases are settled in vaccine court. Health and Human Services (HHS) never concedes causation in a settled case. There is merely a monetary compensation with HHS through their attorneys at the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) stating they do not believe the vaccine caused the injury but are willing to settle. This will not be enough for the sibling exemption in NJ. A family will now be subjected to a full trial (which could take years) in order to receive a court decision (not a stipulation of settlement) which compiles with this new abomination of a bill.
https://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/aggregator/sources/7
Here is the link to the court, read the settlement decision for yourself, clearly our politicians did not.
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Going far beyond vax or no vax
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Louise,
Thank you again for the information: so much more to learn in our fight for freedom and health. You have eloquently expressed so many of my concerns.
May I offer a few points for further thought and research? I would be interested in any information you can offer.
1 When a child is born, we are given the option to sign papers opting out of the vaccine registry. A few years ago I learned that option was rescinded and all pediatricians were required to input patients into the registry by a deadline or incur fines. I believe there is a new opt-out form to fill out, but I am not sure it will be effective after the fact.
2 Do you have a link where we can find the ACIP/CDC guidelines for medical exemptions?
3 Creating an exemption for students in private school could definitely create a segregated society where those who can afford the private schools can choose their vaccination status and those who are financially less privileged can not.
It can also discriminate against children with special needs who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. All children, including those with special needs are entitled to a “Free Appropriate Public Education”. Many can not attend private schools because the necessary special education services are offered in public school and would be prohibitively expensive privately.
4 Concerning the posting of vaccine policy and rates at the doors to a private school: I suspect this could have an unexpected effect. It could deter some people from enrolling in the private schools. A drop in enrollment may slowly lead to the closing of many private schools.
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This bill is entirely unamerican, and needs to be trashed! Anyone voting for this bill, has to be voted out of office.
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Your website has been a great help to me in getting up to speed re opposition to S2173 and vaccine safety.
Your recent flash post re the S2173 amendment is wonderful: so much detail, so fast, and probably on little sleep!
I plan to be in Trenton Monday, 1/13. In preparation, I have developed the following material in poster and flyer form. If you can make use of this, feel free to do so. I can provide as PDFs.
1) Trust me! It’s safe and effective (witch handing poisoned apple to Snow White)
2) Safe and effective???? PROVE IT, CDC! Compare health of 1,000 all-vaxxed kids to 1,000 vax-free kids.
The second piece challenges CDC to do definitive research, may provide be an effective theme for future efforts.
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Hello Louise,
Ten years ago you helped me make a decision not to inoculate my middle son for meningitis when he went off to college. My other two sons have autism and cerebral palsy.
You did not tell me what to do but rather gave me the facts. I strongly believe I made the correct decision.
I feel very strongly that it is our right to decide what we put into our bodies. This issue is coming around again as my son and his wife are expecting in May.
I have taken the liberty to send you a prayer below because I also believe in their power. Seta is a healer in NJ. I know that our collective prayers in addition to your advocacy will make a difference.
With Many Blessings,
Lily Grinsberg.
The amended bill and the original is surreal to me. It is insane forcing us to vaccinate our children. It is unconstitutional and Infuriating. The fact alone that the drug companies don’t have to take responsibility for the consequences of the vacs shows their are dangers in the vacs. The fact that the government is “handling” vac cases show they are in cahoots with the drug companies. Our founding fathers are rolling in their graves from the actions of our government. Sweeney is making the removal of RE all about him. It’s his personal mission to end RE’s no matter what facts and compelling stories he hears. He doesn’t care. For everyone who voted for him…please do not vote for a Democrat again. People comment that it is not a Democrat/Republican issue, but it is. Tell me one Republican who voted for this bill. You are taking a big chance voting for a Democrat after what is happening now.
Amazing how our legislators can be so corrupt. This is disgusting
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This is a long read, but if you love having freedom, take time to read it. This is happening in more and more states, and yours may be next. They are coming and won’t stop unless we stand up for freedom.
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This amended bill is first and foremost a Trojan horse. There is nothing fair about it as it is oppressive to those who cannot afford private school and it attempts to deny privacy only to those who choose religious exemption through tracking the numbers who choose exemption. What is this purpose? What will this be used for? Furthermore, private schools most likely will not be willing to accept all of these religious exemptions because in communities where there are not private school parents will be looking to neighboring communities schools which would create imbalance and overcrowding. Most importantly, many private schools DO NOT offer services nor do they have the capacity to handle students with IEPS and special education. Once again, gross negligence in trying to push through legislation in order win, without thoughtful consideration of constituents. You are creating a multitude of issues in order to be able to say you won. I his may be merely a game to you but sadly, it devastating to the lives of some of the most vulnerable constituents you are supposed to represent! I implore you to walk in those shoes. You do not have to agree, but you do not have the right to play god with peoples lives and assume that your belief is paramount over another’s just because you were elected. Please, Choose to be a good human on Monday 1/13/2020 and vote no on s2173
This is simply wrong. Where are our constitutional rights?
The Pertussis Vaccine landed Billy at 1 month age in hospital. He was in for over a week with 104 temp.
Pediatrician said, this can be catastrophic. He became a different baby, I had to wake him up to feed him.
These doctors told me he had bad reactions to the pertussis vaccine. We never finished the pertussis vaccine schedule.
These damn doctors who deny the vaccines related to brain damage, are imo protecting the big pharma money making companies. The chief of Neurology at Columbia U in the midst of investigating my son’s case, then my son’s Pediatrician Dr Fox died.
For all you Moms out there, “Fight like mad” not to vaccinate your babies until at least 7 months old.
My son paid the price and had to be institutionalized.
I ask all legislators “Vote No”
For this bill”.
My son also. After a week from his DPT my son had severe seizures that left his brain “unfunctionable”
God bless you and your family, Martha Earl Cray. Thank you for your testimony and for all you’ve done to help other families.
I wasn’t there to testify, but I was years back when I met you and Rita Marie in Trenton for your Bill.
When I saw this post of Rita’s, I was outraged.
Jane Tallman has been active in this bill and is among the protesters shown in photo.
You testify (in the court of public opinion) every time you share your story
Does the failure to pass this wicked bill today mean that it cannot be brought back tomorrow, January 14th? Also, if it was defeated this legislative session does that mean it has to go through a long process before it comes up for vote again?
Hi, JR. It can be brought back on January 14 or early the following legislative session. Senate President Sweeney has repeatedly emphasized his intention to get it done as soon as possible. See my post today for my takeaways from the process to-date.