Religious exemptions — God help us

Making and sustaining political careers seems to have become more vital than ensuring the health of every American, especially children. The State of Florida has moved to end all school vaccine mandates. The very notion is absurd. And it appears that other states will, most certainly, follow, including West Virginia. 

Recently, West Virginia Watch reporter Lori Kersey reported that West Virginia’s new acting health officer, Dr. Mark McDaniel, agrees with Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s position that West Virginia families can opt out of the state’s school vaccination requirements for religious reasons. 

“I agree with Gov. Morrisey’s position that no West Virginian should ever be forced to choose between their religious convictions and access to education,” McDaniel said. He also said that vaccines are “one of the tools proven to reduce disease, hospitalization and death.” He continued, “We respect the role of parents as the primary decision-makers for their children’s health.” If you’re following me, then perhaps you’re as confused as I am. Stay with me.

Kersey referenced a poll released from WV MetroNews indicating that 71% of respondents support the state’s school vaccination requirements. OK. Then why are we accepting Morrisey’s and McDaniel’s move away from what the people of West Virginia have made so clear that they want? Again, absurd. When did “we, the people” become so irrelevant? 

Common sense (which I know has become obviously unassociated with career politicians) shows that vaccines work — have always served as a buffer to preventing disease, hospitalization and death. Let me get this straight: a parent can decide to withhold school vaccine mandates due to religious beliefs, but it’s acceptable that in doing so, their child can spread the disease to other children? Absurd has taken on a whole new meaning. 

McDaniel linked a deadly measles outbreak in Texas to migrants crossing the country’s southern border. I’m certain that you’ll agree that the level of absurdity soars. “Stop illegals from bringing it across the border,” Kersey reported that McDaniel commented on a LinkedIn post. Oh, so now immigration enters the picture. Are you still with me? Are you connecting the dots? Keep in mind that Texas health officials (as reported by Kersey) say they don’t know what led to a measles outbreak that hospitalized nearly 100 people and killed two children. 

Kersey ends her reporting with these words from McDaniel: “[My] commitment as state health officer is to serve the state with honesty, transparency and accountability.” Hmm. Two points: you mean to serve West Virginians, not the state, correct? And we’re all looking for a politician whose core values are honesty, transparency and accountability. We beg to know who they are, because even with the clearest vision, they are nowhere to be found during these most unsettling, turbulent times, not only in West Virginia, but across this great country. God help us, indeed.