The Anti-Vaccine Body Count website is a pretty potent illustration of why vaccination is important. In observing that topic, I would point out that the debate- which is not backed on the “anti-vaccine” side by anything approaching scientific fact- is an important reminder of the value of scientific literacy.
There is a hidden danger lurking in our democratic ideals. It is the fallacy that “every person’s opinion is as valid as the next”. More specifically, it is the idea that every opinion is equally true or correct. Sure, I am as entitled to formulate and possess my own opinion as the next person. I’m entitled to exercise that via the ballot (or other means of voting) when applicable. But the idea that my opinion necessarily carries weight, gravitas, or truth merely because it is the opinion that I am entitled to?
Hogwash.
TMPinSYR 