Commentary on the News
My friend, Vicki, wrote today and asked, "Really, is the death of Anna Nicole the only thing that has happened in the world?" Let me ask it another way. Remember in elementary school those standardized tests you used to take. Here's one for you...
Which of these does not fit?
A. Nukes in North Korea
B. Terrorism in the Middle East
C. War in Iraq and Afgahnistan
D. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict
E. Anna Nicole's death.
If you answered "D," you were correct. Everything else made headlines today.
In other news, the governor of my state recommends that girls my daughter's age (and even a year younger) get the HPV vaccine as a school requirement.
Sixth grade, folks? I'm one of those parents who is less and less thrilled about the whole less-than-thoroughly-tested immunization thing. I'm also one who feels my daughter has a right, at this stage of her life, to know what the shots she's getting will prevent. Like when she got a flu shot last month, she knew it was for the flu and not for a bronchial infection that the flu might cause. So let's imagine the conversation about the HPV cancer-preventing shot:
"Honey, you need this shot so when you have sex and you get a disease from your partner, you won't get cancer, which can kill you."
"Wait! When I have wh-h-hat?" (She still cringes and makes loud protesting noises when people on TV kiss.)
Let me say this... I think the development of the vaccine is a good thing. The Christian Medical Association thinks it's a good thing. I'm not saying the immunization itself is a bad thing. Honest. I would like to see it tested more. And then, let's leave choice in the equation, okay? I was glad to see the pharmaceutical company backed off. There's a reason this phrase is considered an oxymoron: disinterested lobbyist.
So a) let's call the vaccine what it is (not just about cancer, but sex), and b) let's back off on the whole "mandatory-for-school" thing and c) let's totally reconsider the age thing. I think a girl should be able to spell and at least loosely define menstruation, not to mention experience it at least once, before she has to consider whether to be immunized against the effects of a sexually transmitted disease.