Politicians have blissfully short memories, allowing them to make statements that they sound like they actually believe, without having to grapple with the the truth. On Saturday, Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagan-- who is actually a representative on the city's Board of Health --spoke out against HB 2009, a bill that would remove parents' right to choose not to vaccinate their child based on personal beliefs.
"Every time this particular subject comes up, people are talking about the tinfoil hat-wearing folks, et cetera and so forth," said Fagan at a town hall meeting. "But these people have a valid concern; I have a valid concern, and these people are not represented on the Board of Health."
"Can you imagine a world where we would have to show our shot records to get on an airplane?" he continued. "That's coming next!"
(Actually, it's basically already here. Remember Ebola? Remember flight banning? No? Okay.)
Fagan is now facing pressure to step down from the board. Local television station KREM reports:
Fagan said there are studies out there and pending lawsuits that question if immunizations actually help people live a healthy life. He also said he has been expressing his right to free speech.
"I believe that the science of vaccinations is not settled yet," said Fagan.
But other council members on the board say he needs to encourage everyone to get vaccinated.
"He bears a big responsibility being on the health board, to promote public health, to preserve life in Spokane County," said Jon Snyder, a Spokane City Council member.
Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart said, "I don't think he would have been appointed to the Board of Health by this city council had we known that he had anti-vaccination and anti-science views on this issue."
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