The John Adams Society

Joshua R. Regnier

Chairman

Theresa R. Paulson

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor

FEBRUARY 2015

“Having given up autonomy, reason has become an instrument."

― Max Horkheimer

A GOOD PARENT MAKES THE CHOICE THAT IS BEST FOR HER CHILD. The parent is the person that is to protect the child from dangers the world poses. These parents will create the next generation of able bodied tax revenue generators. In some circumstances, the parent must prevent socially accepted norms from harming the child. Vaccinations can pose very serious and moderate side effects in children. For some diseases, there is a comparable risk of long term disability between suffering mal-effects of the disease and suffering mal-effects of the vaccine. 

After all, parental autonomy should be given the utmost respect. Government interference regarding vaccinations is a small step to other government regulations interfering with parental rights. The government has recognized the right to choose to create a family. Thus, the government must also recognize the rights of parents to govern the familial unit’s care and upbringing.

ON THE OTHER HAND, there are many cases of parents who harm their children. Laws have been created to protect children from willful parental harm and neglect. All children have the right to grow into capable, healthy, working adults. Diseases such as measles, rubella, and polio, result in adults with lifelong physical, mental disabilities, or even death. Subjecting a child who wishes to remain healthy to a simple injection is incomparable to subjecting a child to a several month long disease like measles. Thus, government is in the best position protect children from parents who unreasonably fail to protect children from a deadly virus.

THE CHAIRMAN, itching a funny rash on his neck, seeks a debate to settle the question.

RESOLVED: Measles are better than needles!

The Debate will be held on February 18, 2015, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651) 321-8414 or the Secretary at (651) 321-8896.