Massachusetts Nurses Association Sues for Right to Endanger Patients

Yesterday, I wrote about how comedian Rob Schneider not only does not know anything about vaccines, but does not seem to understand the Constitution very well, either. Schneider was recently dropped by State Farm Insurance because of his vocal opposition to vaccinations. Understandably, a company that, in part, focuses on public health would not want to be associated with someone who argues against measures aimed at improving public health. The "Makin' Copies" guy has no business going anywhere near health related issues.

As a celebrity, Rob Schneider uses his fame to spread misinformation about vaccines, frightening people away from one of the most successful health measures ever devised. His notions regarding immunizations put others at risk. Public figures, particularly those with some measure of fame, ought to be careful when they speak out on matters of science and medicine. They might think that they are well-informed, but not infrequently, their rhetoric is based on lies and misunderstanding. Though they may seek to help others, they only serve to increase risk. Schneider is but one of the latest actors speaking out on issues for which he has absolutely no qualifications. But he's not the only one who ought to leave well enough alone when it comes to people's health.

MNA - Working to increase patient risk

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) apparently shares some of Schneider's misguided ideas of personal liberty at the expense of patients.

Thoughts on the 2013 Boston Marathon

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you probably know that on April 15, 2013 there were two explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Some of you might not be aware that I am in the Boston area. For those that do, this post is mainly to let you all know that I am okay, but I also wanted to get some of my thoughts out about the day's events. I will do my best to stick to the facts and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims.

Debating Physician-Assisted Suicide in Massachusetts

It's election season. And you know what that means: lots of vague generalities that sound like they mean something, ad hominem attacks, creativity with facts and annoying ad after annoying ad. Oh, and topics that get people really worked up, causing people to heatedly argue with each other, often to the point of intense anger. Many of these really are not worth fighting about and, regardless of the outcome, have little, if any, significance. Others, however, really are important and worth resolving and involve difficult ethical issues.

In Massachusetts, one such ethical conundrum is on the ballot: physician-assisted suicide.

A Bill Goes to Beacon Hill

It recently came to my attention that there is a new bill being considered by the state legislature of Massachusetts. It was submitted by petition back in January and does not really have an actual sponsor, though Rep. John Keenan (Salem) is listed. This bill, amending an existing law, would add just one little sentence which would render said law essentially meaningless. Furthermore, the consequences of this one, seemingly innocuous, sentence would be far-reaching in their impact. What is this one little sentence? It is this:

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section a child shall, upon written request of a parent to the school, be admitted to school.

That doesn't sound too bad, right? I mean, parents should be able to write to a school and have their child admitted. After all, the education of children is not only a requirement, but is something that benefits everyone. Everyone should have the opportunity to obtain a good education, to learn valuable skills and expand their knowledge so that they can become useful, contributing members of society for the good of themselves and the community in which they live.

Why would anyone object to that? Certainly I wouldn't, in and of itself. However, as Tim Minchin shows, context is everything (some NSFW language, be sure to watch to the end):

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