Megan,
This is frightening, what about spending more money on educating both youth and parents about drugs and their inherent dangers, or better still provide support networks for parents during the various stages of the parenting journey in an attempt to keep parents and their children connected and respecting one another; provide more opportunity for youth at various levels, government, community and family? Surround them with positivity, instill confidence, inherent self worth, respect, ambition - support families to do this, show the way..... On and on I could go and sure its not a fool proof way to prevent drug addiction but the effects of such would be far reaching and improve peoples lives and communities generally. I think it is a much better investment than a vaccine.
This trend towards a quick fix pill for everything, or worse still, an attempt to prevent something that may not happen with the expectation that everyone could become drug addicts and non contributors within society is very negative. It could become a self fulfilling prophecy. That is, if a child learns that they have been vaccinated against potential drug addiction then this may negatively orientate them towards the very thing we are seeking to prevent! Moreover, who wants to live in a country where the government has this negative focus? - how bloody uninspiring! Some positive leadership would be a great start to addressing the issue of drug addiction.
I want to live in a country where parents are given Jean Leidloff's 'Contiuum Concept' or Pinky's 'Parenting by Heart' at the birth of their child and provided with ongoing support. Ideally communities would offer fabulous, all encompassing parenting classes that are so wonderful that they become intrinsic to birth and parenting. If most of us agree that parenting is the most challenging job why is there so little in the way of 'professional development'?
Like any vaccine program it is critical that we allow parents to retain a choice as to whether they do or do not vaccinate. This will allow parents to put in the 'hard yards' to prevent drug addiction the old fashioned way - with active parenting filled with love, support and respect rather than this patheitic, one-dimensional method.
Cheers Rochelle.
----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 8:47 AM
Subject: [ozmidwifery] new baby vaccine
You might debate the necessity of some vaccines, but what about this one (below) I just found on NEWS.com.au ,
How on earth does this make sense?
Cheers Megan
Call for anti-junkie baby jab
February 26, 2005
From: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/?from=ni_story
A GROUP of Queensland politicians want the federal Government to investigate giving an anti-junkie vaccination to babies.
The vaccination, being considered by British MPs, would render children immune to becoming smokers or drug users.
Delegates at this weekend's Queensland Nationals Central Council meeting on the Sunshine Coast will debate a resolution calling for the investigation.
Nationals member Ken Wilson, who is taking the issue to the meeting, said he had the backing of his 90-strong western Brisbane suburbs branch. "Drugs are a scourge," Mr Wilson said.
"I feel strongly about this and I'm inviting the federal Government to investigate it and if it proves worthwhile then do a vaccination program."
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott is yet to be approached to investigate, but a spokeswoman said the vaccine was in the very early development stages.
Drug addiction is estimated to cost the Government $6 billion a year.
This message was sent through MyMail http://www.mymail.com.au
-- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
-- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
