SB276

What if there were no direct arrows pointing you in an absolute direction? What if there was room to bend, or even twist? What if we could talk about possibilities without the fear of being bullied or shut down, but rather listened to and guided by information you might know that I do not yet? What if we could really talk about intense controversial topics with understanding and love (even if you adamantly disagree)? Here is where our spirituality comes into practice most.  Sure it is easy to be about peace and love when it is sunny outside, but when you brush up against values or beliefs that you do not share, who do you become? Do you ask questions with love, or do you shut your ears and not listen? Do you kindly express how you disagree or do you berate the person behind the safety of a keyboard?

Last week before David and I started our podcast I told him what I did earlier that day. I went to talk to our district legislator to oppose a bill. That bill is SB276. This bill concerns vaccines and the doctor patient relationship it will jeopardize. I talked to David about my questions and my concerns regarding this bill and our current vaccine schedule, he listened intently with love. I appreciated that so much.  He said that he had not heard anyone explain their view as level headed as I was trying to explain the issue and perhaps we should talk about this as our topic on the podcast today?

My heart sunk...I wasn't sure I wanted to talk about such a heated topic. Not because I don't think this topic needs to be discussed and looked at beyond mere memes and one liners (this subject needs an in depth conversation) BUT because I was afraid. I was afraid of being bullied online. In the end I decided I should not let fear get in the way of an important topic that should be openly and honestly discussed. I am putting trust in you all that you will do this.

I am neither pro or anti vaccine, I am pro informed consent. I am just interested in figuring out what all sides of the conversation are. I truly see benefits in vaccinations and I also see things of deep concern. I also believe that there is not a one size fits all approach to this issue because our bodies are all so different. I have looked into this topic far more intensely than the average person, I have looked at countless studies on both sides, I have read books, articles, opinions pieces, meandered through our VAERS system, read the inserts, talked to informed people ...and even after all that I am not saying I have the right conclusion.  Honestly the more I dig the more unanswered questions I am left with, and to me that really is the issue.

Only through open dialogue can we solve an issue that is currently being subverted through fear.  Without admitting the system could do better how do we solve a problem?

So that is what this podcast is about. Please chime in, but kindly. If you disagree, I honor your position and would love to see and hear your reasons. If you agree, I would like to hear why? My mind is never made up, I commit to being pliable and open,  I hope you will too.

Thank You.