Lisa Weisenstein warns against the rise of ever more diseases emerging outstripping the ability of vaccines to guard against disease. While this may be true in the long run, one cannot dispute the great advances in lifespan that have accrued with the adoption of vaccination. While I unequivocally support implementation of Gardasil, that does not mean I condone irresponsible sexual behavior. On the contrary, I believe that Gardasil should be a key component of a comprehensive approach to sexual education that emphasizes safe sexual practices such as condoms and oral contraceptives while also recognizing abstinence as an option.

She also mentions that I labeled schools as part of government. I did so solely because of the existence of the public schooling system. While I do not believe that public schools are an appropriate function of government (and actively support private school vouchers and tax credits for private school education), I believe that given the existing public school system, religious dogma should not be incorporated into their vaccination (and other) requirements. Private schools should be free to promulgate their own vaccination policies for students.

Lastly, Ms. Weisentstein cites figures that state the vast majority of Americans believe in the existence of God. However, irrespective of the proportion of Americans that believe in the existence of God, the government is constitutionally bound to remain neutral on this issue. Government may not establish religion in any way and must treat atheists, agnostics, deists, and religionists exactly the same.

Another post, from Lisa of Butler, questions how I have enough time to participate in this web forum. I believe, as a physician, it is imperative to argue for and explain the principles that guide your practice of medicine. Moreover, I think it essential that all citizens engage themselves in debates on public issues. Complacency is a huge problem that burdens this nation.