| Last week while testifying in favor of making Ivermectin available to Texans over-the-counter, TFVC Political Director Michelle Evans was met with hostility from Public Health Committee member Representative Lauren Simmons. Even though the bill being heard had nothing to do with vaccines or masks, Rep Simmons took the opportunity to accuse witnesses, Evans in particular, of putting her and her family members at risk by exercising what she referred to as “healthcare choice”. The fallacy of the “greater good” is as unoriginal as it is dangerous.
As Texans, we hold our personal liberties very dear, and the very idea that anyone should have to sacrifice their rights and autonomy to make another person feel safer, healthier or more secure is an affront to the values we should be treating as sacrosanct. How many families of vaccine injured children once thought they were doing what was best for their community when they followed the CDC schedule? How many times must we read about outbreaks in highly vaccinated communities before we understand that herd immunity is an unproven theory based on this “greater good” idea? Rep. Simmons’ remarks serve as a sobering reminder of why TFVC’s work is more critical than ever. When elected officials openly scorn personal medical decisions in the name of collective comfort, we are no longer talking about public health — we are talking about public control. Texans cannot allow emotional rhetoric or political theater to override the hard-earned rights of individuals to make informed, personal choices for themselves and their families. As we approach the 30 day countdown of this Legislative Session, we’re calling on every supporter to dig deep: Register for our Capitol Lobby Day on May 7. Set aside time to respond to alerts. Share our messages, post on social media, and show the legislators that the only path forward is one of empowerment, not coercion and a future where liberty, not fear, leads the way. And tell Public Health Committee Chairman Gary VanDeaver that condoning the behavior of this committee member – especially while he stalls strong medical liberty legislation – is intolerable! |
