A bunch of nonsense, but that's cool. There is so much evidence that vaccines are harmful. And RFK Jr. is right. They are NEVER tested against real placebos. The makers do not test, and they enjoy virtually absolute liability immunity. What a crock.
I spend my time as a health researcher trying to help people fix issues that medicine almost always makes worse.
Medicine is commanded by giant corporations who control Medicare and we just went through the so-called pandemic and witnessed their power.
That can all be true, and at the same time the regulatory capture by the pharma industry can also be true. When the CDC and FDA recommended Covid vaccinations for children, that should have been the ultimate wakeup call.
For crying out loud, no healthy person under 50 (60?) needed the Covid vax. Covid was no worse than the yearly seasonal flu for the vast majority who did not have two or three severe comorbities.
The notion that children under 18 needed them was absurd. And the notion that children down to six months should get them was outright criminal.
No one should have been forced to get the vax as a condition of employment or education, period! Open your eyes and quit downplaying and making excuses for totalitarianism.
I once believed exactly what Heather Cook claims here, but the Covid vax mandate debacle alerted me to reality. If you are young and healthy and your doctor recommended the Covid vax, he or she is either ignorant or is willing to compromise your health to protect their career. Unfortunately, I think that is most doctors these days.
Nothing you said is wrong and agrees with one major point I made in this post: the government broke our trust with COVID handling (especially the vaccine mandates). But you will also note that it was Trump who had the vaccine developed and pushed it through the FDA with Emergency Authorized Use (EAU). It was Kamala in a debate who said she wouldn't take the vaccine because she didn't trust a "Trump vaccine". So, it was actually Trump who pushed the science through and cut the red tape for an option for people who wanted it. Biden made everything worse with quarantines, more lock downs, vaccine mandates and passports, and more. Thankfully, the Supreme Court struck down 3 of the 5 mandates. But don't forget Trump's administration also had a part to play in the vaccine development and initial lockdowns and school closures. Just because the government messed up so badly with COVID does not mean that all vaccines are bad. In fact, one of the beauties of vaccines is that they usually prevent terrible diseases that can disfigure and destroy our vulnerable citizens. They do help us keep polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hep B, Hep A, Hep C, HPV, meningitis and so many more preventable diseases at bay.
I'd encourage Heather to read "Turtles All The Way Down". No one can say these things are either safe or effective and all the source documents are foot noted. And doctors absolutely are told what "standard of care" is by administrators. Deviation from this resulted in highly credible physicians (Peter McCullough just one example) being vilified, censored, debanked and having their reputations systematically destroyed. I'm sure Heather is a fine person but using capital letters doesn't make anything she's saying true. Data tells the story.
Hi there. No one has claimed that all vaccines are 100% safe. In fact, they have clear contraindications in certain populations. These populations include the immunosuppressed, infants under the recommended age, patients undergoing chemotherapy and a few more. These vulnerable populations rely on us to keep these deadly diseases at bay.
That would be true if you had empirical data to show efficacy. But since none of these were ever tested against a true placebo it may be true but in the absence of that data It’s a narrative but not yet supported by fact. We've been sold a bill of goods. Hopefully we're about to see some actual science and I'll be the first to praise these products if they prove out. Until then, all respect but no one can honestly say they know.
There is global data on this topic for decades. There is actual science, placebos, measurements etc. This is my big problem with RFKJ. He acts like we haven't actually studied anything (including your argument about having no placebos). That's not true. There's also studies happening all around the world that have universal healthcare and no CDC or NIH. In fact, there was a global study of almost 600,000 people that proved there was zero link between vaccines and autism. But, still, RFKJ acts like vaccines cause autism. It couldn't be the uptick in screen time, obesity, lack of exercise, genetic components and more. And just because I know you will pull the argument that vaccine manufacturers can't be sued, checkout the latest big lawsuit RFKJ was a part of--against Merck for the HOV vaccine. Now that he can't receive the profits, he has pledged to give them to his son. What a guy. Psssttt... vaccine manufacturers absolutely can and do get sued. That's why they initiated VAERS and vaccine court in the first place--so that manufacturers wouldn't quit making them altogether to avoid the hassle. Some people actually do need lifesaving medications and evil big pharma to stay in business. Who will develop new, lifesaving medications? RFKJ? The federal government?
We may as well drop this, as it isn't going anywhere. But I will have to go back and read the part where I mentioned RFK… I don't think I did that. And my argument has absolutely nothing to do with him. Anyway, as I said, I'm sure you're a fine person and you're free to do with yourself and your children as you wish.
Nice point by point. Unfortunetly it's all meaningless when you consider the medical community's response to Covid. I hope RFKJ is confirmed and he wrecks the medical/big pharma cabal.
Heather’s thoughts were well said and being married to a surgeon I agree that most doctor’s want and do their best for their patients. I know that medicine is becoming big business with private practices being sold to non medical investment companies who DO NOT care about patients or doctors but about how to make lots of money . Medical practices sell for many reasons …easier to deal with insurance companies (not wanting to pay for hospital stays or meds or procedures) money, management of the practice . Doctor’s spend time talking to insurance company doctors (whose job is to deny coverage to the insured). Plumbers make more than doctors per hour and the plumbers have little overhead and the government isn’t telling them what to do or in many cases fixing prices on medical procedures. I could go on for ever. As far as Big Pharma, they do not tell the doctor what to prescribe but they really did a number on themselves with the Covid vaccine and I find it hard to trust Big Pharma, the CDC or the NIH ever again.
Only one thing that Heather said about vaccines to cure some cancers is interesting as my husband would like to know her sources on that statement.
Hi Judith. The Hep B immunization helps prevent liver disease and liver cancer. The HPV vaccine is proven to prevent at least 9 types of cancer (and said to target many more types). These types include cervical cancer (which, thanks to the vaccine in 2006, has dropped from the #1 type of cancer), throat, anal, penile, and other types of cancers. Originally, the HPV vaccine was marketed to girls and women, so those cancers have dropped significantly. Now, the cancers afflicting men are rising, which is why the vaccine is needed for boys too. The HPV vaccine is not mandatory...but I guess all vaccines are optional these days.
If those doctors exist (I'm sure they do) they sure are quiet. Just as all cops aren't bad, neither are doctors. But methinks they cant say much because of the medical boards who are in control of their livelihoods, and academia who taught them with a political lense.
We can't even get surgeon generals to be this pro health in the way she presents the medical community. So yeah, give us the bull in the China shop immediately. Maybe it will give a voice to the good doctors to come out of the woodwork and be against big pharma who have tainted health and gave a bad reputation to good doctors and other not so good doctors who just sat back and followed the covid insanity because they didn't want to get fired.
Also. If Jr tosses in any leftist crap conservatives don't like then he gets the can. He's involved in health. Not gun rights or energy. Keep him in his lane and we'll be fine, he's got a big enough fight already to keep him busy.
If RFK jr. was so smart and so focused on science, meaning results in the real world, he would not have spent the last 30 years being a supporter of the anti-nuclear movement.
Right now, they do not have enough generation capacity in the ISO-NE, and who helped shut down half a GW of firm, dispatchable power that weathers all storms? RFK jr and his Water Keeper organization (note RFK resigned in 2020).
I can never trust a person on science topics who has so firmly and resolutely held such a delusional stance on a clear (to anyone who actually looks) topic like nuclear power.
Additionally, while he states that foods need more study, this is leading his followers to unqualified statements that our food supply is poison and similar statements. Megyn Kelly has picked up this particular quirk and it's jarring from someone who otherwise seems very sensible. This simply isn't true and pointing to EU restrictions that the US lacks is not supportive. The EU is nuts.
Perhaps it is not fair to tar Kennedy with the words of his over-enthused followers...
Some food may be bad, but when you stop by for Jack in Box Tacos you pretty much know what you're getting, or should. Nothing stops folks from buying raw meat and vegetables and cooking. And no, pesticides are not poisoning our food and farmers are not overapplying. Pesticides cost money; farmers will use the least they can and still get a good crop.
Additionally, "organic" food has been proven to be less healthful than traditionally grown crops, and trying to convert any substantial amount of farmland to such practices would cause a collapse in productivity. The whole organic food movement is a Rousseau'ian delusion.
As for the health and obesity crisis in the USA, I think, but can't know, that it is an exercise crisis. American's have been led and forced into a lifestyle over the last 30 years that lacks exercise.
Some of it is down to individual choice (too much screen time) but much of it is lack of outdoor venues for kids to play, e.g. local school field is reserved only for varsity use, every yard has a fence so kids can't string together three back yards into a field. And then an increasing expectation from employers that adults will be "on call" 100% of the time, and expected to work full time plus extra when demanded. Add in ever worsening traffic because of insane liberal ideas about road building, and commutes eat up the time folks might have had for a walk after dinner. Oh, and everyone is paying an illegal immigrant to do their yard work.
Trump seems at least a little dubious about RFK's judgement and I hope he will do some good, but the potential for harm is there. If RFK truly means what he says about more study, I think things will be okay. But if his beliefs are more in line with his effusive followers then i think the potential for damage is huge.
You said everything spot on. I've also been disheartened with Megyn Kelley's militant stance on all this. In fact, if you listen to her first interview with RFKJ, she does nail him hard on the things that matter. But since then, she's forgotten that many of his claims were false, not provable, and flat out lies. I'm praying Trump has a firm hand here. AND, it seems he might. Did you see RFKJ is openly recommending people get immunized with the MMR vaccine? This will ruffle many of the MAHA feathers.
Yes, in that first interview, whenever she nailed him on things that matter, his response was along the lines that he wasn't saying the item in question was bad or should be banned, but that they all needed more study.
Which is fine up to a point, but after a while, if all the studies point the same way and a substantial number are clearly good methodology, as is true with glycophosate, it's time to accept the results and stop studying. (BTW, that it is safe.)
I'm happy to have company regarding my opinion of Megyn Kelly's food/environment rants. I keep posting corrections to her Youtube comments, and she claims she (or her staff) read comments, but so far it has made zero impact.
You would think she would at least be capable of learning that glycophosphate is an herbicide and not a pesticide. She has repeatedly decried, "all those pesticides in our food, like glycophosphate."
Ah, well. Whack a mole. Get energy panic pushed down, watch food purity obsessiveness pop up.
Absolutely! Ever since Rush left us, she has been my fill in (fellow lawyer, blonde, and mother of three kids the same age). However, she's very wrong on this topic. I really don't like it when she rants about how pharmaceutical companies go between government jobs and then private jobs. So do lawyers. They start off as public prosecutors for experience and then go to private practice for financial stability. That doesn't make them evil. You can't go both ways. Do you want people in the government who aren't government lifers, or do you want government employees to not go pursue a higher salary in private practice. Sigh. And on the topic of my post, I was really disheartened when she mentioned her "vaccine injury" from the covid shot that she didn't even know she had until her physical bloodwork showed abnormalities and the doctor agreed that it could be from the shot. This is frustrating. These types of claims ruin the very real claims of the rare (but sometimes serious) adverse events from vaccines of pharmaceuticals. Anyway-I adore her and almost all her points, but this one bothers me. I also have emailed (and I emailed her this very post), but I have not heard a response. She is protective of journalists and news people, and she speaks to her niche experience in that arena. I speak to my pharmaceutical, medical, and health law experience. Anyway, thanks for responding.
Well, Steve Kirsch is as pro-Nuclear as you can get, and was a big advocate for the IFR program in the US, cancelled by climate czar, John Kerry. And he is also a big proponent of RFKjr for health issues. Often people are weak and some areas and strong in others. I'm pro-Trump but I'm astounded he's going after Thomas Massie, wants to primary him.
I myself think glyphosate is a potential cause of a lot of the chronic disease going on, i.e. quote Dr. Zach Bush:
"Glyphosate kills bacteria, fungi, and plants by blocking the Shikimate enzyme pathway in these organisms. The Shikimate pathway is responsible for producing the carbon ringed essential amino acids, such as tryptophan, that serve as critical building blocks for hormones and other proteins in animals and humans. By blocking the production of these critical nutrients in the soil and plant, the plant dies, thus the herbicide effect.
Glyphosate has also been patented as an antibiotic/antiparasitic chemical.
Unfortunately, this results in soil and crops that are deficient in critical nutrients for
human health.
In the intestines, glyphosate directly damages the extracellular matrix (the connective proteins that maintain the structure of the cell, and the cohesive nature of the gut and vascular membranes). It damages the epithelial tight junction tissue on contact, weakening the barriers that protect us on the inside from the barrage of other environmental toxins to which we are exposed. Injury to the tight junction membrane in the gut can lead to intestinal permeability.
Like the gliadin protein from gluten, glyphosate acts through zonulin-mediated pathways to damage the tight junction system. Zonulin can then go systemic to affect the extracellular matrix and tight junction systems throughout the body; injury to the tight junction membrane in the vascular system of the blood-brain barrier can result in the host of neurological symptoms typical with gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease."
Yes, it is true RFKjr is a complete imbecile when it comes to Energy & Nuclear Power. Fortunately Trump won't let him anywhere near that department.
It just goes to show that, you can't agree with anyone on everything and if you demand perfection you will get nothing. I got big issues with Trump on his fanatical Israel & Iran rhetoric. And he still seems to be skeptical on Nuclear Power while foolishly zealous on Oil & Gas when the evidence is that the US has already reached Peak Oil & Gas, and increased spending will only succeed in slowing the inevitable decline in production:
Oil Peaks and Crime: The Hidden Connection Explained - Peak Prosperity
"This discussion with Adam Rozencwajg covers shale oil dynamics, the depletion paradox, energy market implications, investment opportunities in nuclear energy, and the potential for rising oil prices and economic challenges due to energy scarcity.
I agree with all but one statement, the second one involving physicians going straight to pharmaceutical treatments. It is happening more often than you think. I saw it happening during 25 plus years in health care (as a clinical chemist/lab director).
This is occurring and increasing due to the way pharmaceutical companies market to healthcare providers. I've had a physician comment on why I wasn't taking a stating until he saw my cholesterol level. He then asked why I'm not taking another drug when my medical records show I suffer adverse reactions to that drug. I had another physician show me marketing materials for a drug he wanted me on. When I asked for a copy, he said it was proprietary and refused to let me have a copy.
Heather is correct in saying most health care providers want the right thing but those few in charge who think differently are why this is happening.
I would agree with your friend. Does it mean that pharmaceutical companies are blameless? Of course not. But I believe they do far more good than harm. I also think my doctor does, actually, care for my well being.
Well if she really believes that maybe she will volunteer to debate with hard evidence with experts in the field who have contrary opinions. Except, almost without exception, the Heather Cooks in the medical community refuse the offer to debate, instead resort to the old tripe "it's settled science", why? "because I say so".
Here's a good start for Heather to get into the debate, an open challenge to Senator Maggie Hassan, who made similar claims:
"...I am glad you want to know the cause of autism is. Would you be willing to meet with a group of people with unique expertise on the subject to hear some perspectives you are not yet aware of?.."
Mawson study using Florida Medicaid data again confirms childhood vaccines are likely responsible for nearly 80% of the autism cases in US
Stunning new autism findings using Florida Medicaid database examining kids from birth till 9 years old. A RR=4.4 implies a PAR of nearly 80% which means most autism in the US is caused by vaccines.
I've been debating in this field for a long time. I have the evidence on my side, and while I'm no expert, I'd happily accept any challenge to debate this topic. I'd love to chat with Megyn Kelley.
Go to Steve Kirsch's or Toby Rogers (uTobian) substacks and you will have lot's of opportunity to debate that topic with people who are knowledgeable in the latest science. Toby Rogers wrote his Phd on Autism and is an expert in the field. Here is a sample:
"...In the last decade, three groups of top epidemiologists have published consensus statements declaring that neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism are caused by toxicants in the environment (The Collaborative on Health and the Environment, 2008; Mount Sinai Hospital, 2010; Project TENDR, 2016).
This is good news because it means that autism is likely preventable. The bad news is that the leading mainstream toxicologists do not want to lose their jobs so they generally avoid mentioning pharmaceutical products (even though these products appear to have an outsized impact). Parents’ groups have made up for the cowardice of mainstream toxicology by funding their own research.
We have fairly good data that five classes of toxicants increase autism risk:
Mercury from coal fired power plants and diesel trucks;
Plastics;
Pesticides & herbicides;
EMF/RFR; and
Pharmaceuticals (Tylenol, SSRIs, & vaccines).
Taking each toxicant in turn...
For every 1,000 pounds of environmentally released mercury, there was a 61% increase in the rate of autism (Palmer, 2006). For every 10 miles closer a family lives to a coal fired power plant the autism risk increases by 1.4% (Palmer, 2009).
Plastics: Children with autism had significantly increased levels of 3 endocrine disruptors (two phthalates — MEHP & DEHP, & BPA) in blood samples as compared with healthy controls (Kardas, 2016).
Pesticides & herbicides: Increased use of RoundUp is strongly correlated (r = 0.989) with the rising prevalence of autism (Swanson, 2014). Organophosphates increase autism risk 60 – 100%; chlorpyrifos increase risk 78% – 163%; pyrethroids increase risk 78% (Shelton et al., 2014).
9 studies show an association between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use & adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (Bauer et al., 2018). Avella-Garcia (2016) & Liew et al. (2016) found that males exposed to Tylenol in utero have significantly elevated risk of autism.
8 studies show a statistically significant association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use in pregnant women and subsequent autism in their children (see meta-analysis in Kaplan et al., 2016). Doctors who prescribe SSRIs to pregnant women are committing malpractice.
Unfortunately, in the debate over toxicants that increase autism risk, all roads lead back to vaccines. At least 5 studies show a statistically significant association between vaccines & autism (Gallagher & Goodman, 2008 & 2010; Thomas & Margulis, 2016; Mawson et al., 2017a & 2017b).
Dr. Paul Thomas is the most successful doctor in the world at preventing autism. Data from his practice show:
If zero vaccines, autism rate = 1 in 715;
If alternative vaccine schedule, autism rate = 1 in 440;
If CDC vaccine schedule, autism rate = 1 in 36.
That study had large sample size (3,344 children), access to medical files, and good researchers working on it. But look closely. His alternative vaccine schedule reduces autism risk by more than 1200%. However even an alternative vaccine schedule increases autism risk by 160% versus no vaccines at all.
And all of those other toxicants that I described above that have been shown to increase autism risk? Those are the 1 in the 715 cases when the parent does not vaccinate at all. Autism appears mostly be a story of iatrogenic injury from vaccines. ..."
Thank you for the thoughtful response. The reason I can't take any of it seriously is you left out one of the main causes of autism--genetics. Your arguments would be valid if they were made in utopia (thanks Dr. Thomas). There is zero data that shows vaccines and pharmaceuticals cause autism. In fact, there are decades long research in every country (Danish, Canadian, UK, Japan, US, Australia, and more) that have PROVEN zero link between vaccines over decades. So, I don't accept one of your arguments. So sorry.
You would not see the precipitous rise in Autism rates due to genetics. Somali's have almost no autism in their home country. They migrate to Canada and their autism rate climbs to 3X that of even avg Canadians. So genetics may make them more sensitive to environmental toxins, but their is zero doubt that something(s) in the modern environment are causing it. RFKjr is totally right, rigorous, honest, unbiased epidemiological studies must be done with full transparency and agreed parameters for all sides of the debate. That's urgent.
It's easy to make claims like you are doing, it's quite another thing to have to defend those claims in honest debate. If you really believe what you are saying go to Steve Kirsch's or Toby Rogers substacks and make your claims where others can refute them. That's how the Truth is sorted out.
Well, the first major claims that the rise in autism was due to vaccines was in the late 1990's from a published "study" by Dr. Wakefield. His theory took off, as this was the uncovering of a conspiracy and we finally had a reason for the "rise in autism". Well, it turns out his study was completely false (vaccinating kids at birthday parties, drawing blood without parental consent, and doing all kinds of crazy things to prove his "theory"). So this NEJM retracted the article with apologies, the doctor lost his medical license, and he was exposed for the radical means of proving this conspiracy theory. However, the damage was done. Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey led Hollywood down the conspiracy path. In the last 30 years, actual scientific studies have been done all over the world and there is zero causation. Vaccines do not cause autism, like I stated in my original post.
However, antivaccine sentiment is not new. It is even older than this 90s debacle. Checkout the 1906 Supreme Court case (Jacobson v. Massachusetts) where a pastor refused to get immunized against small pox, claiming religious freedom.
Your conspiracy is not new. The doctors you refer to have no new information and do not trump the global studies worldwide. So, sorry. I will not waste my time. I know the rabbit hole they go down, and my own experience working for pharmaceutical companies has shown me that there is no conspiratorial motive to vaccinate babies and children to keep us sick patients who pay money to evil big pharma. I'm sure you're a fine person (as you read Blackmon), but your conspiracy theories are not new to me.
You will note that after Senator Maggie Hassan gave her "settled science" lecture to RFKjr, she instantly changed the subject to some mickey mouse crap in order to prevent RFKjr from responding. That's not what honest people do, people who REALLY believe in the scientific method.
A bunch of nonsense, but that's cool. There is so much evidence that vaccines are harmful. And RFK Jr. is right. They are NEVER tested against real placebos. The makers do not test, and they enjoy virtually absolute liability immunity. What a crock.
I spend my time as a health researcher trying to help people fix issues that medicine almost always makes worse.
Medicine is commanded by giant corporations who control Medicare and we just went through the so-called pandemic and witnessed their power.
Can’t disagree; I’m not a fan of any Kennedy, period.
I may not like him, but I like him more than Anthony Bourla, DVM.
I agree w Heather point by point.
Bravo Heather you are on target
That can all be true, and at the same time the regulatory capture by the pharma industry can also be true. When the CDC and FDA recommended Covid vaccinations for children, that should have been the ultimate wakeup call.
For crying out loud, no healthy person under 50 (60?) needed the Covid vax. Covid was no worse than the yearly seasonal flu for the vast majority who did not have two or three severe comorbities.
The notion that children under 18 needed them was absurd. And the notion that children down to six months should get them was outright criminal.
No one should have been forced to get the vax as a condition of employment or education, period! Open your eyes and quit downplaying and making excuses for totalitarianism.
I once believed exactly what Heather Cook claims here, but the Covid vax mandate debacle alerted me to reality. If you are young and healthy and your doctor recommended the Covid vax, he or she is either ignorant or is willing to compromise your health to protect their career. Unfortunately, I think that is most doctors these days.
Nothing you said is wrong and agrees with one major point I made in this post: the government broke our trust with COVID handling (especially the vaccine mandates). But you will also note that it was Trump who had the vaccine developed and pushed it through the FDA with Emergency Authorized Use (EAU). It was Kamala in a debate who said she wouldn't take the vaccine because she didn't trust a "Trump vaccine". So, it was actually Trump who pushed the science through and cut the red tape for an option for people who wanted it. Biden made everything worse with quarantines, more lock downs, vaccine mandates and passports, and more. Thankfully, the Supreme Court struck down 3 of the 5 mandates. But don't forget Trump's administration also had a part to play in the vaccine development and initial lockdowns and school closures. Just because the government messed up so badly with COVID does not mean that all vaccines are bad. In fact, one of the beauties of vaccines is that they usually prevent terrible diseases that can disfigure and destroy our vulnerable citizens. They do help us keep polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hep B, Hep A, Hep C, HPV, meningitis and so many more preventable diseases at bay.
I'd encourage Heather to read "Turtles All The Way Down". No one can say these things are either safe or effective and all the source documents are foot noted. And doctors absolutely are told what "standard of care" is by administrators. Deviation from this resulted in highly credible physicians (Peter McCullough just one example) being vilified, censored, debanked and having their reputations systematically destroyed. I'm sure Heather is a fine person but using capital letters doesn't make anything she's saying true. Data tells the story.
Hi there. No one has claimed that all vaccines are 100% safe. In fact, they have clear contraindications in certain populations. These populations include the immunosuppressed, infants under the recommended age, patients undergoing chemotherapy and a few more. These vulnerable populations rely on us to keep these deadly diseases at bay.
That would be true if you had empirical data to show efficacy. But since none of these were ever tested against a true placebo it may be true but in the absence of that data It’s a narrative but not yet supported by fact. We've been sold a bill of goods. Hopefully we're about to see some actual science and I'll be the first to praise these products if they prove out. Until then, all respect but no one can honestly say they know.
There is global data on this topic for decades. There is actual science, placebos, measurements etc. This is my big problem with RFKJ. He acts like we haven't actually studied anything (including your argument about having no placebos). That's not true. There's also studies happening all around the world that have universal healthcare and no CDC or NIH. In fact, there was a global study of almost 600,000 people that proved there was zero link between vaccines and autism. But, still, RFKJ acts like vaccines cause autism. It couldn't be the uptick in screen time, obesity, lack of exercise, genetic components and more. And just because I know you will pull the argument that vaccine manufacturers can't be sued, checkout the latest big lawsuit RFKJ was a part of--against Merck for the HOV vaccine. Now that he can't receive the profits, he has pledged to give them to his son. What a guy. Psssttt... vaccine manufacturers absolutely can and do get sued. That's why they initiated VAERS and vaccine court in the first place--so that manufacturers wouldn't quit making them altogether to avoid the hassle. Some people actually do need lifesaving medications and evil big pharma to stay in business. Who will develop new, lifesaving medications? RFKJ? The federal government?
We may as well drop this, as it isn't going anywhere. But I will have to go back and read the part where I mentioned RFK… I don't think I did that. And my argument has absolutely nothing to do with him. Anyway, as I said, I'm sure you're a fine person and you're free to do with yourself and your children as you wish.
Nice point by point. Unfortunetly it's all meaningless when you consider the medical community's response to Covid. I hope RFKJ is confirmed and he wrecks the medical/big pharma cabal.
He did get confirmed and I hope he shuts down big pharma developing new drugs for rare disease and childhood cancers. Who needs medication anyway?
Heather’s thoughts were well said and being married to a surgeon I agree that most doctor’s want and do their best for their patients. I know that medicine is becoming big business with private practices being sold to non medical investment companies who DO NOT care about patients or doctors but about how to make lots of money . Medical practices sell for many reasons …easier to deal with insurance companies (not wanting to pay for hospital stays or meds or procedures) money, management of the practice . Doctor’s spend time talking to insurance company doctors (whose job is to deny coverage to the insured). Plumbers make more than doctors per hour and the plumbers have little overhead and the government isn’t telling them what to do or in many cases fixing prices on medical procedures. I could go on for ever. As far as Big Pharma, they do not tell the doctor what to prescribe but they really did a number on themselves with the Covid vaccine and I find it hard to trust Big Pharma, the CDC or the NIH ever again.
Only one thing that Heather said about vaccines to cure some cancers is interesting as my husband would like to know her sources on that statement.
Thank you for sharing David.
Hi Judith. The Hep B immunization helps prevent liver disease and liver cancer. The HPV vaccine is proven to prevent at least 9 types of cancer (and said to target many more types). These types include cervical cancer (which, thanks to the vaccine in 2006, has dropped from the #1 type of cancer), throat, anal, penile, and other types of cancers. Originally, the HPV vaccine was marketed to girls and women, so those cancers have dropped significantly. Now, the cancers afflicting men are rising, which is why the vaccine is needed for boys too. The HPV vaccine is not mandatory...but I guess all vaccines are optional these days.
Thank you for educating me
Sure thing. Thanks for asking, and I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier.
Yes, I was curious about that cancer vaccine statement as well.
Maybe “prevent” such cancers?I’m a pharmaceutical skeptic but enjoyed Heather’s well-thought discourse.
Same thing.
If those doctors exist (I'm sure they do) they sure are quiet. Just as all cops aren't bad, neither are doctors. But methinks they cant say much because of the medical boards who are in control of their livelihoods, and academia who taught them with a political lense.
We can't even get surgeon generals to be this pro health in the way she presents the medical community. So yeah, give us the bull in the China shop immediately. Maybe it will give a voice to the good doctors to come out of the woodwork and be against big pharma who have tainted health and gave a bad reputation to good doctors and other not so good doctors who just sat back and followed the covid insanity because they didn't want to get fired.
Also. If Jr tosses in any leftist crap conservatives don't like then he gets the can. He's involved in health. Not gun rights or energy. Keep him in his lane and we'll be fine, he's got a big enough fight already to keep him busy.
I think she is spot on.
If RFK jr. was so smart and so focused on science, meaning results in the real world, he would not have spent the last 30 years being a supporter of the anti-nuclear movement.
Right now, they do not have enough generation capacity in the ISO-NE, and who helped shut down half a GW of firm, dispatchable power that weathers all storms? RFK jr and his Water Keeper organization (note RFK resigned in 2020).
https://energybadboys.substack.com/p/new-england-reliability.
I can never trust a person on science topics who has so firmly and resolutely held such a delusional stance on a clear (to anyone who actually looks) topic like nuclear power.
Additionally, while he states that foods need more study, this is leading his followers to unqualified statements that our food supply is poison and similar statements. Megyn Kelly has picked up this particular quirk and it's jarring from someone who otherwise seems very sensible. This simply isn't true and pointing to EU restrictions that the US lacks is not supportive. The EU is nuts.
Perhaps it is not fair to tar Kennedy with the words of his over-enthused followers...
Some food may be bad, but when you stop by for Jack in Box Tacos you pretty much know what you're getting, or should. Nothing stops folks from buying raw meat and vegetables and cooking. And no, pesticides are not poisoning our food and farmers are not overapplying. Pesticides cost money; farmers will use the least they can and still get a good crop.
Additionally, "organic" food has been proven to be less healthful than traditionally grown crops, and trying to convert any substantial amount of farmland to such practices would cause a collapse in productivity. The whole organic food movement is a Rousseau'ian delusion.
As for the health and obesity crisis in the USA, I think, but can't know, that it is an exercise crisis. American's have been led and forced into a lifestyle over the last 30 years that lacks exercise.
Some of it is down to individual choice (too much screen time) but much of it is lack of outdoor venues for kids to play, e.g. local school field is reserved only for varsity use, every yard has a fence so kids can't string together three back yards into a field. And then an increasing expectation from employers that adults will be "on call" 100% of the time, and expected to work full time plus extra when demanded. Add in ever worsening traffic because of insane liberal ideas about road building, and commutes eat up the time folks might have had for a walk after dinner. Oh, and everyone is paying an illegal immigrant to do their yard work.
Trump seems at least a little dubious about RFK's judgement and I hope he will do some good, but the potential for harm is there. If RFK truly means what he says about more study, I think things will be okay. But if his beliefs are more in line with his effusive followers then i think the potential for damage is huge.
You said everything spot on. I've also been disheartened with Megyn Kelley's militant stance on all this. In fact, if you listen to her first interview with RFKJ, she does nail him hard on the things that matter. But since then, she's forgotten that many of his claims were false, not provable, and flat out lies. I'm praying Trump has a firm hand here. AND, it seems he might. Did you see RFKJ is openly recommending people get immunized with the MMR vaccine? This will ruffle many of the MAHA feathers.
Couldn't find it yesterday. You may wish to follow this fellow on Twitter, if you do not already. Very sensible about chemicals.
https://x.com/simonmaechling/status/1900118256133746749
Thank you! I generally don't venture to X, but I will take a look. I appreciate it.
Yes, in that first interview, whenever she nailed him on things that matter, his response was along the lines that he wasn't saying the item in question was bad or should be banned, but that they all needed more study.
Which is fine up to a point, but after a while, if all the studies point the same way and a substantial number are clearly good methodology, as is true with glycophosate, it's time to accept the results and stop studying. (BTW, that it is safe.)
I'm happy to have company regarding my opinion of Megyn Kelly's food/environment rants. I keep posting corrections to her Youtube comments, and she claims she (or her staff) read comments, but so far it has made zero impact.
You would think she would at least be capable of learning that glycophosphate is an herbicide and not a pesticide. She has repeatedly decried, "all those pesticides in our food, like glycophosphate."
Ah, well. Whack a mole. Get energy panic pushed down, watch food purity obsessiveness pop up.
Absolutely! Ever since Rush left us, she has been my fill in (fellow lawyer, blonde, and mother of three kids the same age). However, she's very wrong on this topic. I really don't like it when she rants about how pharmaceutical companies go between government jobs and then private jobs. So do lawyers. They start off as public prosecutors for experience and then go to private practice for financial stability. That doesn't make them evil. You can't go both ways. Do you want people in the government who aren't government lifers, or do you want government employees to not go pursue a higher salary in private practice. Sigh. And on the topic of my post, I was really disheartened when she mentioned her "vaccine injury" from the covid shot that she didn't even know she had until her physical bloodwork showed abnormalities and the doctor agreed that it could be from the shot. This is frustrating. These types of claims ruin the very real claims of the rare (but sometimes serious) adverse events from vaccines of pharmaceuticals. Anyway-I adore her and almost all her points, but this one bothers me. I also have emailed (and I emailed her this very post), but I have not heard a response. She is protective of journalists and news people, and she speaks to her niche experience in that arena. I speak to my pharmaceutical, medical, and health law experience. Anyway, thanks for responding.
Well, Steve Kirsch is as pro-Nuclear as you can get, and was a big advocate for the IFR program in the US, cancelled by climate czar, John Kerry. And he is also a big proponent of RFKjr for health issues. Often people are weak and some areas and strong in others. I'm pro-Trump but I'm astounded he's going after Thomas Massie, wants to primary him.
I myself think glyphosate is a potential cause of a lot of the chronic disease going on, i.e. quote Dr. Zach Bush:
"Glyphosate kills bacteria, fungi, and plants by blocking the Shikimate enzyme pathway in these organisms. The Shikimate pathway is responsible for producing the carbon ringed essential amino acids, such as tryptophan, that serve as critical building blocks for hormones and other proteins in animals and humans. By blocking the production of these critical nutrients in the soil and plant, the plant dies, thus the herbicide effect.
Glyphosate has also been patented as an antibiotic/antiparasitic chemical.
Unfortunately, this results in soil and crops that are deficient in critical nutrients for
human health.
In the intestines, glyphosate directly damages the extracellular matrix (the connective proteins that maintain the structure of the cell, and the cohesive nature of the gut and vascular membranes). It damages the epithelial tight junction tissue on contact, weakening the barriers that protect us on the inside from the barrage of other environmental toxins to which we are exposed. Injury to the tight junction membrane in the gut can lead to intestinal permeability.
Like the gliadin protein from gluten, glyphosate acts through zonulin-mediated pathways to damage the tight junction system. Zonulin can then go systemic to affect the extracellular matrix and tight junction systems throughout the body; injury to the tight junction membrane in the vascular system of the blood-brain barrier can result in the host of neurological symptoms typical with gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease."
Yes, it is true RFKjr is a complete imbecile when it comes to Energy & Nuclear Power. Fortunately Trump won't let him anywhere near that department.
It just goes to show that, you can't agree with anyone on everything and if you demand perfection you will get nothing. I got big issues with Trump on his fanatical Israel & Iran rhetoric. And he still seems to be skeptical on Nuclear Power while foolishly zealous on Oil & Gas when the evidence is that the US has already reached Peak Oil & Gas, and increased spending will only succeed in slowing the inevitable decline in production:
Oil Peaks and Crime: The Hidden Connection Explained - Peak Prosperity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV4NNV1pDZs&t=5s
"This discussion with Adam Rozencwajg covers shale oil dynamics, the depletion paradox, energy market implications, investment opportunities in nuclear energy, and the potential for rising oil prices and economic challenges due to energy scarcity.
I agree with all but one statement, the second one involving physicians going straight to pharmaceutical treatments. It is happening more often than you think. I saw it happening during 25 plus years in health care (as a clinical chemist/lab director).
This is occurring and increasing due to the way pharmaceutical companies market to healthcare providers. I've had a physician comment on why I wasn't taking a stating until he saw my cholesterol level. He then asked why I'm not taking another drug when my medical records show I suffer adverse reactions to that drug. I had another physician show me marketing materials for a drug he wanted me on. When I asked for a copy, he said it was proprietary and refused to let me have a copy.
Heather is correct in saying most health care providers want the right thing but those few in charge who think differently are why this is happening.
Just saying
Thanks for publishing.
I would agree with your friend. Does it mean that pharmaceutical companies are blameless? Of course not. But I believe they do far more good than harm. I also think my doctor does, actually, care for my well being.
Well if she really believes that maybe she will volunteer to debate with hard evidence with experts in the field who have contrary opinions. Except, almost without exception, the Heather Cooks in the medical community refuse the offer to debate, instead resort to the old tripe "it's settled science", why? "because I say so".
Here's a good start for Heather to get into the debate, an open challenge to Senator Maggie Hassan, who made similar claims:
https://kirschsubstack.com/p/an-open-letter-to-senator-maggie
"...I am glad you want to know the cause of autism is. Would you be willing to meet with a group of people with unique expertise on the subject to hear some perspectives you are not yet aware of?.."
Mawson study using Florida Medicaid data again confirms childhood vaccines are likely responsible for nearly 80% of the autism cases in US
Stunning new autism findings using Florida Medicaid database examining kids from birth till 9 years old. A RR=4.4 implies a PAR of nearly 80% which means most autism in the US is caused by vaccines.
https://kirschsubstack.com/p/new-peer-reviewed-study-again-confirms
That sure as hell doesn't sound like "settled science" to me.
I've been debating in this field for a long time. I have the evidence on my side, and while I'm no expert, I'd happily accept any challenge to debate this topic. I'd love to chat with Megyn Kelley.
Go to Steve Kirsch's or Toby Rogers (uTobian) substacks and you will have lot's of opportunity to debate that topic with people who are knowledgeable in the latest science. Toby Rogers wrote his Phd on Autism and is an expert in the field. Here is a sample:
"...In the last decade, three groups of top epidemiologists have published consensus statements declaring that neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism are caused by toxicants in the environment (The Collaborative on Health and the Environment, 2008; Mount Sinai Hospital, 2010; Project TENDR, 2016).
This is good news because it means that autism is likely preventable. The bad news is that the leading mainstream toxicologists do not want to lose their jobs so they generally avoid mentioning pharmaceutical products (even though these products appear to have an outsized impact). Parents’ groups have made up for the cowardice of mainstream toxicology by funding their own research.
We have fairly good data that five classes of toxicants increase autism risk:
Mercury from coal fired power plants and diesel trucks;
Plastics;
Pesticides & herbicides;
EMF/RFR; and
Pharmaceuticals (Tylenol, SSRIs, & vaccines).
Taking each toxicant in turn...
For every 1,000 pounds of environmentally released mercury, there was a 61% increase in the rate of autism (Palmer, 2006). For every 10 miles closer a family lives to a coal fired power plant the autism risk increases by 1.4% (Palmer, 2009).
Plastics: Children with autism had significantly increased levels of 3 endocrine disruptors (two phthalates — MEHP & DEHP, & BPA) in blood samples as compared with healthy controls (Kardas, 2016).
Pesticides & herbicides: Increased use of RoundUp is strongly correlated (r = 0.989) with the rising prevalence of autism (Swanson, 2014). Organophosphates increase autism risk 60 – 100%; chlorpyrifos increase risk 78% – 163%; pyrethroids increase risk 78% (Shelton et al., 2014).
9 studies show an association between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use & adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (Bauer et al., 2018). Avella-Garcia (2016) & Liew et al. (2016) found that males exposed to Tylenol in utero have significantly elevated risk of autism.
8 studies show a statistically significant association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use in pregnant women and subsequent autism in their children (see meta-analysis in Kaplan et al., 2016). Doctors who prescribe SSRIs to pregnant women are committing malpractice.
Unfortunately, in the debate over toxicants that increase autism risk, all roads lead back to vaccines. At least 5 studies show a statistically significant association between vaccines & autism (Gallagher & Goodman, 2008 & 2010; Thomas & Margulis, 2016; Mawson et al., 2017a & 2017b).
Dr. Paul Thomas is the most successful doctor in the world at preventing autism. Data from his practice show:
If zero vaccines, autism rate = 1 in 715;
If alternative vaccine schedule, autism rate = 1 in 440;
If CDC vaccine schedule, autism rate = 1 in 36.
That study had large sample size (3,344 children), access to medical files, and good researchers working on it. But look closely. His alternative vaccine schedule reduces autism risk by more than 1200%. However even an alternative vaccine schedule increases autism risk by 160% versus no vaccines at all.
And all of those other toxicants that I described above that have been shown to increase autism risk? Those are the 1 in the 715 cases when the parent does not vaccinate at all. Autism appears mostly be a story of iatrogenic injury from vaccines. ..."
Thank you for the thoughtful response. The reason I can't take any of it seriously is you left out one of the main causes of autism--genetics. Your arguments would be valid if they were made in utopia (thanks Dr. Thomas). There is zero data that shows vaccines and pharmaceuticals cause autism. In fact, there are decades long research in every country (Danish, Canadian, UK, Japan, US, Australia, and more) that have PROVEN zero link between vaccines over decades. So, I don't accept one of your arguments. So sorry.
You would not see the precipitous rise in Autism rates due to genetics. Somali's have almost no autism in their home country. They migrate to Canada and their autism rate climbs to 3X that of even avg Canadians. So genetics may make them more sensitive to environmental toxins, but their is zero doubt that something(s) in the modern environment are causing it. RFKjr is totally right, rigorous, honest, unbiased epidemiological studies must be done with full transparency and agreed parameters for all sides of the debate. That's urgent.
It's easy to make claims like you are doing, it's quite another thing to have to defend those claims in honest debate. If you really believe what you are saying go to Steve Kirsch's or Toby Rogers substacks and make your claims where others can refute them. That's how the Truth is sorted out.
Well, the first major claims that the rise in autism was due to vaccines was in the late 1990's from a published "study" by Dr. Wakefield. His theory took off, as this was the uncovering of a conspiracy and we finally had a reason for the "rise in autism". Well, it turns out his study was completely false (vaccinating kids at birthday parties, drawing blood without parental consent, and doing all kinds of crazy things to prove his "theory"). So this NEJM retracted the article with apologies, the doctor lost his medical license, and he was exposed for the radical means of proving this conspiracy theory. However, the damage was done. Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey led Hollywood down the conspiracy path. In the last 30 years, actual scientific studies have been done all over the world and there is zero causation. Vaccines do not cause autism, like I stated in my original post.
However, antivaccine sentiment is not new. It is even older than this 90s debacle. Checkout the 1906 Supreme Court case (Jacobson v. Massachusetts) where a pastor refused to get immunized against small pox, claiming religious freedom.
Your conspiracy is not new. The doctors you refer to have no new information and do not trump the global studies worldwide. So, sorry. I will not waste my time. I know the rabbit hole they go down, and my own experience working for pharmaceutical companies has shown me that there is no conspiratorial motive to vaccinate babies and children to keep us sick patients who pay money to evil big pharma. I'm sure you're a fine person (as you read Blackmon), but your conspiracy theories are not new to me.
You will note that after Senator Maggie Hassan gave her "settled science" lecture to RFKjr, she instantly changed the subject to some mickey mouse crap in order to prevent RFKjr from responding. That's not what honest people do, people who REALLY believe in the scientific method.
Here's a prominent Internal Medicine Doctor who completely disagrees with Heather Cook:
UNBELIEVABLE! DOCTORS are DESPERATE to BLOCK RFK/TRUMP Nomination, Dr. Suneel Dhand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqeMInW-6sc
TWO CRAZY STORIES About Dangerous DOCTOR GROUPTHINK,Dr. Suneel Dhand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbtp1pEsRK4
https://open.substack.com/pub/sharylattkisson/p/the-bulk-of-credible-science-finds?r=p30sr&utm_medium=ios
That's a good one. Also:
Unsafe at Any Speed: Dr. Toby Rogers on DarkHorse, Bret Weinstein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQfIo75KHII
"Bret Weinstein speaks with Dr. Toby Rogers on the subject of the economics of autism."