SoapBox
Two blogs in one day! Wow...
Nothing pisses me off more than stuff like this:
Parents in Prince George’s County have been ordered to appear at a special court hearing Saturday where they will be given a choice: Get their children vaccinated on the spot or risk up to 10 days in jail and fines.
Of course in this state, there are exemptions and those will be ordered.... but the exemption is only valid for medical or religious reasons. In other words, if I lived in this county, I'd be taken to jail and fined because I'd have no valid exemption.
What is the difference between a "religious" and a "philosophical" exemption. In California, thank all things holy, we are provided with a third option, philosophical exemption. I just don't understand the difference and what is a religion then... can I say "my religion" or does it have to be a recognized by the state religion? and if so, what happened to separation of church and state?
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I'm having this large issue at work. I've never faced this issue before ever. Normally the interpersonal thing is really super easy for me... it's really pushing my edge. I'm not really liking it.
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Tonight was a 5pm glass of wine night. At least it is a Friday night.
Comments
The difference between "religious" and "philosophical" is that religion was mentioned in the bill of rights and philosphy was not. Per the 1st ammendment "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Therefore by the most sacred rule of the land, relgious objections must be honored. No such mention of philosophy exists.
Posted by: ciodude | November 17, 2007 12:15 PM
Thats a bit shocking, I know over here we are encouraged to have vaccinations but certainly not forced to !
Posted by: Sam Kelly | November 17, 2007 2:48 PM
I get that but... really when it comes down to it then why can't I just say I belong to the Church of Julie and that religion has an objection to vaccination... that's my problem ... it is STATE recognized religion... what gives them the power to decide my philosophical approach to spirituality. God or not... what also gives them the right to decide how I interpret my religion... which means I know Christians who were turned away for valid religious exemptions because Christianity has "no such philosophy" -- who says? That's my point.
Posted by: Julie | November 17, 2007 8:52 PM
So object on religious grounds and then let them come back and challenge you and your "religion".
Posted by: ciodude | November 18, 2007 10:24 AM
Or maybe it is the unvierse's way of saying you should be homeschooling. :)
Posted by: ciodude | November 18, 2007 1:27 PM
Oh in Cali we have philosophical exemption :) I'm safe... but I do think it is bogus for these parents in Prince George County... vaccinate or be jailed.
Posted by: Julie | November 18, 2007 4:14 PM
I don't see any meaningful way to explain the difference between a philosophical objection and a religious one.
Posted by: Kurt | November 18, 2007 10:57 PM
Whoops, sorry. I missunderstood where it was happening.
Posted by: ciodude | November 19, 2007 6:09 AM