I sent email requests out to my local Assemblywoman, Congressman and Senator for face to face meetings. I received an email back from my Congressman’s office that any concerns I had about religious rights and vaccines were state issues, and redirected me to my assembly and senate. I was surprised when I received the email from my Congressman himself. He responded to not one question or concern I spoke of in my original email. Instead he gave me a generic response to vaccines which had nothing to do with my questions at all. I responded with the email back to him, in response. I still have not been heard.
Dear Mr. Tonko,
I am both surprised and pleased with receiving your email. I had received an email response from Diana Bennett, which stated that my concerns were state issues, and since you are Congress, my concerns would be heard better with my Senator or representative.
I have indeed reached out to MaryBeth Walsh, and Kirsten Gillibrand as well.
I need to tell you Mr. Tonko, I am disappointed and slightly insulted that you would respond to MY concerns with what you have. You provided the “politically correct” mass answer to anyone who has concerns regarding vaccines. I however did not express my opinion on the safety or lack of safety with vaccines.
I never once mentioned a concern of mine being about the link of mental disabilities or anything physical damage from vaccines.
I would never seek medical guidance or knowledge from a politician. What I seek from you, are answers that really only a politician can answer.
I am insulted that you would automatically assume that I am some ignorant, anti-Vaxxer and try to respond to me as such. I am college graduate, I was trained as a nurse, and have spent almost the past 20 years in PHARMA. I know how clinical trials are run. I have a clear understanding and probably even more than you, as it’s my job. I am not anti-Pharma, I am not anti-vaccine. I stand on the right to my religious freedoms as protected under the first amendments I stand on ensuring that informed consent, doesn’t include downplaying serious health risks when taking ANY medication. That is my training as a nurse and as a HUMAN.
I would love to have a discussion around our true public health threats. Measles doesn’t even make the list.
Mr. Tonko, you are MY representative. You should be advocating and protecting my rights as a citizen of this country. I am not concerned with your voting record, or what bills you have designed, all I want from you is to listen. I would be glad to list out the questions I sent to begin with. They have everything to do with politics, not educating me on the necessity for vaccines.
Although, since you shared that you are chairing a committee surrounding vaccines education, I hope you will take the time to read this letter truly designed for all Legislators to read. It’s science. Please share this with your committee members as well. Fair balance.
I would still like to have a sit down conversation with you to try and gain insight on my list of questions and even solutions.
Thank you for taking the time to hear me. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Kindly,
Much love and respect.
Xo-e
The Underground Momma 