In Which We See Bat-Guano Crazy Stories, As We Sit In The Sun, Under Azure Skies: Louisiana Edition

Let's start at the top: all governmental policies must be both public and in writing, once adopted, so that we the people may evaluate whether we wish for these governmental agents to remain in charge -- should we disagree with their "policies". But the State of Louisiana just told state health workers that a "secret policy" now exists, post the 2024 elections -- one which prevents state health authorities from promoting or even announcing the availability of COVID, flu and other vaccines for the public -- in the State. So this "policy" is plainly unlawful -- as a matter of process. And it is shockingly unwise, as a substantive matter.

Indeed, there can be no reasonable doubt that this "policy" is going to get kids. . . killed in Louisiana -- and lots of senior citizens, too. What is happening to my country?! Secret, anti-science health gags? A loon as the possible Sec'y. of HHS?! WTAH?! Here's NPR on it, this morning:

. . .According to the employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they fear losing their jobs or other forms of retaliation, the policy would be implemented quietly and would not be put in writing.

Staffers were also told that it applies to every aspect of the health department's work: Employees could not send out press releases, give interviews, hold vaccine events, give presentations or create social media posts encouraging the public to get the vaccines. They also could not put up signs at the department's clinics that COVID, flu or mpox vaccines were available on site.

The new policy in Louisiana was implemented as some politicians have promoted false information about vaccines and as President-elect Donald Trump seeks to have anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And some public health experts are concerned that if other states follow Louisiana, the U.S. could face rising levels of disease and further erosion of trust in the nation's public health infrastructure. . . .

Staff at Louisiana's health department fear the new policy undermines their efforts to protect the public, and violates the fundamental mission of public health: to prevent illness and disease by following the science.

"I mean, do they want to dismantle public health?" one employee at the health department said.

"We're really talking about deaths," said another. "Even a reduction in flu and COVID vaccines can lead to increased deaths."

In a statement, the Louisiana Department of Health told NPR it has been "reevaluating both the state's public health priorities as well as our messaging around vaccine promotion, especially for COVID-19 and influenza. . . ."

Every health department staff member, former staff member, public health official and vaccine expert contacted by NPR repeated the scientific consensus that vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for preventing illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. . . .

In the Nov. 14 meeting, a staff member asked whether the ban on promoting vaccines applied to children's immunizations, but the answer was noncommittal, according to an employee with knowledge of the meeting's details.

"My understanding was it's not clear to what extent we might be able to promote childhood vaccinations," the staff member said.

But it's the kind of policy the nation could see if Kennedy is confirmed as secretary for Health and Human Services, Hodge added. . . .

Meanwhile an autistic-spectrum guy with a four-hundred billion dollar war chest (as an agent of chaos) is pushing to shut down our federal government (by midnight, tonight), without even bothering to register as a lobbyist. This too will get more children. . . killed. Damnation.

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