What are your thoughts on Amanda Peet's apology and the issue of autism/vaccines?

Question

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/goddess/amanda-peet-issues-apology/66 is the link I'm going off of.

In my opinion, she spells out a compelling argument that deserves recognition. I fail to see how people look at countless scientific studies and due to their inability to understand the scientific process disqualify the entire study as nothing more than hocus pocus. Science is not magic; if you can't understand it, it doesn't mean that it's not true. For instance, I don't understand Swahili; this does not mean it isn't a real language.

Someone on the page said that people should listen to their doctors instead of "some celebrity tramp."

Strange, every time I go to my doctor, they give my child a vaccine and recommend vaccination.

I understand that people are scared, and fear the unknown. However, in the same respect that most of these people trust their pastor as an expert on religion, they should treat scientists as an expert on science.

Answer 1

My youngest was dx w/ autism spectrum disorder at age 5. He had normal everything until his vaccinations at age 2. I've heard good arguements and read a lot of medical journals for info as well as cause. Amanda doesn't strike me as an educated source. I don't entirely blame vaccinations and both my boys get regular booters, I just expect research to reduce harm as well as find a better treatment.

Answer 2

I agree with the person who said this :

"Other than the use of the word parasites I believe in what she says."

She was just talking general stuff.

Others had said similar thing in the past.

Answer 3

The German doctor who first published a paper on this has been totally discredited and has been banned from practicing in UK. Middle class mums at one time shied away with their little Fionnas and Ruperts,from the triple vaccine practice causing a huge rise in measles. Things are back to normal in UK now with measles a thing of the past.

Answer 4

Well, unlike most of America, I don't really care what she says just because she is a celebrity. I didn't even know she said anything worth talking about.

Answer 5

Getting a vaccination for your child can be an unnerving experience because your child can potentially experience a life threatening adverse reaction to that vaccination.  Although it's rare, it does happen.  Like jumping out of a plane with a faulty parachute: a rare situation, but it does happen.  When you call someone a parasite because you believe some parents are relying on everyone else to vaccinate their children, and you are an actress relying on people yourself for your livelihood, then I think the hammer of irony should pummel your career.

Answer 6

She should not have apologized at all. She was right.

"Parasite"

1.  Biology An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host.

2. a. One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.

b. One who lives off and flatters the rich; a sycophant.

Sounds about right to me :P