Personal liberty and measles

Two potential Republican presidential candidates caused mild palpitations amongst the press corps this week in expressing their misgivings about state-mandated children’s vaccinations. The press’s concern could be a precursor of what Republican candidates might experience in the coming primaries. Ostensibly a mild outbreak in measles is the cause of the journalists’ alarm.

Gov. Chris Christie, speaking in the United Kingdom, and Sen. Rand Paul, speaking on radio and TV talk shows, expressed their reservations about this public health policy. Christie called for “some balance of choice” between health officials and parents. Paul said most vaccines should be voluntary.