John F. Sorg
A concerned Gulf War Veteran
Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program Exposed
http://www.avip2001.net
The American Legion Magazine
P.O Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Dear Sir or Madam:
I find the June 2003 article entitled "A Risk Worth Taking" by Susan Katz Keating particularly disturbing. It is not just her wrong-headed conclusion that the current Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program (AVIP) is worth the risk. What is most disturbing is the author's re-writing of the history concerning the AVIP for general consumption. The article's substance is merely superficial type spin. She additionally refers to service members willingness to take the vaccine. However, she does not mention the fact that AVIP refusers are often treated very harshly, and disciplined severely. This while other allied countries such as the UK and Australia maintain a voluntary program.
The author presents several quotes by former Soviet bio-weapons expert Ken Alibek designed to tug at readers' emotions. Another quote that did not make the article from a 1999 interview can still be found on the Internet at EmergencyNet.com. In an article entitled Questions and Answers On Bio-Warfare/Bio-Terrorism, Dr. Alibek is quoted as saying, "We need to stop deceiving people that vaccines are the most effective protection and start developing new therapeutic and preventive approaches and means based on a broad-spectrum protection."
I am a Paid-for-Life member of the American Legion because I wanted to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to well being of this country's veterans. I believe the Legion Magazine owes it to its readership to present the hard facts concerning the serious problems with this program, both present and past. The truth be told, Congress is not watching this program closely. Hard investigative work by the General Accounting Office, Representative Shay's subcommittee, and others was largely ignored. It was buried by a bullying mass media campaign, instituted by those that stand the most to gain from the success of this flawed program.
Sincerely,
John F. Sorg
A concerned Gulf War Veteran
Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program Exposed
http://www.avip2001.net
Contents Bioterroism Today Congressional Testimony Position Papers Troop Experiences News Articles Government Contact Information Opinion Informative Sites Official Documents
Q&A On Bio-Warfare/Bio-Terrorism with
Dr. Ken Alibek
The
American Legion National HQ
Last revised: March 2004