Historically, the biggest killers of humans have been diseases. Until recently, diseases like mumps, measles, polio, and others hung like a Sword of Damocles over the heads of children throughout the world. During the last century though, various medicines and vaccines have all but wiped-out these diseases in modern countries. However, certain diseases are making a comeback in the US because not everybody is getting vaccinations. It seems crazy to me not to get immunized given the historical efficacy of vaccines, but vaccine refusal is becoming more popular in America. What’s ironic is that the ostensibly intelligent, wealthy, and politically liberal are the ones eschewing vaccinations for their children.

Then again, maybe there is something about the mentality of those who drive their Volvos to Whole Foods. It could be a disconnect from reality that is manifesting itself in health choices that endanger others. Even though vaccines have saved hundreds of millions of people from death, the science and history of immunizations is ignored by bourgeois bohemians. The upshot of this from a preparation perspective is that some people will steadfastly refuse to take prudent actions even where there is ample evidence to do so. Some people will not learn (ex. re-electing Barack Obama in 2012) and the population as a whole suffers because of it. Given the elevation of emotion and erosion of logic in decision-making, this trend is likely to continue and more people of all ages will get ill from preventable diseases.