There's much to mull over regarding Gov. Perry's executive order requiring 6th grade girls in Texas to be immunized for the human papilloma virus.
1--Is there such a thing as an executive order for the Texas Governor? Austin lawyer Buck Wood, who represents school district across the state says that he does not and any directive to executive agencies is only a "wish."
2--Is this going to go over well with people who (1) dont want government meddling in their personal family decisions--the libertarians--and (2) get wigged out over the fact that it touches on the consequencs of sexual activity among the underaged--will we hear from the abstinence only crowd soon?
3--Could this be a favor to the pharmaceutical industry? It's worth investigating whether the governor received money form them. Apparently they stand to receive a sizable windfall, all from the pockets of Texas families.
and 4--The craziest possibility of all--Could this be good public policy? Are the benefits in lives saved worth the imposition? And could this have only been implemented by an executive order? At least one legislative supporter apparently thinks so and is glad that the leg has been bypassed.
I foresee a political backlash the Governor will simply ignore. The question will be whether this will negativelt affect anything else that is likely to happen.
