The Daily How R.F.K. Jr. and ‘Medical Freedom’ Rose to Power
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Jan 30, 2025 
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and political figure, delves into his controversial rise as a leading advocate for health freedom and vaccine skepticism. He shares insights on the origins of the anti-vaccine movement and the impact of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy reflects on his shifting views regarding vaccines and abortion, and he discusses his burgeoning influence amid a climate of skepticism towards government and media. The conversation reveals the complexities of his political journey and the societal implications of his beliefs.
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Early Vaccine Resistance
- In 1721, during a smallpox outbreak, someone threw a bomb through Reverend Cotton Mather's window, opposing inoculation.
- This highlights the long history of resistance against medical interventions in the US.
Wakefield's Impact
- The modern anti-vaccine movement is often linked to Andrew Wakefield's 1998 paper, later retracted, linking MMR vaccine and autism.
- This sparked public concern about vaccine safety and rising autism rates, leading to congressional hearings and celebrity activism.
Measles Outbreaks
- The anti-vaccine movement gained traction as exemptions rose, leading to measles outbreaks, particularly in Disneyland in 2014-2015.
- States responded by strengthening vaccination requirements, further fueling the movement's shift towards medical freedom arguments.