Pat Truman’s March 16 letter, “Vaccination ads an affront; it’s parents’ place to decide,” was outrageous in its twisted logic and outright falsehoods.

• “According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control records, while no one has died of measles in the last 12 years …”

That’s because vaccines had all but eliminated measles from the United States. According to the World Health Organization, 145,700 children died of measles worldwide in 2013.

• “… Many have died in that same 12-year time period from adverse reactions to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.”

This is a lie. The measles vaccine cannot kill.

• “The Associated Press reported … that 15 Syrian children died, ‘some just babies, all exhibited signs of “severe allergic shock” about an hour after they were given a second round of measles vaccinations.’ ”

From the AP article: “It is extremely unlikely that the vaccinations killed the children, said Beirut-based public health specialist Fouad Fouad, who said spoiled vaccinations were more or less harmless. ‘It cannot cause death,’ he said.”

• “Dr. Russell Blaylock … told Newsmax Health: ‘There have been millions of reports about the negative consequences of vaccines.’ ”

This is not true. Newsmax Health is a home for quacks of all types. As for Blaylock, take a moment to look him up. You won’t be disappointed!

• “Dr. Lee Hieb said … ‘If you believe absolutely in the benefit and protective value of vaccination, why does it matter what others do?’ ”

This shows complete ignorance of the issue. The success of vaccines depends entirely on what others do. It’s only when enough people in the population are vaccinated that a disease can be brought under control.

The reason that laws to pressure parents to vaccinate their children are even being considered is to counter the influence of people like Truman.

Jonathan Matt

Portland