Our voices were heard in Albany!

Video Footage of the Entire Rally:

1. Kevin McCashion
2. Heather Walker
3. Gary Null, PhD (part 1)
4. Sue Fields, RN
5. Rita Palma
6. Alan Phillips, JD
7. Judy McQueen, RN
8. Cheryl Allen
9. Mary Coyle, DI, Hom
10. Deb Gerhardt, RN
11. Louise Kuo Habakus, MA
12. Bonnie Koshofer, OTR/L (part 1)
13. Bonnie Koshofer, OTR/L (part 2)
14. Gary Null, PhD (part 2)
15. Gary Null, PhD (part 3)
16. Cookie Geller, rehab aide
17. Kevin McCashion
18. Michael B. Schachter, MD
19. John Gilmore
20. Ralph Fucetola, JD
21. final speaker

Gary Null led a contingent to meet with Deputy Wendy Saunders, a representative from Governor Patterson's office.  This appointment was canceled at the last minute and replaced by a career Department of Health bureaucrat who offered a restatement of the party line and was unable to respond to hard hitting questions about the scientific justification of flu vaccine safety and efficacy.  They hand delivered a copy of the “letter petition" for Governor Patterson.

During the rally, hundreds of attendees lined up to donate to the New York State Healthcare Workers' Legal Fund organized by the Autism Action Network. Money raised will go towards securing legal counsel to file an injunction in New York State courts to stop the mandate.  Check back soon for progress updates towards our goal and details on how you can donate to this fund.

The initial announcement of the Executive Order provided for termination of all affected health care workers who did not comply with the mandate by November 30.  The Department of Health is now saying that termination will be at the discretion of employers, with some indicating they will opt for job reassignment instead.  If termination is not required by the state, then it becomes a condition of employment that falls under the umbrella of collective bargaining in a union workplace.  This removes one of the most significant excuses the unions have used for opting not to challenge the order in the courts, and it shifts the burden to the employer.  Can union members see the attempt by the state of New York to "hit and run," by creating this huge controversy and now seeking to dodge ultimate responsibility?   As you read the press, you will notice that Health Commissioner Daines is doing all the talking and Governor Patterson is conspicuously silent.  We hope that all leaders, union and political, will rise to the challenge that leadership demands. 

Last year, it was mandated flu shots in the state of New Jersey, for all children 6 to 59 months of age as a requirement for daycare and preschool.  This year, it is mandated flu shots for health care workers in New York.  Next year, it could be you.  Be certain that this is a trend that will not stop until we get out, into the streets, and stop it.  We ask our friends and supporters across the country to vocally express support, talk with your press, write letters to the Editor of your local papers, and help us to mobilize nationwide because health freedom and medical rights are a concern of every single American.

If you are unsure about where you stand on this topic, start by reading my Swine Flu Alert and article on Vaccination Choices.  You might also listen to infectious disease expert Dr. Kent Holtorf on Fox News as he tells America that he is more concerned about the H1N1 vaccine than the disease, and, if given the choice, you would prefer to contract swine flu versus seasonal flu.

1199SEIU is the largest local union in the world, representing more than 300,000 members and retirees in New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Massachusetts.  Read 1199SEIU's position statement on the mandatory flu vaccines for its members:

New York State health officials have issued regulations making it mandatory that healthcare workers who directly provide patient care be given vaccinations against H1N1 flu virus. Our union, which encourages members to obtain flu vaccinations, has taken exception to the mandatory regulation because it violates employees’ right to decline based on religious, cultural, philosophical or other personal reasons.

(excerpted in part from notes provided by John Gilmore)

Albany Rally and NYS Mandated Flu Vaccines Press

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Do you think health workers should have to get the Swine Flu Vaccine?   Yes, they are the first line of defense   No, they should be allowed to choose Thank you for participating in our poll. Here are the results as of 10/7/09: Yes, they are the first line of defense 18% No, they should be allowed to choose 82%

WHAT CAN YOU DO RIGHT NOW?

1. Send me your photos, video and stories.

2. Sign the petition.

3. Donate to the New York State Healthcare Legal Fund to remedy the glaring absence of legal representation by the NY State healthcare unions.  The Autism Action Network Coalition is collecting funds to hire a legal team to file an injunction in the NY State courts to protect healthcare workers' and students' rights. 

4. New Yorkers and friends, contact legislators and other political leaders.  New Yorkers click HERE to send an e-mail message to your state senator, assembly people, Commissioner of Health Richard Daines, and his boss, NY State Governor David Patterson to demand that this illegal action cease immediately. Non-New Yorkers can call Governor Patterson at (518) 474-8390 and Commissioner Daines at (518) 474-2011.

5. Post this link on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites.

6. Send this media release to your press contacts and everyone you know.  Start with these press lists: Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) and Slash Coleman. Check back here often.  An updated media release version with speakers and new participating organizations will be added.  This will be major news and we have received confirmation of national and local media, including Fox News.

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

Signs and Banners Spotted at the Rally: