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Three families, whose children were not vaccinated against chicken pox and attending Wind Gap Middle School were notified by the Pen Argyl School District to keep their children out of school for 10 days, due to a case of chicken pox being contracted by another student.

Two families obliged and apparently understand that their children would be at risk of contracting the highly contagious disease. Chicken pox  is making its appearance amid the recent measles scare. Measles was once thought to be completely eradicated in the US, but has been appearing lately, beginning with cases that are believed to have started in Disneyland, California.

One father, William Blasi, who has had past confrontations with his local school district, seems to see this chicken pox notification as a new opportunity to challenge authority and the school district, even at the risk of his children’s health. He wants his kids to attend school, with a possible contagion presenting no weight in his stance.

Mr. Blasi has more stances. He has raised his voice over his children’s lack of playing time on the basketball court. By most accounts, they aren’t the best basketball players, but he tried making it into a controversy of players color, as the reason his kids weren’t stars, rather than ability.

He has posted Youtube videos about the Jews in America. He has a two-parter, titled, Final Solution Jews In America. Let’s just say, he obviously doesn’t like them, but makes it clear he doesn’t see the need for ovens.

Now, I’m not for government demanding vaccinations and other demands that can be left to a parent to choose. If a parent chooses not to vaccinate on religious or personal beliefs, that should be their right. It may be stupid of them not to follow a procedure that has been proven safe and effective for decades, but it should still be their choice.

But, in this instance, the risk of exposure and contracting a disease is evident. There is a known case and a non-immunized child’s possibility of contracting it is apparent.

I remember getting chicken pox. It was before a vaccine was available. At the age of 6, I was miserable, even with the “light case” I contracted. My younger sister got it at the age of 3. My mother had to put light mittens on her hands to keep hear from scratching at the welts, which would have created scars. My older siblings suffered worse, likely due to their age. Older individuals often rebound less quickly than younger children and develop more severe symptoms. Calamine lotion, aspirin, and ice chips were the prescribed medicine back in the 1960’s.

Today’s vaccine prevents all that.

The school district has followed public health guidelines that recommended excluding children from attending school, if they weren’t vaccinated.

If they didn’t follow those guidelines they would probably be subject to a lawsuit from any of the three families, should their children get chicken pox. Mr. Blasi would likely be first in line at a lawyer’s office.

The two families that chose to follow the guidelines from Pen Argyl School District seem to understand science and the risk to their children.

Mr. Blasi doesn’t.

I see him as an irresponsible parent. If he is willing to send them to school, possibly contracting a disease, that tells me he would just as quickly send them to school with a disease that would risk the health of others. If you don’t care about the health of your own children, you sure don’t give a damn about risking the health of everyone else.

Pen Argyl School District made the right decision.

Mr. William Blasi is wrong – on so many levels.