A Call For Action

The War Against Iraq is pushing everything else out of the public mind. And some Republicans intend to take advantage of that fact. The last time the Republicans tried to push legislation limiting the right to compensation for children injured by Thimersol -- attached to a homeland security bill, no less -- public outrage forced the Republicans to withdraw the provision.

But now, according to the blog Wampum, Senators Frist and Gregg are seeking to reintroduce legislation "which will essentially gut the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, not only for children with mercury-induced neurological disorders, but possibly for ANY vaccine-injured child (and there have in fact been thousands of claims previously settled)."

What can be done? "Lisa English has a great suggestion: If your budget is tight, take advantage of the toll-free Congressional switchboard at 1-800-839-5276. You pay for the service with your tax dollars...you might as well take advantage."

Many people who oppose the invasion of Iraq feel helpless, given that even the Democrats have handed Bush almost unlimited authority to prosecute his war. Maybe it's best to start with a small victory -- shutting down Frist -- and build up some momentum for bigger victories.