In the week since outlining my position of immunizations for children and the decision not to sign exemption forms for kids in the public school system, I have been both pleased and humbled by the overwhelming positive support offered by parents, many of whom are strangers to me, in this war against ignorance.

They are tired of their children being put at risk for preventable diseases. Sadly, it is clear both locally and nationally that many are not dissuaded by anything that the “medical establishment” has to say.

Remember, we are but the “front line troops”. The real power lies with parents who do immunize their children—you are the commanders.

Parents, I’m asking you to emulate the character Howard Beale (played by Peter Finch in the 1976 movie “Network”) to make it clear those who make the choice to not immunize: “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

Dr. Mark Fishaut, San Juan Island

— Editor’s note: Dr. Fishaut’s opinion piece on immunizations, at 2,186 words, exceeds the Journal’s word-limit policy on guest columns; read it in its entirety at www.sanjuanjournal.com.