There is no disputing it. The Greater Good is a film that is making an impact.
Not many films have school board presidents writing open letters urging other parents to watch it and “to begin the discussion within their own families about the benefits and risks associated with vaccinations.” On Friday, Greg Marvel of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District did just that.
SAN RAMON VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
699 Old Orchard Drive, Danville, California 94526
Board of Education
(925) 552-2933 • FAX (925) 838-3147 www.srvusd.net
March 16, 2012
To Whom It May Concern:
RE: Vaccinations and the Film “The Greater Good”
My name is Greg Marvel, and I am currently the President of the Board of Education for the San Ramon Unified School District. I am serving my third term on the Board. In addition, I have an extensive background in educational administration, having served in various executive and Assistant CEO capacities in various K-12 and higher education institutions. I retired as a Vice Chancellor from a large college system and now am President of a consulting firm with over 100 school districts as clients. The comments in this letter are solely my own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the rest of the Board of Education or my school district.
I recently had the opportunity to view the firm “The Greater Good” and found it to be very thought provoking. I am a strong believer in the use of vaccines. However, I also believe in informed consent for all parents. The tragic examples of the unintended consequences of vaccines on some of our children are graphically portrayed in this film. However, it presents a balanced argument, with national experts advocating for universal vaccination, while others in the film present cautionary arguments.
I have personal experiences with the potential adverse impacts of vaccinations on young children. My daughter was given her recommended series of vaccinations as a baby and small child. Each time, she became seriously ill for several days. We were assured that for some children that was normal. No one ever outlined the potential long-term and permanent damage that some children experience from vaccination routines. Thankfully, the impact on our daughter did appear to be temporary and she went on to graduate with honors from high school, UC Berkeley and Columbia University Law School. However, this film clearly outlines examples where the consequences were much more serious and long-term.
Parents should be encouraged to examine all the issues surrounding vaccinations and make an informed decision about what is best for their children. For many if not most parents, the decision to proceed will prove to be the right one. However, it is important that parents fully investigate and understand the benefits and the risks associated with the current recommended vaccinations and their opt out rights under their respective “mandatory” state vaccination laws.
I see this film as a starting point for each viewer to begin the discussion within their own families about the benefits and risks associated with vaccinations, and thus strongly recommend that every parent watch this film.
Sincerely,
Greg A. Marvel
President, Board of Education
The documentary’s look into the problems in vaccination today is reasoned, fair and powerful, and despite establishment attempts to keep it out of major film festivals and off the radar of the American people, it is getting out there any way. It started with smaller festivals, then individuals began screenning it for friends, then Mercola and Natural News got it out there, and now Current TV will be running it this week.
It will be showing on Current TV this Friday, March 24th, at 1pm Eastern, and will be followed by a live chat eith the producers.
“Did vaccinations give Jordan Autism, or did they merely aggravate a pre-existing condition? This and other tough questions are being debated around the world. “The Greater Good” explores the cultural intersections where parenting meets modern medicine and individual rights collide with politics.
“The Greater Good” premieres March 24, 2012, at 1p.m. EST on Current TV. Join the producers of the film back here for a live online chat when the film premiers at Current.com/GreaterGood.”
We encourage parents of vaccine injured children to join the discussion after the film and share your experiences with others.