You have a powerful point in pointing out RFK Jr.'s history with organizations like Children's Health Defense and how that sets him up in the anti-vaccine camp. That said, I think you're making a distinction to be had between anti-vaccine and vaccine-critical. RFK Jr. continually explains that he's not anti-vaccine, he's just anti-transparency and anti-benefit when it comes to lack of transparency and accountability in testing and regulation. His quote, “I’ve never been anti-vaccine,” reflects how he sees himself—as someone pushing for choice and more rigorous science, not necessarily trying to ban vaccines.
All that aside, I do feel that his earlier statements, specifically on the misinformation linking vaccines to autism, have caused real damage and spread falsehoods. But does criticism of Big Pharma or calls for more safety research need to be instantaneously labeled "anti-vax"? That is where it becomes problematic. I think there can be leeway in questioning public health policy determination without being antivax.
Your point about how actions can be more powerful than intentions is a good one—just wondering if we're oversimplifying complex conversations by lumping all criticism into the anti-vax bucket. Would love to hear more about how you draw that line.
