Surgeon General: politics comes before health in Bush admin - U.S. Politics Online: A Political Discussion Forum

Danny · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

Quote:

WASHINGTON -- President Bush's first surgeon general testified Tuesday that his speeches were censored to match administration political positions and that he was prevented from giving the public accurate scientific information on issues such as stem cell research and teen pregnancy prevention.

"Anything that doesn't fit into the political appointees' ideological, theological or political agenda is ignored, marginalized or simply buried," Dr. Richard Carmona, who was surgeon general from 2002 to 2006, told a congressional committee. "The job of surgeon general is to be the doctor of the nation -- not the doctor of a political party."

Early in the Bush administration, when the issue of federal funding for stem cell research arose, Carmona said, he felt he could play an educational role by discussing the latest scientific research. Instead, he said, he was told to "stand down" because the White House had already decided to limit stem cell studies. He said administration appointees who reviewed his speech texts deleted references to stem cells.

His testimony drew a pointed rebuke from the White House. Officials suggested that any breakdown in communicating health information to the American people was ultimately his failure.

"Dr. Carmona was given the authority and had the obligation to be the leading voice for the health of all Americans," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said.

"It's disappointing to us if he failed to use his position to the fullest extent in advocating for policies he thought were in the best interests of the nation," Fratto said.

Carmona's remarks were the latest from government scientists about what they say are administration efforts to control -- and sometimes distort -- scientific evidence to support policy decisions.

NASA scientists have complained of political pressure to tone down warnings about global warming. Dr. Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health, recently dissented from the administration's position by saying its restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research were holding back progress.

I listened to this fellow on CNN and he seems to be an extremely intelligent person, non partisan and willing to do what is best for the people. He didn't want to name names unfortunately.

So Bush supporters, I want to know what you think about this. Do you think it's good public policy to muzzle the Surgeon General if he doesn't promote the Bush admin's political agenda enough?

Apparently he wanted to attend the special Olympics but was denied to go there officially because the Kennedy family had a hand in the organization. The Bush admin was confused at why the SG would want to help the Kennedy family when he was just supporting the cause. Is there anyone here who thinks this is good policy and if so please state why. Tim?, Varus, Matt?

MattLarson · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

There's already a thread running on this:

Bush Turned Government Into GOP Spin Machine

And no, it s not good policy. Neither is it unique to this administration. Nor to any one party.

Matt

Tim · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

........... Tim?, Varus, Matt?

I am confused. Am I the Tim you are referring to? When have I said I was a Bush supporter - in more than 6,000 posts?

Slon · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattLarson

There's already a thread running on this:

Bush Turned Government Into GOP Spin Machine

And no, it s not good policy. Neither is it unique to this administration. Nor to any one party.

Matt

I guess that makes it okay enough for you to keep voting republican due to the "lesser evil" mindset.

Josepha · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007

Carmona is cool, man!

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