It's scary when you the things you suspect turn out to be true. In an article in the New York Times today, former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona told a Congressional committee that the Camp Bush had indeed asked him to water down [or not even mention] his opinions on such issues as stem cells, sex ed & global health issues because of political concerns.
In his testimony, Dr. Carmona said that at first he was so politically naïve that he had little idea how inappropriate the Bush administration’s actions were. He eventually consulted six previous surgeons general — Republican and Democrat — and all agreed, he said, that he faced more political interference than they did.
On issue after issue, Dr. Carmona asserted, the Bush administration made decisions about important public health issues based solely on political considerations, not scientific ones.
“I was told to stay away from those because we’ve already decided which way we want to go,” Dr. Carmona said.
Brings me back to my anger and frustration over the situation with former EPA chief Christine Todd Whitman. Even if you're heading a supposedly non-political agency, if you don't toe the Bushie line, remaining in position becomes awfully uncomfortable.
How are we supposed to be a scientifically-literate country if we are foiled by our leaders from getting full information?
Like the blog, appreciate the share!
Posted by: Ana | February 24, 2012 at 06:09 AM