Wow! Just an absolutely scathing criticism of how the Bush administrations manipulates and/or disregards science to advance thier own theological and ideological agenda and muzzled the Surgeon General. (thanks to CrooksAndLiars.com: Bush’s Former Surgeon General Blasts Administration)
Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona’s Opening Statement in the Senate Oversight Committee’s Hearing on ‘The Surgeon General’s Vital Mission: Challenges for the Future ‘:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C43uqebvycY]
During my first year as Surgeon General I was still quite politically naive in the ways of the Beltway. As I witnessed partisanship and political manipulation I was astounded but also unsure of what I was witnessing. I had no reference point. I asked myself whether this was just happening to me as a new Surgeon General, or whether this was the norm for all Surgeon Generals.
Richard Carmona Responds to Senator Waxman’s Questions:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQG4Bpp9ccQ]
Much of the discussion was being driven by theology, ideology, pre-conceived beliefs that were scientifically incorrect. So I thought this is a perfect example of the Surgeon General being able to step forward, educate the American public as well as elected and appointed officials so that we can have, if you will, informed consent on an issue to the American public to make better decisions. I was blocked at every turn. I was told the decision had already been made. Stand down, don’t talk about it. In speeches where initially that information was put in speeches it was removed from my speeches…