International Herald Tribune Editorial - Unhealthy interference

International Herald Tribune Editorial - Unhealthy interference
Copyright by The International Herald Tribune
Published: July 12, 2007


Even those who have grown cynical over the Bush administration's relentless manipulation of scientific views to fit its ideological agenda must have been surprised at the breadth of interference described by the former surgeon general, Richard Carmona.

The official job description calls for the surgeon general to serve as "America's chief health educator." But the Bush administration instead tried to turn Carmona into a propagandist, and when he refused to go along, it stopped him from speaking at all on a host of essential health issues.

Carmona told a House committee that the administration would not allow him to speak on the scientific and medical aspects of stem cell research, emergency contraception, comprehensive sex education and prison or mental health issues. He said a surgeon general's report on global health issues was quashed because he refused to insert glowing references to the efforts of the Bush administration. His report on prisoners' health care was held up for fear it would lead to demands for costly reforms.

Other disturbing improprieties included an order that Carmona insert President George W. Bush's name at least three times on every page of his speeches, requests that he make political speeches on behalf of Republican candidates and an admonition not to speak to a group affiliated with the Special Olympics because of the charity's longtime association with the Kennedy family.

Carmona declined to name his tormentors but made it clear that they included assistant secretaries in the Department of Health and Human Services as well as other top political appointees.

What to do about such interference should be high on the agenda of the Senate health committee's confirmation hearing this week on Dr. James Holsinger, the president's nominee to become the next surgeon general. The main subject to be probed, aside from Holsinger's professional qualifications, is whether he still holds the views he has expressed in the past that seem hostile to gays and lesbians. It will also be important to ask Holsinger what steps he would take to keep the office from being politicized.

The House and the Senate must look for ways to protect the position from future political interference. If this White House doesn't understand why that independence is so important to the nation's health, the American public certainly should.