I'll tell you how gag orders and censorship seem to be the preferred right-wing prescription for improving the health of the American public.
It all relates to recent revelations by Bush's former Surgeon General.
Dr. Richard H. Carmona recently testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that he felt his duty as surgeon general was to address even the nation's most controversial health topics and to issue balanced reports on them. Just like his job description requires.
And there's the root of the problem. Carmona wanted to actually perform his statutory duties. But he
told a Congressional panel...that top Bush administration officials repeatedly tried to weaken or suppress important public health reports because of political considerations
The areas included global warming, stem cells, sex education, prison health care, and second hand smoke.
Let's examine the right-wing wrong-doing in each area...
Beyond the direct harm to public health caused by the Bush administration's gagging and otherwise impeding the efforts of the nation's surgeon general, was the insistence that Dr. Carmona play the role of political cheerleader.
He was ordered to make speeches supporting Republicans running for office, as well as to attend political briefings.
Most bizarrely -- this is really a doozy --
Dr. Carmona said he was ordered to mention President Bush three times on every page of his speeches.
Three times, huh? Why three times? Why not just twice? Or why not a bit more often, four times? I wonder, did Frank Luntz conduct focus group studies to determine how many times is the optimal amount to mention the president in each page of a speech?
Listen to the podcast for more details.
(PS: Right-wingers, if you want to write in to me, fine, but at least do me the courtesy of listening to the podcast first. Please don't respond just on the basis of the brief preview above. Thanks!!)
Jack Clark 4:24 PM
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Post #470357993693520566
Jack
Clark documents the right's wars on the poor,
civil liberties, the right of workers to organize
at work and obtain a decent working wage and work
conditions, and against other countries who refuse
to accept American domination. Jack provides all
the sources so that you can see for yourself how
the right is out to enrich itself at the expense
of everyone else. Great job, Jack!
Submitted By: magyarbill
awesome
show
Clark
always backs up his statements against
the right wing with fact and data, which
gives him all the more credibility.
As conglomerate media controlled by
politics clouds the mainstream news
media, Jack Clark, along with NPR and
Democracy Now! have become my primary
news source. Awesome podcast!
Submitted By: jgates118
In-Depth,
Meaty, Hardcore Knowledge
This
podcast is not just entertainment, humor,
chimp-bashing, or gee-whiz recap of
the weeks events. Instead, it hits hard
and in-depth on the world economic situation
and how right-wing policies impact the
poor and less advantaged all over the
world. He examines Americas support
of the World Bank, IMF,multinational
corporations, etc., and connects the
dots. This is a podcast for grown-ups.
He gives good reasons why the right
wing is NOT living up to its precious
Bible, without putting down the Bible.
As a Jesus-loving Christian and moderate
Democrat, I respect this podcast for
its subject matter. The grown-up manner
of the speaker is just icing on the
cake. He IS funny, but hes not trying
to be, he just has a deadpan delivery
but doesnt have to make jokes to make
it interesting. The facts make it interesting
and devastating.
Submitted By: ebrenn1
A
Breath of Fresh Air
Jack
Clarks Blast the Right podcast is truly
a breath of fresh air when it comes
to political commentary. Jack is not
like some commentators who simply climb
on their soap box and state their own
opinions as fact. Instead, Jack welcomes
competent challenges to his way of thinking,
and with logical analysis and sound
research, debunks the lies, distortions,
and self-deceptions of the right wing.
I strongly recommend Blast the Right
for people who seek the truth and care
more about the long term health and
well-being of the whole citizenry than
the short term personal gain advocated
by modern conservatives. Listen as Jack
carefully shows how the high-sounding
"God and country" rhetoric
of the right wing is really just a smokescreen
for policies that ultimately lead only
to the increased misery, suffering,
and death of the less fortunate for
the particular benefit of the wealthy
and the well-connected. And, if you
find yourself in agreement, return to
Podcast Alley to place your vote! Thanks!
