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Originally Posted by dc_dux
You absolutely twisted what I said...I did not say the SG should not be involved in politics or public policy. I said the SG does not have a political or policymaking function.
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If I twisted what you said, it is because I don't understand the difference.
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The fact that you dont like mission statements doesnt change the mission of the SG.
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I simply stated my point out my view. There is the written mission and there is what is actually being done. The two can be in conflict, therefore I focus on what is being done.
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The purpose of Congressional hearings is to bring the facts into consideration in the development of legislation.
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Facts about smoking are one thing, saying smoking should be made illegal is different.
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The Surgeon General has a role to educate the public (including members of Congress) on health and medical issues (sorry, its part of the mission). It is entirely appropriate and not political or policy driven for the SG to testify on medical or health issues.
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When I suggest the SG is a political position, that is not negative in my point of view. But it is what it is.
If I were President and wanted to make marijuana legal in this country, what do you think I would do?
I would appoint a SG who would support my view and testify to Congress stating facts supporting my view.
What would you do? Isn't that political? Doesn't that make the SG a political tool? Hasn't the SG been a political tool in the past?
I don't expect you or anyone to answer those questions, I have already anticipated what the future responses to my points are going to be. However, I still think it is an interesting topic, and I wouldn't have otherwise given it much thought.