A former surgeon general testifies that the Bush administration forced him to put politics ahead of science on issues like stem cell research, emergency contraception, and second-hand smoke. Jim Rowen comments.

This is what struck me in the NY Times article:

In response to lawmakers’ questions, Dr. Carmona refused to name specific people in the administration who had instructed him to put political considerations over scientific ones. He said, however, that they included assistant secretaries of health and human services as well as top political appointees outside the department of health.

He served as surgeon general from 2002 to 2006. And the secretary of Health and Human Services for the first half of his term was -- Tommy Thompson.

Did Tommy sanction these restrictions, or will he claim headed a rogue agency, with his top aides running amok?

He's running for president. Someone just might want to inquire.

Submitted by xoff on