Kennedy not qualified to head health and human services
Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The scope of duties for that position is wide, overseeing the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control, Medicare and Medicaid, and ASPR (Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response). It affects every area of our lives, from our food, drugs, health plans and even our personal risk for epidemics.
So, what kind of doctor is this man who could be at the helm of any public health crisis arising over the next four years? And what plans does Mr. Kennedy have to protect the health of Americans?
Actually, Kennedy is not a doctor and has no medical training or background, although he is very well-versed in conspiracy theories and is eager to refute well-accepted, evidence-based strategies recommended by a preponderance of experts.
If Kennedy’s nomination is confirmed, his beliefs and actions will have disastrous effects on our health and safety. With potential epidemics looming from such things as avian flu, mpox and measles, is it smart to appoint a man who has vowed to have infectious disease research “take a break for eight years”?
As a nurse who believes in the importance of public health measures and science-based strategies, I want proven experts, not political appointees spouting misinformation, protecting our health. And I’m not the only one.
To quote the esteemed Executive Direction of the American Public Health Association: “America deserves better than RFK Jr.” Former CDC leader Richard Besser said: “Robert F. Kennedy is a danger to America’s health.”
Urge your Illinois senator to reject Kennedy!
Joan Davis, Huntley
Share your views
Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@tribpub.com. Please include your name, address and town of residence for publication. We also need your phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 to 300 words.
