Here he goes again. Every time I gather my collective thoughts and commit to trying to be less critical of the president he goes and does something that undermines any semblance of competence I ever thought I saw in the man. Bush has appointed Dr. James Holsinger as the next Surgeon General. Holsinger has a history of prioritizing political ideology over science which seems to fit right in with other Bush appointees. How many times have we seen Bush make his appointments with political ideology as the sole litmus test with complete disregard for competence in his selections? Donald Rumsfeld, Anthony Gonzalez, Michael Brown, John Bolton and Fred Thompson come to mind.
The most incredibly arrogant part of Bush appointing Holsinger has to be that it was done under the heavy scrutiny of the Gonzalez scandal that is all about appointments with a priority on politics above proficiency if nothing else. Holsinger is the former secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The Courier-Journal of Louisville has been reporting for years that the health of Kentucky residents remains among the worst in the nation. So at least if, as a nation, our health begins to fail, we will at least know that another lame duck cabinet head will do everything he can to protect us from the evils of gay America. This guy’s past writings show his beliefs are incompatible with serving the medical health of all Americans.
In a 1991 document titled "Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality," Dr. Holsinger argued, in his capacity as a physician, that homosexuality is unnatural and dangerous. This document indicates that he views sexual orientation as a "lifestyle choice." This is a position that is not held by mainstream medical or scientific organizations. Dr. James Holsinger's record seems to demonstrate that he is uninterested in the best scientific information available; instead, he allows his anti-gay bias to inform his medical judgments. In past writings he has taken a juvenile homophobic stance and compared reproductive organs to plumbing parts and he seems to believe homosexuality is a "lifestyle" choice that should be "cured."
Additionally, Dr. Holsinger and his wife were founders of Hope Springs Community Church which reportedly ministers to people who no longer wish to be gay or lesbian. This type of "ex gay" conversion therapy has been condemned by almost every major, reputable medical organization - including the American Psychological Association which issued a condemnation over ten years ago. Come on Mr. President. I thought you were a uniter, not a divider. This selection, Holsinger for Surgeon General is incompetent, inappropriate and intolerable.
Perhaps 2008 presidential candidate, John Edwards said it best, “In a profession dedicated to healing and compassion, it cannot be hard to find a qualified candidate for Surgeon General who sees all human beings as equals. Instead, President Bush has sought out a nominee who will divide America. Dr. James Holsinger’s anti-gay writings and beliefs suggest that he will undermine, not advance, the cause of equality and fairness in health care.” Please email your Senators today and tell them to vote NO on Holsingers confirmation.
