Quote:
Originally Posted by janmcn
Since this is not a cabinet appointment, President Obama can appoint whoever he wants without senate confirmation (I think that is correct). The opposing party can critique all they like. That's the beauty of free speech, but the fact remains the president's appointee will stay on the job.
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Ok, you clearly did not understand my post. Go back and reread it please before reading what follows …
We already have a Cabinet official, the Secretary of Health and Human Services. You’ll note the word ‘health’ is part of her title. She is paid approximately $200,000 per year, before executive bonuses which means she can make more. She manages about 77,000 employees and her total budget is approximately $1 Trillion (note: trillion, not billion) per year. While this includes Medicare and related transfer payments, the point is … she has LOTS of budget clout and authority. She also appears to be a very competent person with an impressive resume, including Harvard Law and was a Rhodes Scholar.
Biography: HHS Secretary | HHS.gov
She needs to take the lead on Ebola, not a political operative (per your description) buried two levels down in the White House Staff. And yes, senate confirmation is not required. The real question is why have we not even seen or heard from Secretary Burwell? If she needs help, give it to her. But, if she can’t do the job, fire her, and find someone who can. Someone needs to be accountable for results, and that person is Secretary Burwell. Does that not make sense to you?
Besides, the classic DC game is to appoint a “czar” which takes the heat off the senior leaders and make many credulous members of the public think that “ok, they’re finally doing something.” It’s pretty sad to watch actually but it seems to work every time.
Now, you made a comment about “party.” I think we are well past “party” affiliation. Whether we like it or not, we are all absolutely in this together which is why we need common sense solutions which actually work. The problem is obviously one of public health and safety – not politics! Talk alone is cheap, especially when delivered by political operatives. The virus is equal opportunity as it will infect and kill anyone regardless of party, race, creed, or national origin.
Free speech is beautiful indeed and abundant, and I thank the Founders for providing us with that gift. Competence and leadership however, is currently in critically short supply.