BEEP BEEP Make Room In The Clown Car For Another..RFK JR Nominated
From Trump's fave publication...
Putting RFK Jr. in charge of health breaks the first rule of medicine...
The overriding rule of medicine is: First, do no harm.
We’re certain installing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head Health and Human Services breaks this rule.
Maybe he’s sworn to focus narrowly on areas where he clearly can help — inspiring Americans to embrace healthier diets and more exercise, etc.
But . . .
We sat down with RFK Jr. back in May 2023, when he was still challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination.
As we noted then, he’s an independent thinker who sees through a lot of bull, an incisive critic of some of Biden’s worst policies, who saw that “the Democratic Party lost its way most acutely in reaction to” Donald Trump’s first election.
But the insights we were impressed with had nothing to do with health.
When it came to that topic his views were a head-scratching spaghetti of what we can only call warped conspiracy theories, and not just on vaccines.
“Neocons” are responsible for America’s policy ills. “Pesticides, cellphones, ultrasound” could be driving an upswing in Tourette syndrome and peanut allergies.
He told us with full conviction that all America’s chronic health problems began in one year in the 1980s when a dozen bad things happened.
Convincing to the gullible conspiracy-hungry crowd on Twitter, but not to the rest of us.
In fact, we came out thinking he’s nuts on a lot of fronts.
Who's excited about this nomination?
I am seriously questioning Trump's judgment on just about all of these nominations.
https://nypost.com/2024/11/14/opinion/p … -medicine/From USA Today, a Trump Quote;
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/pol … 201219007/
"In announcing the appointment on social media, Trump said Kennedy "will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country. Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!"
Is the bold a promise?
One of the main issues for my vote this election cycle was health care. Some of what Kennedy has espoused I support, yet his advocacy for conspiratorial theories not founded in science gives cause for doubt. There is a lot of responsibility to the position he's been nominated for:
** National Institutes of Health (Science based)
** Food and Drug Administration (Science based)
** Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Science based)
** and, more
One of the 'more' is Medicare, which affects me. So, I will be keeping an eagle's eye on him if he gets through the Senate. And, presently I have a lot of questions, thus will be researching this topic."Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research,"
Based on his previous statements and views, I'm not sure Kennedy even knows what constitutes legitimate scientific research. He has certainly not relied on it in the past.I discovered an article giving insight on Kennedy's ambitions with his position.
Cheat sheet: How RFK Jr., Trump's pick for HHS secretary, promises to 'Make America Healthy Again' by Business Insider (Nov 14, 2024)
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-rfk … in-2024-11
It outlines the supposed main goals, which are:
** Lobby against fluoride in the water system - I don't support this
**Get rid of vaccine mandates - I don't support this
** Encourage people to use more "functional medicine" and make "alternative" healthcare mainstream - I support functional medicine, yet alternative medicine I support some and not others
** Getting rid of artificial food coloring and banning some additives and chemicals - I can get behind this, but I don't think it is doable easily. It would mean changing an industry.
** Ending FDA scrutiny of things like raw milk and supplements - I am very wary of this
** Changing the rules for food stamps - I get what he wants, but 80% of foods in grocery stores are processed foods, so I have doubts
** Getting rid of conflicts of interest and ties to food and drug companies at various federal agencies - I'm probably more worried about his very own conflict of interests
** Requiring medical students at federally-funded institutions to take nutrition classes - I support this
** Coming up with some new "presidential fitness standards" - How? Science?
** Negotiate drug prices - Smart idea, yet again industry based
** Crack down on pharmaceutical ads - Hooray! They are depressingThank you for this. Great article that informed on some areas that I have not yet read about.
I'm with you on functional medicine, big pharma ads need to go, and no harm in med students being taught more about education.As said, health/wellness is dear to my heart and I, too, think the U.S. is in a health crisis especially chronic diseases caused by over weight and obesity, which itself is chronic to society, today. I have serious doubts what Kennedy will set as priority. In other words, how much of his personal pride will hinder constructive progress such as eliminating life saving vaccination mandates. If he tack his sails that direction primarily right off the bat any 'benefit of doubt' will be lost. The same with fluoridation.
Also, in several articles I have read he has intent on getting rid of 600 employees right off the bat. Who or is it whom? That is only about 10% of permanent employees, but if they are higher echelon and the replacements hold conspiratorial theories similar to him I will be disappointed and lose faith and trust.Where is the concern for those who have had control up to now?
Why is there not more attention drawn to the fact that the people who decide what we can eat and what can be added to food and what can be genetically modified rotate from the Board of Monsanto and Bayer (for examples) to directing the FDA (for example)?
We have had decades of Corporate shills and lobbyists making the policy and regulations, or overriding regulations and laws to allow for harmful (even deadly) chemicals and biological components be added to our foods and vaccines that are known to be harmful.
We have allowed this to go on... but now people are worried about RFK... the guy who has done more than most to point this corruption out?"Where is the concern for those who have had control up to now?"
Whose concern? Mine?In particular, yes... in general also.
We can agree that there are issues... so therefore what is, is not working...
We must move forward... unburdened by what has been... doing away with the revolving door of corporate shills coming in and setting the regulations and guidelines that allow the American people to be poisoned for the benefit of corporate profit."In particular, yes... in general also.
I have been 'particularly focused' with concern since 1994.I don't think it is quite that simple.
Who feeds America? Corporations, to a very large degree.
Who houses America? Corporations, to a very large degree.
Who clothes America? Corporations, to a very large degree.
To a very large degree Corporations provide everything we need. Shut them down and we shut down the country as well. Yes, they need controlled, but we have both seen Corporations being regulated to death, to satisfy some woke argument that hinges on the idea that all corporations are evil and must die.I don't mean shut them down...
I do mean shut them OUT of the FDA and other regulatory agencies that are meant to protect Americans from toxic chemicals and suspect genetic modifications, and new vaccines that have not been fully vetted.
People who are being paid millions of dollars from those corporations should not be the guardians at the gate determining what is safe and what is not for Americans.
How is the pharmaceutical industry making its inroads into the FDA?
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontlin … ndent.html
RFK: FDA, USDA & CDC Are Controlled By For-Profit Corporations, Trump And I Are Going To Change That
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video … _that.html
FDA adviser: Opioid approvals are controlled by Big Pharma
https://www.fastcompany.com/90296853/fd … big-pharma
Bayer Tightens Control Over the World’s Food Supply
https://www.iisd.org/articles/insight/b … ood-supply
Documents show how Monsanto and Bayer led attacks on scientists, journalists
https://usrtk.org/monsanto/attacks-on-s … urnalists/
The Revolving Door: FDA and the Monsanto (Bayer) Company
https://www.thelibertybeacon.com/the-re … o-company/
Good information and I agree with many of your positions. We have had this council (link below) since 1956, but has it accomplished anything in the last several years? I have heard nothing about them since Arnold S. was the promotional face of the agency. In fact, our local Inner City Games and related youth health, nutrition and exercise programs (which I used to coach/teach) disappeared several years ago without notice. https://odphp.health.gov/pcsfn
Can Mr. Kennedy bring any improvements to this, do you think? ThanksThanks for the reply Patty!
You teach or once taught right? Maybe not.
I remember the Arnold commercials and you are right, we don't hear much these days about health/wellness in commercials advocating for it. The youth is an important issue as I see it, though I haven't dug into that facet. I have done quite a bit of digging into chronic illnesses like diabetes, over weight/obesity, depression/anxiety, and more. Unfortunately those are affecting our youth today as well.
As far as I am concerned we are overwhelmed with pharmaceutical commercials and half of them I can't decipher what they are for. It seems like the ratio is one pharmaceutical commercial to 3 others. And, one of the three is a commercial for the Medicare Advantage Plan, Part C. hint, hint Is that where the cash cows are? Our senior population is growing now.I dislike all those commercials, too, and think that there are too many drugs for weight loss, especially. There seems to be too much unnecessary drug and surgical treatment foisted on people covered by Medicare Advantage--Older people have become a target for big business in medicine.
I still teach and train some people in public health issues and self defense.
It is of utmost importance to ONLY make public health decisions or changes based on robust evidence.
But what does Bobby think?
"Wi-Fi causes cancer and "leaky brain," Kennedy told podcaster Joe Rogan last month. Antidepressants are to blame for school shootings, he mused during an appearance with Twitter CEO Elon Musk. Chemicals in the water supply could turn children transgender, he told right-wing Canadian psychologist and podcaster Jordan Peterson, echoing a false assertion made by serial fabulist Alex Jones. AIDS may not be caused by HIV, he has suggested multiple times.
Last year he baselessly claimed that COVID had been “ethnically targeted” to avoid “Ashkenazic Jews and Chinese.”
Most notably Kennedy has promoted many false, specious or unproven claims that center on public health and the pharmaceutical industry, most notably, the scientifically discredited belief that childhood vaccines cause autism.
That notion has been rejected by more than a dozen peer-reviewed scientific studies across multiple countries.
Kennedy has also said that fluoride lowers children’s IQ...
This is the guy that Trump said can "go wild" on health...See, I told you you didn't need the fluoridation club.
Your 'clown car' title and thought might be apt for a different reason than you had in mind. It might be an expected (planned?) distraction.
With the important issue of confirmations next (usually), the 'recess appointments' and skipping of FBI background checks controversies might be a big deal.
In anticipation, is it also a big deal that any president should be able to pick their people without 'government approval' (within Constitutional requirements)? Especially when that government isn't trusted and the purpose is to change it.
I'm still optimistic.
GA"Your 'clown car' title and thought might be apt for a different reason than you had in mind. It might be an expected (planned?) distraction.".
Nah, it simply reflects my growing frustration with these nominations of utterly unqualified and fringe folks. For me, it's getting tough to have any hope in the upcoming administration with such unserious choices. Feels more like a slap in the face to science. Not sure where you're finding your optimism.
"In anticipation, is it also a big deal that any president should be able to pick their people without 'government approval' (within Constitutional requirements)?".
This feels like Trump Waging a Shock-and-Awe War against his own Senate. I'm not in favor of the Senate's role of "advice and consent" in nominations be summarily relinquished. For me, that is consolidating power in the executive,. This expands Presidential power. I'm in favor of keeping checks and balances. I'm not even sure of the constitutional justification of invoking recess nominations.This one is going to be hard to justify with anything more solid than hope, but . . .
I agree with your comment, but, I also agree with the Trump mandate (I know, it's arguable) to overhaul our 'status quo' government. His picks show he's doing just that. That's where my optimism is coming from.
That optimism also comes from my faith in the Constitution. It has proven, through history, to be up to the job of handling our anomalies and crises. It and the Court will be the final word. That works for me.
GAThe Constitution, and the court, can only perform the job of handling our anomalies and crises if we allow it to do so.
I dare say that Democrats, in a very general sense, do not wish to be tied to that document and will do whatever they can to subvert and ignore it. As an example I point to the Democrat rumblings that they will expand the court until they get a court that agrees with the Democrat philosophy on the Constitution - that it is "living document", subject to change at the will of Congress.As usual, you sound like I'm talking to myself. We should find something to argue about. ;-)
GASo, you and Wilderness are on the same boat, hmmm...
Nope, it's a train and now we're the engineers. (your caboose is safe and just along for the ride) ;-)
GAYeah, an actual train wreck before we even get under way...
When you believe that only your ideology and beliefs are right, and that anyone who does not agree with you is wrong, the enemy, an evil not to be tolerated...
That gives you the right to do whatever it is you decide needs to be done.
The laws and the rules don't apply to you, your ideology is above them...
Above the Constitution... and certainly above the Will of the deplorable citizens of America who are racist, sexist, uneducated, backwards, threats-to-democracy that should have no ability to interfere with how the government is run or what direction the country moves in.
Hence, we now have Congressmembers, Governors, and unelected officials within DC openly creating a "Shadow Government" to oppose a Trump Administration and represent the "real" America.
And there you have it... after Americans sat by and watched 4 years of Biden/Democrat governance that gave us 25% Inflation... 10 - 20 million new migrants... ... and two (at least) new regional wars that are escalating into WWIII... they got their chance to vote for change.
And true to what they really are... the Democrats and their Soros and Chinese allies said NO WAY... they were NOT going to accept the election results... they would just create their own government and not accept the Will of the People. ...Nor the Constitution... Nor the Laws and Social Norms of our society.
With the important issue of confirmations next (usually), the 'recess appointments' and skipping of FBI background checks controversies might be a big deal.
In anticipation, is it also a big deal that any president should be able to pick their people without 'government approval' (within Constitutional requirements)? Especially when that government isn't trusted and the purpose is to change it.
---
Yes, it is a "big deal". These are important points and deviations from standard policy. Perhaps, Trump is not the "shake up" politician that he claims to be? Why circumvent this process, what it there to conceal?
-------
I'm still optimistic.
I am not, I say that we are in dire straits already, just wait until he appoints Yosemite Sam as Attorney General.I am leaning toward worrying about those "deviations" too. But it's a struggle. For instance, you worry about these deviations, but you (generic and literal) don't worry about dumping the filibuster and 2/3 majority rule to get what you want.
Although I can't define my 'within reason,' I think a president should have the ability to appoint, "within reason" who he wants and where he wants them. So . . . I will optimistically wait and see.
GA
It frustrates me when people refuse to acknowledge the truth: the U.S. has no problem adding harmful chemicals to our food and water. Anyone who ignores this reality is simply acting like a clown—clueless and uninformed. It's especially aggravating when people like Bobby are dismissed as quacks for questioning these practices. Maybe some should look beyond U.S. borders and see how other nations manage to avoid poisoning their food and water. There's a lot to learn from the scientific studies conducted outside the U.S. Our health stats are pitiful for lack of a better word.
Before dismissing someone's concerns, it might be worth examining how other countries handle similar issues. Take a look at some of Bobby's points: certain nations are more cautious about the additives they permit in food and water. Comparing these practices and then reviewing health statistics between the U.S. and those countries could reveal insights. It’s useful to assess if the U.S. faces higher rates of major health problems where stricter regulations might make a difference.
Ask yourself why... Then if you want answers do some research.
What nations have banned fluoride in their water
Several countries have chosen to ban or limit the fluoridation of their public water supplies due to concerns over health and ethical implications. Some of these nations include:
Germany
Austria
France
Belgium
Denmark
Norway
Sweden
The Netherlands
Hungary
In the UK, the decision to fluoridate water is made by local authorities rather than being a nationwide mandate or ban. While some regions in England have fluoridated water, the practice is not universal across the entire UK.
These countries typically cite concerns over potential health risks, ethical considerations regarding mass medication, or the belief that individuals should have the choice to use fluoride independently
Countries known for being more cautious about food additives include:
European Union (EU): The EU has strict regulations regarding food additives and requires thorough safety evaluations before approval. Many additives allowed in the U.S. are banned or restricted in the EU.
Japan: Japan has stringent standards for food safety, with certain preservatives and artificial colors either restricted or not approved for use.
Australia and New Zealand: Both countries have rigorous food safety guidelines and oversight by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
These nations prioritize comprehensive risk assessments and often ban additives linked to health concerns.It's interesting that when Michelle Obama took on the issue of a healthy food she was roasted by the Right but now that RFK Jr talks about it...what. Great idea! I love the little compilation of outrage put together..
https://www.mediaite.com/tv/cnn-airs-th … y-crusade/
I wonder how many can ride in his car! Is it a car or a huge wagon?
Change is inevitable and I now am in Limbo on RFK, Jr. Earlier in this thread I posted a reference to an article . . .
Cheat sheet: How RFK Jr., Trump's pick for HHS secretary, promises to 'Make America Healthy Again' by Business Insider (Nov 14, 2024)
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-rfk … in-2024-11
(May be hidden behind paywall. They give you a limited amount of articles for free)
I copy/pasted the points RFK, Jr is supposedly emphasizing to make change and stated my position based on my knowledge at the time. This morning I read an article by the Free Press rated 'Lean Right' by allsides. It has given me pause and prompted to look deeper into RFK, Jr. big ideas. Two I do/did not support was the fluoridation issue and vaccinations. I am wavering on fluoridation now, yet remain steadfast on vaccinations.
A Simple Litmus Test for RFK Jr.’s Ideas by the Free Press (Nov 18, 2024)
https://www.thefp.com/p/rfk-jr-health-h … dium=email
The media describes the new HHS chief as a conspiracy theorist. But how many of his ideas are actually used in Europe? More than you’d think.
For if vaccines cause autism they had a thorough article countering his concern. The author of the article has two children with autism.
Trump, RFK, and the Autism Dilemma by the Free Press (Nov 15, 2024)
https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-rfk-autism-dilemma
Kennedy and the president-elect are asking why more kids like mine are disabled by autism. They have the power to find real answers—and it’s not due to vaccines.When I listen to RFK Jr., it takes me back to my college days and all the science classes I took, especially biochemistry and toxicology. Those classes taught me a lot about the effects of chemicals on the body and what happens when certain substances become toxic. I remember studying how different levels of exposure could lead to harmful outcomes, and that knowledge always stuck with me.
Back then, I made it a point to read labels carefully, but I’ll admit I’ve gotten lax about it over the years. These days, I try to stick with fresh, whole foods and avoid processed stuff altogether—it feels like the simplest way to steer clear of unnecessary additives. But when I hear RFK Jr. speak, I’m reminded of the importance of staying informed. I’ve always been open to learning and doing my own research before forming an opinion, rather than just adopting the group’s view.
We do have so many additives in our food that are linked to health problems, and it’s worth taking a closer look. RFK Jr. raises important points about transparency and what we might not know about what’s in our food and environment. I appreciate that he’s willing to challenge the status quo and bring forward scientific information that might not be widely discussed. I think it’s worth keeping an open mind—we can’t deny the impact that certain chemicals have on our health, and questioning the systems regulating them is a discussion we should all be having.
I mean there is no question we are an unhealthy Nation. Stats give a bleak picture.My diet is tailored to diabetes, high potassium levels, and low sodium levels. It is a picture puzzle to get things on a daily and meal basis to fit my criteria. But, almost all of my well thought out and planned meals are processed foods - sandwiches, canned goods, and frozen foods. A quarter of my meals are from take-out. I have over a dozen traditional fast foods places and mom & pop restaurants within a mile from me. I can get it, get home, and it is still hot/warm including french fries from In-n-Out burger. Four places are less than a ten minute walk for me including a Pizza Hut. Can't live without my weekly pizza that lasts three days for lunch.
From my understanding 80% of foods in any grocery store is processed while a percentage is what they term ultra-processed. That seems to be the aim of RFK, Jr. Though I appreciate his ambition to eliminate them, I doubt he will be able to. He would have to change a market worth over 1 trillion dollars. I question affordability too. I can't afford organic foods alone. How long have they been trying to get rid of GMO foods?I totally get where you’re coming from. I try to cook from scratch as much as I can, but even when I do, it’s clear that I'm still getting plenty of things that aren’t ideal for my health.
You’re absolutely right—around 80% of the foods in most grocery stores are processed, with a significant portion falling into the "ultra-processed" category. RFK Jr.'s ambition to eliminate them is admirable, but I agree, changing such a massive industry worth over a trillion dollars would be incredibly difficult. Affordability is another big issue; I can’t imagine relying solely on organic foods either—it’s just too expensive for many of us. And you’re right to bring up GMOs too—people have been trying to get rid of them for years, yet they’re still so prevalent in the market.
Exactly, we can certainly hope that Bobby, along with Dr. Oz, can make a real impact by uncovering the truth and informing the public. It’s encouraging to hear that they’re teaming up—they both bring different strengths to the table, especially in terms of their backgrounds in health and science. If they focus on raising awareness and offering solutions, maybe it could spark a movement to start addressing these issues on a broader scale. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.Why aren't we considering all of the past statements and positions from these two? The focus seems to be on a couple of the normal things they've said...
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