Headlines to Instill Confidence
Here is a headline at the Star-Trib:

Chertoff: 'Gut feeling' that U.S. at high risk for attack

I will rest easier tonight knowing that Homeland Security is basing their information on "gut feeling" rather than on intelligence.

Actually, as I think about it, with the track record prior to 9/11 and the Iraq War, perhaps this is something to instill confidence. Let's hope his gut is just too many hot dogs over the 4th of July.

But Maybe Even Worse
Try this for another lead:

THE first surgeon-general appointed by US President George Bush has accused his Administration of political interference and muzzling him on issues such as embryonic stem cell research.

What a shock. Political pressure. Who would have thought it possible? Dr. Richard Carmona served from 2002 - 2006 as Surgeon General. Here's more of what he had to say:

The Administration, he said, would not allow him to speak or issue reports about stem cells; emergency contraception; sex education; or prison, mental and global health issues. Top officials delayed for years and tried to water down a landmark report on second-hand smoke, he said.

Yes, I know science can be political, especially when it comes to getting grants, etc. But to water down a report because someone doesn't like it? To be required to mention the president three times on every page? He goes on:

"Much of the discussion was being driven by theology, ideology, (and) preconceived beliefs that were scientifically incorrect," he said. "I thought, this is a perfect example of the surgeon-general being able to step forward, educate the American public … I was told the decision had already been made — 'stand down, don't talk about it.' That information was removed from my speeches."
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