Jocelyn Elders: Gupta is a Really Good Choice

[Undercurrent]

Interview: Five Minutes With Dr. Jocelyn Elders

CP: It seems like you were in a similar position that Sanjay Gupta—if selected and confirmed—will be in. There’s a large battle about health insurance and health care going on. He might, as you did, try to sell health care reform to the public in addition to addressing some other public health concerns.

JE: I think that’s absolutely true. You have to remember that we were trying to get through the Clinton health plan at the same time. There were just multiple issues that were going on at that time. I think Dr. Gupta has been out there working very hard trying to communicate with the American people. I think he would be an excellent communicator. He was a White House Fellow for a while. Obviously he’s a neurosurgeon so he understands medicine. I’m not sure he understands prevention as well, but he has 6,000 public health people who will be working for him who are the best in the world. So he can get that. I think that at this time he would really be a good choice.

I don’t know what his major interest would be, but all surgeons general have to deal with major problem that’s in the country at time. To me the major problem that we have in this country is that we have the very best sick care system in the world, we just don’t have a health care system. We need to work really hard to try to get health and health care for all of our people.

January 9, 2009
http://campusprogress.org/5mw/3538/five-minutes-with-dr-jocelyn-elders

[Enthusiast]

1. Gupta is a horrible choice!

He, without a doubt, is a corporate shill. We don't want the insurance industry protected. I could give a fuck if every single employee associated with medical insurance in this country lost their jobs. They have allowed our heavy industry to die, what is the difference?

[and-justice-for-all]

2. "He, without a doubt, is a corporate shill"

That is all that needs to be said.. Gupta is a TERRIBLE choice.

[Thrill]

3. This from one of the best Surgeon Generals we've had?

I'll take her opinion over some of the hand wringers on this board.

[whistler162]

4. I agree!

[Deja Q]

6. What do you mean by "hand wringers"?

And just what were they wringing?
:wow:

[Deja Q]

5. I'll spare the masturbation joke only because I like her.

And not in *that* kind of way, you pervs. :P

[Jennicut]

12. Hee hee. She was right about it though.

She rocks.

[ruggerson]

7. I respect Dr. Elders opinion on this

[Occam Bandage]

8. Hm. Do I trust one of the best SGs ever, or do I trust the people who complain his show runs ads?

I'm with Elders on this one.

[Avalux]

9. Thank you Dr. Elders. What I've been saying since the pick was announced.

Maybe hearing it from someone of her stature will give the naysayers pause.

[Uzybone]

10. Et tu Jocelyn?

I guess you also go down on the anti-Obama brigades shit list now.

[psychopomp]

11. I really like Dr. Elders

She got a raw deal from President Clinton, who did not stick up for her when she was caught in a misdirected media maelstrom. It is encouraging to hear her voice her support for Obama's selection for SG.