Recently, social media, news agencies and newspapers have been in a frenzy over the deadliest Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa’s history, as well as the potential for an outbreak on U.S. soil.
The word “Ebola” is ubiquitous, as is the panic that accompanies it.
The virus is both a physical and a psychological one and the public is barraged with a maelstrom of information that spreads a fear that, unlike the virus, cannot be quarantined.
In the face of this panic, what people need is a composed public figure and an authoritative source of factual, cohesive information.
What people need is a Surgeon General.
However, the position of the surgeon general has been vacant and it appears that it will likely remain that way due to an impasse between President Obama and some right-winged members of Congress.
The President’s nomination, Dr. Vivek Murthy, is a graduate of the Yale School of Medicine and has also accomplished many impressive achievements, such as co-founding and presiding over Doctors for America, as well as several other non-profit organizations.
Despite his abundant qualifications, Congress has not confirmed the nomination of Dr. Murthy due to a fervent campaign led by the National Rifle
Association [NRA].
Murthy expresses support for controlled gun safety measures such as barring assault weapons, mandatory safety training and limiting ammunition. His views are hardly radical or extremist, and his position is actually in accordance with 92 percent of Americans, according to one CBS-NYT survey.
Furthermore, Murthy’s position epitomizes the general consensus among medical professionals that gun violence is a major public health concern.
According to data provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, fatalities caused by firearms— including homicides, suicides and accidents— will likely surpass those caused by automobiles by the year 2015.
What’s interesting is that cars are highly regulated for safety but guns are not.
Not surprisingly, Murthy, as well as the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics— to name but a few— are appealing for stricter gun safety laws.
As these public health officials become more forceful with their demands, the NRA has more than enough cause to try to stifle their lobbies and protect the Association from law-based regulations.
Dr. Murthy is a threat to the NRA’s platform and according to the right-winged Congressional members [41 percent of whom own guns, compared to 23 percent of Democrats] will not confirm the President’s nomination, despite Murthy’s assurance that he will not use the position as a “bully pulpit on gun control”.
The NRA, an alliance made up of 4.3 million members, spent $10 million on the 2008 presidential election, with their revenue totaling a staggering $205 million.
Essentially, the NRA has made it clear to the conservative congressmen that, if they support Murthy, all 4.3 million members of the NRA will take the vote into consideration when they go to the polls in November.
This is an unsavory scenario for the congressmen who are running for re-election this year and it is nothing short of political blackmail.
It is perilous when one faction or organization can wield so much power over political decisions that governmental policies are molded by means of extortion and bullying in order to propagate single-sided, partisan interests and tightfisted agendas.
During our country’s desperate time of need for a Surgeon General who can successfully spearhead Ebola-centered coordination efforts with the World Health Organization, it is imperative to set aside political differences and work together for the betterment of the nation.
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