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babylonsister

(170,963 posts)
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 05:59 PM Oct 2014

Republican Congressman Is Unaware There Is No Surgeon General To Head Ebola Response

Republican Congressman Is Unaware There Is No Surgeon General To Head Ebola Response
The Huffington Post | By Amber Ferguson

Posted: 10/23/2014 4:04 pm EDT Updated: 50 minutes ago


Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) says Ron Klain is "off to a bad start" in his new role as the president's Ebola response coordinator, and that the U.S. Surgeon General should be the one leading the effort. But what Chaffetz doesn't seem to realize is that there hasn't been a surgeon general for more than a year.

“Why not have the surgeon general head this up?" Chaffetz asked in a Wednesday appearance on Fox News. "I think that’s a very legitimate question. At least you have somebody who has a medical background whose been confirmed by the United States Senate.”

“It begs the question, what does the surgeon general do?" he added. "Why aren’t we empowering that person?”


more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/23/jason-chaffetz-surgeon-general_n_6036544.html

86 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Republican Congressman Is Unaware There Is No Surgeon General To Head Ebola Response (Original Post) babylonsister Oct 2014 OP
This is so pointedly disheartening. Clueless seems rampant in that party. pinto Oct 2014 #1
I totally agree. Pretty pathetic babylonsister Oct 2014 #2
It is pathetic bsis. sheshe2 Oct 2014 #25
Why aren't you empowering the person that doesn't exist because your party has been blocking it? tanyev Oct 2014 #3
Stupid, stupid, stupid. Hekate Oct 2014 #4
And tens of millions of Americans will RACE to the polls to elect him and others like randys1 Oct 2014 #5
Answer to your question: No, we won't. freshwest Oct 2014 #28
Wonder if he has a challenger? ReRe Oct 2014 #37
no. NYtoBush-Drop Dead Oct 2014 #73
... napkinz Oct 2014 #6
But we have pro NRA DUers who will tell Dr. Murthy that he is irrational BrotherIvan Oct 2014 #23
Sad isn't it? Nt abelenkpe Oct 2014 #34
Every day is one step closer to Idiocracy. Enthusiast Oct 2014 #69
+1000 sheshe2 Oct 2014 #26
How are Republicans blocking the Surgeon General? Yupster Oct 2014 #41
Rand Paul placed a hold. eom Qutzupalotl Oct 2014 #43
Here's the definition of a senate hold Yupster Oct 2014 #53
so has anybody bothered to inform him that we don't have a Surgeon General magical thyme Oct 2014 #7
Isnt is Reeds responsibility to bring the issue up for vote Travis_0004 Oct 2014 #76
In his defense, it's hard to keep up on all that governing stuff when there fundraisers to attend. Scuba Oct 2014 #8
It's impossible to keep up with reality when they are so entrenched in Lies to motivate and Cha Oct 2014 #68
I'll bet the Fox folks roughly corrected the nitwit, right? gratuitous Oct 2014 #9
We have an acting surgeon general who has all of the powers of the Surgeon General onenote Oct 2014 #10
Not only do we have a Surgeon General, he is arguably more qualified than the nominee. branford Oct 2014 #12
NRA involvement - pinto Oct 2014 #19
Whether or not you like the NRA, they're entitled to lobby for or against a nominee. branford Oct 2014 #24
The Acting Surgeon 840high Oct 2014 #32
Media Matters - "What Conservatives Get Wrong In Their Smear Campaign Against The Surgeon General... TomCADem Oct 2014 #45
Whether you or I believe the NRA claims about Murthy is irrelevant. branford Oct 2014 #48
Accepting Your Argument Encourages More Pretextual Attacks TomCADem Oct 2014 #49
Your issue is really with the Democrats branford Oct 2014 #55
No, my issue is with Republicans TomCADem Oct 2014 #56
Reid can end Paul's hold today. branford Oct 2014 #58
If the NRA lobbies for anything then I know it's evil and bad for America. nt TeamPooka Oct 2014 #75
Dear Rep. Jason Chaffetz, pinto Oct 2014 #11
Republicans have not filibustered the nomination branford Oct 2014 #15
Ah yeah, got it. pinto Oct 2014 #16
Chaffetz can be a fool, but Murthy's confirmation is a Democratic caucus problem. nt branford Oct 2014 #18
actually you're wrong green917 Oct 2014 #38
I am an advocate of the First Amendment. branford Oct 2014 #40
Does all that water get heavy? Thor_MN Oct 2014 #44
+1...nt SidDithers Oct 2014 #52
Does that snark mean you have no intelligent response? Sen Reid could force an up or down vote if rhett o rick Oct 2014 #62
Wow, project your world much? Thor_MN Oct 2014 #74
Senate holds can be broken with a cloture vote same as a filibuster. Reid is protecting rhett o rick Oct 2014 #61
This message was self-deleted by its author Yupster Oct 2014 #42
Jason you are one dumb asshole. Wellstone ruled Oct 2014 #13
You would think the media would be all over the Republican and NRA blockade...puzzling... Fred Sanders Oct 2014 #14
You need to speak with the approx. 10 Democratic Senators that don't support Murthy. branford Oct 2014 #17
What difference would it make if they confirmed Murthy onenote Oct 2014 #36
His own personal Emily Litella moment. lpbk2713 Oct 2014 #20
Unbelievable, the ignorance. WinkyDink Oct 2014 #21
I'm convinced these idiots won't be satisfied no matter what Obama does. Initech Oct 2014 #22
Come on, Chuck Todd ... 1StrongBlackMan Oct 2014 #27
B/C mush for brains Rand Paul and the Rs say no irisblue Oct 2014 #29
The GOP really doesn't care about government or the people of this nation. Rex Oct 2014 #30
Yes they do. Only fucking richie rich matters to any of them. lonestarnot Oct 2014 #84
Abbot and Costello's "Whose on first?" makes more sense than this teabagger clown. kairos12 Oct 2014 #31
Oh, he is aware... awoke_in_2003 Oct 2014 #33
Is there a cure for dumbola? Sancho Oct 2014 #35
Another oblivious politician. bigwillq Oct 2014 #39
Hey Jason, Renew Deal Oct 2014 #46
The stupid burns malaise Oct 2014 #47
He doesn't really want the answer to that question does he? LiberalElite Oct 2014 #50
John McEnroe has responded BeyondGeography Oct 2014 #51
Unaware or don't care, the Republican way. sammy750 Oct 2014 #54
Typical Republican, dumb as hell. . . B Calm Oct 2014 #57
I've been in and out watching that hearing... George II Oct 2014 #59
Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2014 #60
The right hand doesn't know what the far-right hand is doing. n/t Orsino Oct 2014 #63
Update: Congressman denies knowledge of his own mental state... xocet Oct 2014 #64
part of awesome quote "The surgeon general is also an office. It's the Office of the Surgeon General Botany Oct 2014 #77
Yes, that is an awesome statement by Chaffetz - very Palinesque save the self-reflection.... xocet Oct 2014 #79
and yet he will be re-elected Botany Oct 2014 #80
It is too bad that he will be re-elected. Weirdly, Descartes' hair seems to fit his image.... xocet Oct 2014 #81
And yet we Americans are so pathetically ignorant and stupid that PatrickforO Oct 2014 #65
$175,000 a year, the best health care, excellent perks... KansDem Oct 2014 #66
From time to time . . . OldRedneck Oct 2014 #67
It begs the question... czarjak Oct 2014 #70
... Spitfire of ATJ Oct 2014 #71
A case of giving Fox News too little credit WhaTHellsgoingonhere Oct 2014 #72
Did he even know who the acting SG was? ileus Oct 2014 #78
The Headline SHOULD have read: "Republican Congressman Clueless That HIS PARTY is BLOCKING TrollBuster9090 Oct 2014 #82
ZOMG! Repubs are Blocking. Except they're not. ARMYofONE Oct 2014 #85
Republicans blocked the nomination on orders from the NRA, who threatened to score the vote, and TrollBuster9090 Oct 2014 #86
ouch C Moon Oct 2014 #83

pinto

(106,886 posts)
1. This is so pointedly disheartening. Clueless seems rampant in that party.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:05 PM
Oct 2014

A detriment to us all, regardless of party affiliation.

sheshe2

(83,355 posts)
25. It is pathetic bsis.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:56 PM
Oct 2014

Maybe if they actually worked full time they might be aware of what goes on in Washington.

I guess that's to much to ask of them.

tanyev

(42,360 posts)
3. Why aren't you empowering the person that doesn't exist because your party has been blocking it?
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:10 PM
Oct 2014

Good question, Jason. You gonna get back to us when you have an answer?

randys1

(16,286 posts)
5. And tens of millions of Americans will RACE to the polls to elect him and others like
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:13 PM
Oct 2014

him....


THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE...

Are we going to survive these idiots?

ReRe

(10,597 posts)
37. Wonder if he has a challenger?
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 09:03 PM
Oct 2014

Looks to me like this would be an election "decider," i.e., if he has a Democratic challenger?

BrotherIvan

(9,126 posts)
23. But we have pro NRA DUers who will tell Dr. Murthy that he is irrational
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:45 PM
Oct 2014

Because "Your dead kids don't trump my rights." Their right to be afraid over all the other rights combined for the rest of us.

Yupster

(14,308 posts)
41. How are Republicans blocking the Surgeon General?
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 11:58 PM
Oct 2014

Reid can call a vote any day he wants to.

The House has nothing to do with confirmations.

The senate got rid of the filibuster for confirmations.

This is all Reid's doing. He's delaying the vote till after the election to protect Landreaux, Pryor, Hagan and Begich from having to take a tough vote.

Yupster

(14,308 posts)
53. Here's the definition of a senate hold
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 10:34 AM
Oct 2014

from the US Senate website, www.senate.gov

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
hold - An informal practice by which a senator informs his or her floor leader that he or she does not wish a particular bill or other measure to reach the floor for consideration. The majority leader need not follow the senator's wishes, but is on notice that the opposing senator may filibuster any motion to proceed to consider the measure.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So, now after all these years, street fighter Harry Reid has developed a case of excessive courtesy?

As I said before, Senator Reid can call a vote for Surgeon General any day he wants to and have the guy confirmed. All he has to do is convince 50 Democratic senators (Biden breaks tie) to vote yes.

He won't do that before the election because more than five Democratic senators have told him they will not vote for this nominee.

 

magical thyme

(14,881 posts)
7. so has anybody bothered to inform him that we don't have a Surgeon General
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:19 PM
Oct 2014

thanks to his stupid party?

Or is he just going around flapping his gums and having ignorant "news" people agree with him?

 

Travis_0004

(5,417 posts)
76. Isnt is Reeds responsibility to bring the issue up for vote
Sat Oct 25, 2014, 07:03 AM
Oct 2014

There has never been a vote for the surgen general since Reed has never scheduled one.

Cha

(295,929 posts)
68. It's impossible to keep up with reality when they are so entrenched in Lies to motivate and
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 05:35 PM
Oct 2014

enrich their fundraising.

gratuitous

(82,849 posts)
9. I'll bet the Fox folks roughly corrected the nitwit, right?
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:22 PM
Oct 2014

And refresh my memory, but wasn't it Chaffetz's political compatriots who were screaming for an "ebola czar" at the beginning of the week? Where was Chaffetz when all that complaining was going on? Seems like the Republicans will moan and complain no matter what happens. It almost makes you think that the President would be justified in ignoring these yammerers.

onenote

(42,383 posts)
10. We have an acting surgeon general who has all of the powers of the Surgeon General
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:23 PM
Oct 2014

of course he hasn't been confirmed by the Senate, although why the hell that should matter is a mystery to me.

 

branford

(4,462 posts)
12. Not only do we have a Surgeon General, he is arguably more qualified than the nominee.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:30 PM
Oct 2014

Biography of the Acting Surgeon General
Rear Admiral (RADM) Boris D. Lushniak, M.D., M.P.H.

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/about/biographies/biosg.html

I would also note that Murthy has not been voted on, no less confirmed, because Harry Reid will not permit a vote. This is because Murthy cannot muster a majority of Democratic support in the Senate.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/us/senate-balks-at-obama-pick-for-surgeon-general.html


pinto

(106,886 posts)
19. NRA involvement -
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:39 PM
Oct 2014

The surgeon general’s office — which deals with policies of medicine and public health — is not usually a focus of gun-rights advocates. But an N.R.A. spokesman, Andrew Arulanandam, said that it was taking no chances that under Dr. Murthy the office would veer into gun policy. “All the rules have changed as far as this White House is concerned,” he said. “Given Dr. Murthy’s blatant activism on behalf of gun control, that’s not a gamble we’re willing to take.”

The N.R.A. has said it will “score” any confirmation vote — meaning that voting yes would negatively affect a senator’s annual rating from the group. This is not an idle concern for senators like Mr. Begich, Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark Pryor of Arkansas and John Walsh of Montana — all Democrats who represent states where opposition from the N.R.A. could mean the difference in a close race.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/us/senate-balks-at-obama-pick-for-surgeon-general.html?_r=0

 

branford

(4,462 posts)
24. Whether or not you like the NRA, they're entitled to lobby for or against a nominee.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:49 PM
Oct 2014

The simple fact, as you readily acknowledge, is that Murthy's gun control positions make him controversial to as many as 10 Democratic senators, and therefore deny him the Senate majority needed for confirmation.

I agree that the position of Surgeon General is not usually the focus of gun rights advocates. However, it's equally unusual for the nominee to a position that many view as ceremonial, and certainly not partisan, to advocate what many consider to be a very controversial gun control view.

If the priority of the administration was actually having a Surgeon General to muster our Ebola-fighting resources, there are many highly qualified candidates, including the Acting Surgeon General, that could easily be confirmed by a bi-partisan Senate.

TomCADem

(17,378 posts)
45. Media Matters - "What Conservatives Get Wrong In Their Smear Campaign Against The Surgeon General...
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 09:20 AM
Oct 2014

I don't see the nominee as some sort of gun control activist. It is amazing that simply saying that gun violence raises a public health concern constitutes a controversial statement.

http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/03/11/what-conservatives-get-wrong-in-their-smear-cam/198449

 

branford

(4,462 posts)
48. Whether you or I believe the NRA claims about Murthy is irrelevant.
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 10:00 AM
Oct 2014

The fact of the matter is that Murthy is considered controversial enough by a sufficient number of Democratic senators that he cannot be confirmed, at least before the election.

What I find most unusual is that many claim Murthy is not a gun control activist, yet the actual basis for his notoriety and popularity appear to be these very same gun control positions, and the reason many are fighting so strongly for his confirmation. His resume is certainly impressive, but particularly due to his youth, is hardly exceptional or unique.

If the real reason why we need a permanent Surgeon General is to muster and coordinate our Ebola resources, I wish someone could explain to me what special or unique skills Murthy has in this area, no less that exceed the qualifications of other far less controversial potential candidates for the position, such as the Acting Surgeon General.

If the President truly believed that we needed a permanent Surgeon General for the Ebola crisis, he could readily nominate a highly-qualified candidate that could easily and quickly attain a bipartisan confirmation. The fact that we are still discussing Murthy a year after he was initially nominated demonstrates that the Ebola rationale for Surgeon General is, at best, a red herring, and the relative silence by the White House and Harry Reid, an acknowledgment that Murthy is more controversial than many would like to admit, and that he might not even be the best candidate available.

TomCADem

(17,378 posts)
49. Accepting Your Argument Encourages More Pretextual Attacks
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 10:05 AM
Oct 2014

You might as well let the right wing hand pick your nominees if you can take any statement out of context and let Republicans deem it to be disqualifying. In other words, Murphy is hardly like Elizabeth Warren as a nominee for Consumer Protection. In other words, if we accept the idea that it does not matter whether the Republicans' objections to Murphy are legitimate, and that the Democrats should appoint someone who is more palatable, then that is just outright surrender. I can understand if Republicans were actually opposed to Murphy based on something more germane to his duties.

 

branford

(4,462 posts)
55. Your issue is really with the Democrats
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 11:12 AM
Oct 2014

I have no objection to Murthy, but such nominees need to be confirmed by the Senate, an innately political body.

In this instance, Murthy is not only opposed by the Republicans, but as many as 10 Democrats. He simply does not have the requisite majority even among our own party. Stop complaining about the Republicans, and change the minds of at least 5 Democrats. This same problem recently happened with Debo Adegbile. Obama and some Democrats were embarrassed, others cast votes that will hurt them in this election, he still wasn't nominated, and yet another loyal Democratic candidate fills the office. Politics is tough, and we need to choose our battles wisely.

Moreover, claiming Murthy's is not really a gun control advocate and that we need him to fight Ebola appears just as disingenuous as Republican complaints. Murthy has no special skill set or experience concerning Ebola or coordinating national resources to fight an epidemic, and the reason why many here support him so strongly is actually his public gun control positions.




 

branford

(4,462 posts)
58. Reid can end Paul's hold today.
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 11:40 AM
Oct 2014

A hold is an informal agreement among Senators, and Reid is not exactly known for his courtesy, particularly after the nuclear option.

The simple fact is that Reid likes the hold. He does not want to bring the nomination to a vote since he lacks of majority for confirmation. There are 55 Democrats in the Senate. He only needs 50 Democratic votes (plus Biden to break a tie) to confirm Murthy. As the NYT article clearly describes, as many as 10 Democrats will not vote for confirmation, particularly before the election.

If you want me to take claims of Republican obstructionism seriously in this particular instance, you first need to demonstrate that Murthy can be confirmed but for the Republicans. You need to convince members of our own Party that Murthy should be confirmed before you point a finger elsewhere.

pinto

(106,886 posts)
11. Dear Rep. Jason Chaffetz,
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:27 PM
Oct 2014

2464 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7751

Did you vote on a confirmation for Surgeon General? I realize that's not your job. It's for the Senate.

Yet your party has filibustered any consideration on a Senate vote.

It's embarrassing to see a US Representative so unaware of the actions, or inactions, inherent to his job.

You may have stumbled here but there will always be a spot as a "political analyst" on Fox News for you.

Go for it.



 

branford

(4,462 posts)
15. Republicans have not filibustered the nomination
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:33 PM
Oct 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/us/senate-balks-at-obama-pick-for-surgeon-general.html

There are sufficient Democrats in the Senate to confirm Murthy today (if they were in session).

After Reid's "nuclear option," executive appointments only need 50+1 votes to close debate. There are 55 Democrats in the Senate, and Murthy hasn't received a vote because Reid refuses to schedule a vote.

The Republicans would love for Reid to put Murthy's nomination to a vote. Democrats would either sink the nominee and embarrass the White House, or vote for him, and virtually ensure a defeat in either their upcoming election or soon thereafter. A vote against Murthy and for 2A rights would be a positive for virtually all Republicans in their home states.

If Obama nominated someone totally non-controversial and non-partisan, particularly during the Ebola crisis, he or she would likely receive a swift and bipartisan confirmation, just like the recently nominated new VA Secretary after the recent scandals.

Republicans have certainly tried to block the president on multiple occasions, but the failure to confirm Murthy is the result of raw Democratic political calculus in an election year, and to some, cowardice.

green917

(442 posts)
38. actually you're wrong
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 09:03 PM
Oct 2014

Sen. Rand Paul placed a hold on Dr. Murthy's nomination so, majority leader Reid couldn't bring him up for a vote, even if he wanted to! The reason? Petty politics over not wanting to pissf off the almighty nra....you may be okay with an advocate for the manufacturers of deadly weapons (and, that is exactly what the nra is) dictating public health policy. I, for one, am not. Dr. Murthy is eminently qualified for the position and should have been easily confirmed!

 

branford

(4,462 posts)
40. I am an advocate of the First Amendment.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 11:28 PM
Oct 2014

The NRA, ACLU, Michael Bloomberg, the KKK or anyone else is entitled to speak freely and lobby their elected representatives, regardless of their viewpoint. There is no "manufacturers of deadly weapons" exception to the Constitution.

Moreover, as the NYT articles explains, as many as 10 Democrats will not support Murthy. No matter what you think of his qualifications, he cannot muster a simple majority of the Democratic-controlled Senate. The reason for the lack of support is immaterial. The filibuster issue is a red herring (and a "hold" is not a filibuster). The reason why the White House and Harry Reid are not screaming about Republican obstructionism is because forcing a vote will backfire on our party, and could even cost us the Senate. Murthy would also still fail to be confirmed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/us/senate-balks-at-obama-pick-for-surgeon-general.html

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
62. Does that snark mean you have no intelligent response? Sen Reid could force an up or down vote if
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 01:10 PM
Oct 2014

if he had all the Democrats behind him but he clearly doesn't.

Of course the Republicans are obstructionists but they are getting help from Blue Dog Democrats on this issue. The Republicans can't hold up the appointment alone. The Blue Dogs are siding with the Republicans to hold up this appointment.

I think your ire should be aimed at the DINO Blue Dogs.

 

Thor_MN

(11,843 posts)
74. Wow, project your world much?
Sat Oct 25, 2014, 01:48 AM
Oct 2014

You read an awful lot into a simple question that wasn't directed towards you.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
61. Senate holds can be broken with a cloture vote same as a filibuster. Reid is protecting
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 01:05 PM
Oct 2014

his Blue Dog friends that support the Republican hold.

Response to pinto (Reply #11)

 

Wellstone ruled

(34,661 posts)
13. Jason you are one dumb asshole.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:30 PM
Oct 2014

No wonder Utah is so out of touch with the likes of you. Forgot,we escaped from that backassward state. Oh how sweet it is.

 

branford

(4,462 posts)
17. You need to speak with the approx. 10 Democratic Senators that don't support Murthy.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:35 PM
Oct 2014

(See my posts above for an explanation of why Harry Reid will not allow a vote on the nomination)

onenote

(42,383 posts)
36. What difference would it make if they confirmed Murthy
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 08:37 PM
Oct 2014

Is there something he can do that the Acting Surgeon General doesn't have the power to do?
And is there some miracle step he can take that will significantly change the situation from where it is now?

Initech

(99,915 posts)
22. I'm convinced these idiots won't be satisfied no matter what Obama does.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 06:43 PM
Oct 2014

We have no surgeon general to deal with Ebola, so Obama nominates an "Ebola czar".

Ebola czar takes office, republicans complain that we don't have a surgeon general.

Obama nominates surgeon general, republicans complain about it.

The definition of insanity should be changed to "conservative republican".

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
27. Come on, Chuck Todd ...
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 07:01 PM
Oct 2014

If that comment does not merit your "disqualifying" judgment, I don't know what does.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
30. The GOP really doesn't care about government or the people of this nation.
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 07:06 PM
Oct 2014

They make it obvious, daily.

 

awoke_in_2003

(34,582 posts)
33. Oh, he is aware...
Thu Oct 23, 2014, 07:50 PM
Oct 2014

this is what they do. Don't give the president what he needs, then question why the problem isn't being addressed. Republican voters buy it hook, line, and sinker.

sammy750

(165 posts)
54. Unaware or don't care, the Republican way.
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 11:04 AM
Oct 2014

The comments of Chaffetz shows how smart the Republicans really are and how much they care about the people and nation. They are in office for the power and to do nothing but become millionaires. It is easy money for law makers in office.

George II

(67,782 posts)
59. I've been in and out watching that hearing...
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 12:47 PM
Oct 2014

...did anyone remind that fool that HIS party has been blocking the confirmation of the Surgeon General?

Response to babylonsister (Original post)

xocet

(3,870 posts)
64. Update: Congressman denies knowledge of his own mental state...
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 01:35 PM
Oct 2014
UPDATE: 6:09 p.m. -- Chaffetz told The Huffington Post...

...

"I know there's some confusion there, but I don't think I was confused," Chaffetz said.

...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/23/jason-chaffetz-surgeon-general_n_6036544.html

Botany

(70,291 posts)
77. part of awesome quote "The surgeon general is also an office. It's the Office of the Surgeon General
Sat Oct 25, 2014, 09:38 AM
Oct 2014

"Well I do know there's an acting surgeon general, I understand that. The surgeon general is also an office. It's the Office of the Surgeon General. I know there's some confusion there, but I don't think I was confused," Chaffetz said.

Botany

(70,291 posts)
80. and yet he will be re-elected
Sat Oct 25, 2014, 12:58 PM
Oct 2014


What did one philosopher tell an other philosopher?

Don't put da' cart before the horse.

BTW I noticed from the clip he likes his hair product.

xocet

(3,870 posts)
81. It is too bad that he will be re-elected. Weirdly, Descartes' hair seems to fit his image....
Sun Oct 26, 2014, 03:23 AM
Oct 2014

Here is a NPR report that mentions a book which correlates certain classes of jokes with philosophical ideas:

Joking, and Learning, About Philosophy
May 13, 2007 8:00 AM ET
Host Liane Hansen speaks with Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein, authors of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar... Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes.

Copyright © 2007 NPR. For personal, noncommercial use only. See Terms of Use. For other uses, prior permission required.

LIANE HANSEN, host:
Okay stop me if you've heard this one. A Buddhist walks up to a hotdog stand and says, make me one with everything. The Buddhist pays the vendor and asks for change. The vendor says, change comes from within.

It helps to know a little about Buddhist philosophy to understand the joke, and the joke itself provides a little insight into Buddhist philosophy. And that's what Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein hope to accomplish with their new book, "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar... Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes". They've got a million of them. And they join us from member station WBUR in Boston.

...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10158510

PatrickforO

(14,516 posts)
65. And yet we Americans are so pathetically ignorant and stupid that
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 02:00 PM
Oct 2014

it's actually a CLOSE race and these charlatans might very well gain a MAJORITY in the Senate.

Yep, we truly have the government we deserve...

KansDem

(28,498 posts)
66. $175,000 a year, the best health care, excellent perks...
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 02:50 PM
Oct 2014

And dumb as a pile of rocks.

Nice work if you can get it...

 

OldRedneck

(1,397 posts)
67. From time to time . . .
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 03:21 PM
Oct 2014

. . . I hear of something that is so goddam stupid, all I can do is bang my head into the desk over and over and over . .

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
72. A case of giving Fox News too little credit
Fri Oct 24, 2014, 08:54 PM
Oct 2014

Fox/Republicans are better at the propaganda business than Dems. Fox/Republicans know their audience; they know their audience has no memory and will flip with the outrage du jour. We've seen it time and again, Fox viewers will be outraged today on one side of a debate when, 6 months prior, they were outraged holding the opposite position on the same issue.

So now Fox News is blaming Obama. That's their business model. The only wonder here is that DUers think Chaffetz isn't playing his role in an orchestrated blame Obama campaign.

Nothing here, people...

TrollBuster9090

(5,953 posts)
82. The Headline SHOULD have read: "Republican Congressman Clueless That HIS PARTY is BLOCKING
Sun Oct 26, 2014, 06:52 PM
Oct 2014
The Appointment of a Surgeon General.


The article is stupid for that reason alone. The fact that they didn't highlight (in the headline) just WHY Chaffetz's faux pas is so telling.

It's bad enough that this feckless, self-promoting assclown is totally unaware that there IS no Surgeon General; but it's adding insult to injury that HuffPo didn't HIGHLIGHT the fact that it's actually HIS PARTY that is BLOCKING the appointment of a Surgeon General. And adding MORE insult to injury over the fact that the REASON they're blocking the Surgeon General's appointment is not because he's unqualified for the job of Surgeon General, but because The NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION wants him blocked over his personal opinions on gun regulations.

 

ARMYofONE

(69 posts)
85. ZOMG! Repubs are Blocking. Except they're not.
Mon Oct 27, 2014, 01:23 PM
Oct 2014

How's about we stick to legitimate criticisms of Repubs, and there are plenty of them, instead of parroting around demonstrably false memes that actually reflect negatively on the Democratic party. The failure to appoint a SG rests solely on Dem shoulders. #endderpnow

Links have been posted above. Here's another one.

http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2014/02/26/rand-paul-places-hold-surgeon-general-nominee-vivek-murthy-but-serious-delay-not-likely-under-new-rules/vgnbvvTNQahsk7S3oEsTEL/story.html

TrollBuster9090

(5,953 posts)
86. Republicans blocked the nomination on orders from the NRA, who threatened to score the vote, and
Tue Oct 28, 2014, 04:35 AM
Oct 2014

thus made it difficult for Red State Dems to support Murthy. To say the failure to appoint a SG rests "solely on Dem shoulders," because the block the Republicans and the NRA put on the appointment was not 100% impervious is a little silly. It's like shooting somebody through the chest, and then blaming them for their own death because they weren't wearing a bullet proof vest.

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