President-elect Donald Trump has once again proven his penchant for choosing celebrity over competence in a move that can only be described as a slap in the face to qualified professionals everywhere. His latest cabinet picks, Dr. Mehmet Oz and Linda McMahon are nothing short of a national embarrassment. The bigger picture is Trump is purposefully dismantling our federal government.
Dr. Oz: Snake Oil Salesman in Chief
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the TV quack extraordinaire, has been tapped to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This is akin to appointing a fox to guard the henhouse. Oz, notorious for peddling pseudoscience and miracle weight loss cures on his daytime show, now holds the reins of an agency responsible for the health of millions of Americans.
Oz’s history of promoting unproven treatments and dubious health products should disqualify him from any position of medical authority, let alone one that oversees critical health insurance programs. His support for hydroxychloroquine during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a lack of scientific evidence, showcases his dangerous disregard for medical facts. This appointment is a clear indication that Trump values showmanship over substance.
Linda McMahon: From Wrestling Rings to Classrooms
In an equally reckless decision, Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as Secretary of Education. This choice is as absurd as it sounds. McMahon’s qualifications seem to begin and end with her ability to orchestrate staged fights and dramatic storylines – hardly the skill set needed to address the complex challenges facing America’s education system.
Linda McMahon’s lack of experience in education policy or administration is glaring. The idea that someone whose primary expertise is in professional wrestling entertainment could effectively lead the nation’s education department is not just laughable – it’s dangerous. This nomination shows a complete disregard for the importance of education and the need for experienced leadership in this crucial field.
A Cabinet of Chaos
These appointments are symptomatic of Trump’s broader strategy: surrounding himself with yes-men and celebrities rather than qualified experts. It’s a clear message that loyalty and fame trump expertise and experience in Trump’s America. This approach not only undermines the credibility of these vital institutions but also puts the health and education of millions of Americans at risk.
The potential damage these appointments could inflict on healthcare and education policy is immeasurable. Dr. Oz’s history of promoting questionable medical advice could lead to disastrous health policies, while McMahon’s lack of educational background could set American education back decades.
Trump’s latest cabinet picks are a testament to his administration’s ongoing contempt for expertise and competence. By choosing Dr. Oz and Linda McMahon, Trump has turned the serious business of governance into a reality TV show, with the American people as unwilling participants. As these nominees face Senate confirmation, unless Trump’s plan for recess appointments happens, one can only hope that reason prevails and these dangerously unqualified individuals are prevented from taking office. The future of American healthcare and education hangs in the balance.
As a public health nurse and supporter of school nurses, I understand your critical role in the nation’s children’s health. Now is the time to consider running for local school boards, community boards and city and town councils. Your scientific knowledge, evidence-based clinical practice, and scope of practice is of tremendous value. Your understanding and voice about the impact of current age future social and health policy on the lives of children, their families and communities is needed, now more than ever.
- Run for local office: School nurses can consider running for positions on local school boards, community boards, city councils, or town councils. This allows us to directly influence decisions affecting healthcare and education in their communities.
- Attend legislative sessions: By attending local government legislative sessions, school nurses can gain a better understanding of how the political system works and how decisions are made. This knowledge enables school nurses to engage more effectively in the policymaking process.
- Build relationships with lawmakers: School nurses should focus on developing relationships with state and local lawmakers who work on healthcare and education bills. This can be done by calling or writing to legislators, opening the door for two-way conversations, and increasing the chances of influencing policy decisions.
- Join professional nursing organizations: These organizations often have lobbyists who bring nursing issues to Capitol Hill and provide opportunities for nurses to engage in advocacy efforts.
- Educate the public: School nurses can use social media platforms to share information about the policymaking process and healthcare issues, building a following of like-minded individuals interested in influencing policy decisions.
- Support local candidates: In the months leading up to elections, school nurses can support candidates whose views align with their own on healthcare and education issues. This can lead to ongoing relationships and opportunities to influence policies after the election.
- Provide testimony: School nurses can prepare and deliver testimony on healthcare and education issues to local government bodies, sharing their unique perspectives and expertise.
By taking these actions, school nurses can leverage our knowledge, evidence-based clinical practice, and understanding of children’s health to make a significant impact on local politics and policies affecting schools and communities.
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As a public health nurse and supporter of school nurses, I understand your critical role in the nation’s children’s health. Now is the time to consider running for local school boards, community boards and city and town councils. Your scientific knowledge, evidence-based clinical practice, and scope of practice is of tremendous value. Your understanding and voice about the impact of current age future social and health policy on the lives of children, their families and communities is needed,now more than ever.
Excellent actionable steps, thank you for your contribution!
I agree, join up!!! I have a fear of what happens when the inevitable power struggle occurs between 45/47 and his richest man in the world sidekick. You know the guy who was appointed to co head an agency that doesn’t exist and warned us that his actions may provide a little bit of temporary discomfort. What??