Bush appointee stacks panel on lead poisoning

To the editor:

In yet another cynical attempt to promote profits at the expense of human health, the Bush administration has taken the unprecedented step of stacking a health advisory panel with industry representatives rather than health experts.

In accordance with its charge to protect the health of Americans, the Centers for Disease Control make recommendations regarding health regulations. The Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention provides science-based advice on lead toxicity to the CDC. On the basis of evaluations of expertise, the CDC itself recommends membership on the panel to the secretary of health and human services, currently Bush appointee Tommy Thompson. Not only does the CDC advise lawmakers on health issues, it also serves a critical role in advising our nation's physicians on matters affecting our health. Decisions regarding our health should not be made by the very industries that pose health threats.

With callous disregard for the health of Americans, however, Thompson rejected the experts nominated by the CDC to serve on this panel and instead appointed lead industry representatives. This kind of disregard for human health is typical of the Bush administration. Our health demands that we have watchdogs in Washington who will control the excesses of this administration, not avowed Bush followers who will mindlessly accept and promote every atrocious idea that comes from the White House.

ALAN R.P. JOURNET

Cape Girardeau