Just eliminate the office

From The New York Times:

WASHINGTON, July 10 — Former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona told a Congressional panel Tuesday that top Bush administration officials repeatedly tried to weaken or suppress important public health reports because of political considerations.

The administration, Dr. Carmona said, would not allow him to speak or issue reports about stem cells, emergency contraception, sex education, or prison, mental and global health issues. Top officials delayed for years and tried to “water down” a landmark report on secondhand smoke, he said. Released last year, the report concluded that even brief exposure to cigarette smoke could cause immediate harm.

The office of Surgeon General needs to be eliminated. No matter how good a doctor one in when appointed to that position. No matter how impressive one's background, the minute you put on that ridiculous comic-opera uniform you turn into a buffoon.

And not a jolly buffoon that you can hoist a tankard of ale with and have a good laugh at the local tavern. No, you become a finger-wagging scold running about trying to suck the joy out of life for everyone else.

I say enough is enough. Do away with the office and let doctors who want to put on silly costumes and strut around like peacocks go to New Orleans and march in the Mardis Gras parade.