The American Spectator

p> OPERATION HOLSINGER br> Re: Mark Tooley’s Can a Methodist Be U.S. Surgeon General : /p> p>The Looney Left is at it again. Democratic senators react to the nomination of Dr. James Holsinger as U.S. Surgeon General much as a patient reacts to a tap to the patella — with a knee jerk reaction. Dr. Holisinger’s beliefs have nothing to do with his abilities as a doctor or the U.S. Surgeon General. I have never asked any physician who has treated me for a position check on religion or politics. The doctor’s beliefs beyond medicine are of little interest to me as long as competent and complete medical care is rendered. Are Dr. Holisinger’s religious positions at all relevant to the medical advice he will offer the nation? His views on homosexuality are scientific: two male parts do not naturally fit together. The fact that he agrees with the moral positions of his church is not at all germane to his abilities to serve his nation. Further, the position of Surgeon General is largely symbolic. As the old wag goes, to the victor goes the spoils. Despite the current troubles that the GOP is facing (has brought upon itself), they did win the White House; President Bush has the right to appoint competent people to vacant positions. The Senate has the right and responsibility to advise on these appointments. Sadly, once again, many senators confuse giving advice with mud slinging. br> — Ira M. Kessel br> Rochester, New York /p> p> SCOUTING NEW JERSEY br> Re: Hal G.P. Colebatch’s The Pope and the Boy Scouts