I have just finished viewing the proceedings on c-span, and it is very sad and troubling that so many people have labelled him homophobic, ultra-conservative whacko based on hearsay and blatant misinformation (even those on the committee). People need to do their research before jumping to conclusions. Let’s stop labelling people and start listening to them. I felt that he explained his paper very well to the committee and was very deliberate in giving the details of the circumstances surrounding it. I challenge all of you to watch/listen to the hearings when you get the chance. It is available online at cspan.

Among both homosexuals and smokers, there are exceptions, but common sense should prevail. Both practices should be permitted but with clear warnings by people with influence, such as the surgeon general.

You choose to say something is wrong before knowing the person and understanding how they feel.

American society isn’t that great these days. I thought we were supposed to be ‘United’ no matter what.

Love is love and you should never discriminate when it comes to it.

I didn’t even believe this story was true for a couple days, because it sounded so ridiculous.

I am a bi-sexual woman. I probably lean a bit more towards men; but I am attracted to women as well. All of my past relationships have been with men. However, for the past 7 years, i’ve been in a relationship with another woman. Now, if ever in the future I were to end up dating a man again, that WON’T mean I won’t be attracted to women. And, it MOST CERTAINLY won’t mean i’m “cured” like all you right-winged, bible beating, Jesus praising, *Hallelujah the LORD has HEALED me* people would like to think. You don’t CURE homosexuality or bi-sexuality JUST like you don’t CURE heterosexuality. Sexuality is what it is.

Here’s another thought… IF the bible were written so that it said heterosexuality were a sin, do you think YOU could be cured? Yeah… I didn’t think so.

Since you cite no reference for the percentage of the population that you say might be homosexual, I draw your attention to an article that does cite a reference. The article is linked below.

In fact, the reference is taken from a “friend of the court” brief in the Texas sodomy case. This reference is from footnote 42, according to the linked article, on page 16 of the brief in which 31 homosexual and pro-homosexual groups admit that the most widely accepted survey – National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) – puts the percentage of homosexuals in the population at 2.8% of the males and 1.4% of the females.

The article has additional statistics on this behavior in the population and further analyses of the more popular scientific studies suggesting a genetic cause for homosexuality.

**** Caution ***
Link is to a conservative Christian think tank.

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2553

Search on NHSLS

Since you cite no reference for the percentage of the population that you say might be homosexual, I draw your attention to an article that does cite a reference. The article is linked below.

In fact, the reference is taken from a “friend of the court” brief in the Texas sodomy case. This reference is from footnote 42, according to the linked article, on page 16 of the brief in which 31 homosexual and pro-homosexual groups admit that the most widely accepted survey – National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) – puts the percentage of homosexuals in the population at 2.8% of the males and 1.4% of the females.

The article has additional statistics on this behavior in the population and further analyses of the more popular scientific studies suggesting a genetic cause for homosexuality.

**** Caution ***
Link is to a conservative Christian think tank.

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2553
Search on NHSLS

His record at appointing highly qualified individuals to his administration is berift of good choices. If as you say Dr. Holsinger is a good choice, he may be the first in a long line of disastrous Bush appointments.

As a physician, I must reiterate, his views on homosexuality are not concordant with what is taught in medical schools these days. However perhaps it is in line with what the Evangelical Right Wing Christians and Creationists believe, and that is more the litmus test for this administration than a person’s competence or qualifications.

I strongly oppose the appointment of such a homophobic person. I remind you that he is speaking about at least 7% of all Americans (and it is in all probability higher than this). Anyone who regards 7% of his fellow citizens as sick and needing to be cured from a condition which is no longer regarded by the American Psychiatric Association, nor even the conservative AMA as an illness, needs to preach in Church, not work as the Attorney General. This was an appointment which pandered to the base. It is red meat for the Conservative Christians, and it is also another in a long line of disasters for our country. Shameful. Just shameful.

You say “cases where people have changed their orientation” – I say “cured.”

His position during the middle ages about those who are born left handed would have been similar. He is a disgrace to our profession and I personally hope his appointment will be rejected. As a matter of fact, I am looking forward to following the hearings. They should be rather entertaining. What a total jerk.

I am surprised that Mr. Bush didn’t nominate Dr. Dobson for the position, as he probably doesn’t have a real clear idea about the difference between PhDs and MDs anyway.

The surgeon general nominee has made his fortune on the backs of those he oppresses.

The fact is that Holsinger is not qualified to be Surgeon General for the simple reason that he is unwilling to acknowledge the medical facts regarding homosexuality. Would it be wise to hire a Christian Scientist to run Sloan Kettering? It is all about politics for these Bush people–litmus tests and loyalty are more important than competence and honor. It sickens me.