MemeMachineGo!

We have a new Surgeon General, Richard Carmona.

Bush said he has asked Carmona to focus on several public health initiatives as surgeon general, ranging from prevention of disease through healthier living to reducing alcohol and drug abuse.

Considering how many corporate interests doing so would counter, I wish him the best of luck.

And why do we have a new Surgeon General? Well, Carmona's predecessor, David Satcher, got caught saying sensible things about sex and, naturally, conservatives were outraged.

He says there is no valid scientific evidence that one's sexual orientation can be changed and details the consequences of harassment on the mental health of gays and lesbians.

[...] Abstinence is the only certain way to prevent pregnancy and the spread of disease, the report says, and even properly used condoms do not prevent the spread of all sexually transmitted diseases. But the report finds no evidence that "abstinence-only" programs are effective, saying more research is needed.

You may recall that Satcher was appointed in the wake of the outrage over Jocelyn Elders' response to a question about masturbation: "I believe masturbation is a natural part of human sexuality, something that might even be taught."

Career longevity advice for Dr. Carmona: stick to saying nothing practical about sex and you'll do just fine.