Political Correctness: More than consequences-unintended consequences- A Risky Business

Our latest DC Public Health Examiner article examines the White House Security breach that allowed a couple to crash the President’s State Dinner; and ask whether political correctness contributed to the error in the same way it might have in the Major Hasan Ft. Hood massacre. An excerpt: We have limited knowledge on the various protocols associated with White House Security. We would speculate that it also has a layered sequential chain of responsibility.  The one question, which has yet to be asked is, had the couple’s name been Anglo-Saxon rather than Salahi and given name Tareq would it have happened?   Did political correctness influence screener’s behavior along the way?

Full text can be found here: http://www.examiner.com/x-22686-DC-Public-Health-Examiner~y2009m11d29-White-House-Gate-Crashers

Our latest article looks at the potential movement of GITMO detainees to the mainland US and some of the potential consequences.

Excerpt:

When the chance surfaced to increase one of its longest and most successful community enterprises “housing some of the nation’s most dangerous inmates” they rejected the opportunity. Early in the discussions about the closing of GITMO the state’s political leadership, of all stripes, linked arms and essentially said “not in my backyard”. What were their concerns; Terrorist prisoners making an old-fashioned jail break, Terrorist sympathizers making a frontal attack on the Federal Pen or Fort Leavenworth’s military prison, the specter a demographic change as families and friends of the Terrorists moved closer to their loved ones? None of the above.

Full article can be found at: http://www.examiner.com/x-22686-DC-Public-Health-Examiner~y2009m11d25-GITMO-Detainees-to-Rural-MidAmerica–Illinois-Bound

Our latest article concerns the recent report which questions the value of altering screening systems for breast and cervical cancer.

Excerpt:

The timing of these two scholarly professional reports on which one could base future curbs on women’s access to “prevention vs. intervention” in their diagnosis and treatment for cancer conditions is curious.  Earlier this year another Task Force found that those bothersome PSA tests for prostate cancer are also over-utilized and questioned their value, we may be seeing some pre-healthcare reform maneuvering. Do they really think we believe the timing of these reports is not related to future rationing of healthcare?

Full text of the article can be found here.

Our latest post discusses the closure of military healthcare facilities and the impact on veterans.

Excerpt:

Over the next few years you will see the number of military healthcare facilities cut in half. If past is prologue, the military healthcare system will be down-sized to care for the fighting force only. Is there a Commission in your future which will see little or no distinction between military retirees and others who have gained their eligibility through age and economic circumstances?

Full text can be found here.

Our latest article examines the decision to move the KSM trial to New York and discusses some other issues related to closing GITMO, which we wrote about last July.

Excerpt:

“As we listen to this week end’s talking heads discuss the pro and cons for holding the trials in the U.S. we pondered the issues which were not identified: if I were a GITMO detainee facing a military court could I ask for a U.S. trial?; if I were a defense lawyer would I attempt to pack the Jury with the defendant’s peers, not terrorists, but those of the Muslim Faith?; how do prosecutors or defense lawyers select jurors who can creditably say that they are or were not influenced by the 9/11 attack?; how would the court deal with those defendants who choose to defend themselves?; how do you have an open trial which demonstrates the “American Way” without the release of information which would place the nation at great risk.”

 The full article can be found here.