Many of President Obama’s selections for his new government have been met with scorn, confusion and sometimes outright anger. He’s nominated individuals to fix the economy who didn’t pay their own taxes, re-nominated people to fight the
Many of President Obama’s selections for his new government have been met with scorn, confusion and sometimes outright anger. He’s nominated individuals to fix the economy who didn’t pay their own taxes, re-nominated people to fight the war on terror who supported policies that he ran against and some critical positions haven’t even been filled yet. But his most recent selection of Tom Friden to be the head of the Centers for Disease Control might be the most controversial selection of his new presidency. Unlike some other nominations, Friden doesn’t see bad banks or terrorists as the greatest challenge to America. According to Friden, America’s greatest threat is sitting in plain sight smack dab in the middle of your favorite strip mall: fast food. And if he has his way, you’ll never “have it your way” again.
Heading the Centers for Disease Control has been an infinitely more political and influential selection in recent years as the Anthrax scare, bio-terrorism and the recent swine flu from Mexico have turned the position from one of implementing policy to setting national policy on health. And despite the recent public health situations that have struck the nation, Tom Friden is mostly concerned with obesity in America, and he’s willing to do anything to stop it.
As Health Commissioner of New York City, Friden proposed the banning of all transfats from restaurant franchises that have more than 15 stores. Transfats are chemically enhanced fats that are a staple of fast food, they extend the shelf life, lower the costs of refrigeration and are just about the most unhealthy food additive since NutraSweet in the 1980s. While some businesses initially resisted, most health officials estimate about 90% compliance with the policy in the city today. Considering the costs associated with the increase in obese Americans, public health officials across the nation praised Friden for his activism and desire to be an active health crusader instead of a passive one.
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