🚬 Former Surgeon General Reflects on Landmark Secondhand Smoke Report
Carmona highlights progress in reducing smoking rates, but warns more work is needed. Emphasizes importance of science-driven policymaking to preserve public health
Based on the 11/25/24 Buckmaster Show on KVOI-1030AM.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"Anybody who's here legally, of course, broke into law, and they have to be handled appropriately. However, mass deportations of 12 million people that are in the state of Arizona allegedly became very problematic over time. What do you do with families? What do you do with children? What do you do with some of those people who already have businesses and children in school? It becomes quite complex." - Dr. Richard Carmona, discussing concerns over potential mass deportations
"If we're not in a democracy that appreciates the value of science with leaders that appreciate the values of science, then my opinions or anybody else who are experts in science don't weigh in." - Dr. Richard Carmona, emphasizing the importance of science-based policymaking
"Marijuana use in young people affects the neural connections in their brain. It affects their growth. Marijuana use in older people can cause challenges just like alcohol in impaired driving, for instance. So it's a very complex issue, but it's not as safe as some people would want you to believe that it's okay. Nobody dies from it." - Dr. Richard Carmona, cautioning against oversimplified views on marijuana legalization
"They have to take those engines off, strip them down, and rebuild them, and that process takes about four months. So the airlines, you know, if you're managing an airline and you see an airplane that's not going to fly for four months, that's revenue stream that's not going to happen." - Jeff Latas, describing the impact of Airbus engine issues on the airline industry
"To have National Guard breaking up protests or moving a military unit someplace to get involved with civil discourse and because you disagree, that's absolutely wrong. It's illegal, and I have great concerns if that was to be." - Dr. Richard Carmona, warning against the misuse of the military for political purposes
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
🎙️ On the Buckmaster Show, two important guests talked about important topics:
👨⚕️ Dr. Richard Carmona, a former U.S. Surgeon General, spoke about the effects of secondhand smoke and the complex issues around legalizing marijuana. He said it's important to listen to science and not make decisions based only on politics or money.
✈️ Retired pilot Jeff Latas shared how the airline industry is having trouble with not enough airplanes and pilots, which could cause problems for people traveling for Thanksgiving.
🇺🇸 Dr. Carmona also shared his worries about protecting America's democracy, like making sure the government doesn't misuse the military or ignore important background checks for new leaders.
The guests wanted to make sure decisions are made carefully, based on facts and what's best for everyone, not just what's popular or profitable.
🗝️ Takeaways
🚬 Secondhand smoke remains a significant public health issue despite progress in reducing smoking rates.
🌿 Marijuana legalization requires a nuanced, science-based approach that considers both benefits and risks to public health.
✈️ The airline industry faces challenges like aircraft shortages and pilot displacements, which could lead to Thanksgiving travel chaos.
⚠️ There are concerns about potential threats to democratic institutions, such as lax vetting of cabinet nominees and the misuse of the military for political purposes.
🤝 Preserving the meritocracy and apolitical nature of key institutions, like the military, is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy.
💭 Expert voices and scientific evidence should be prioritized in policymaking rather than political or economic factors alone.
📻 What They Discussed
On Monday, November 26, 2024, the Buckmaster Show featured two notable guests - Dr. Richard Carmona, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States, and retired JetBlue captain Jeff Latas.
Dr. Carmona, who served in the role from 2002 to 2006, discussed his concerns about potential Cabinet appointments under the incoming administration, the importance of preserving democratic institutions, and health policy issues.
Latas, a highly decorated former combat fighter pilot, provided insights into the aviation industry's challenges, particularly around the busy Thanksgiving travel period and the implications of the Spirit Airlines bankruptcy.
🚬 Secondhand Smoke and Public Health
Dr. Carmona reflected on his time as Surgeon General, particularly the landmark report he released on the health effects of secondhand smoke. He noted that while smoking rates have declined significantly, from over 50% in the post-World War II era to around 10-11% today, there is still work to be done.
Carmona emphasized the importance of science-based policymaking, stating, "If we're not in a democracy that appreciates the value of science with leaders who appreciate the values of science, then my opinions or those of anybody else who is an expert in science don't weigh in."
He recalled the days when smoking was ubiquitous, even on airplanes, and how the research showed that there was no "safe" level of secondhand smoke exposure.
"All of those allegations and assertions were incorrect. There's no such thing. If you're in a restaurant and you're in a smoking area, a non-smoking, smoke travels, it gets circulated through your air condition systems, all of that. So you're really breathing."
🌿 Marijuana Legalization and Public Health
The discussion also touched on the complex issue of marijuana legalization, with Carmona cautioning against overly simplistic views.
"Marijuana use in young people affects the neural connections in their brain. It affects their growth. Marijuana use in older people can cause challenges just like alcohol in impaired driving, for instance. So it's a very complex issue, but it's not as safe as some people would want you to believe that it's okay. Nobody dies from it."
He urged policymakers to carefully consider the scientific evidence from institutions like the National Institutes of Health rather than making decisions based on political or economic factors alone.
Carmona emphasized the need for a thoughtful, non-partisan approach to these issues, prioritizing public health and safety.
✈️ Thanksgiving Travel Chaos and the Airline Industry
Turning to the aviation industry, retired captain Jeff Latas provided an insider's perspective on the challenges facing air travel during the busy Thanksgiving period. He emphasized the importance of passengers arriving early and being patient, as any delays or issues with a single flight can have ripple effects throughout the day.
Latas also discussed Spirit Airlines' recent troubles, which have led to its filing for bankruptcy. He noted that the industry is facing a shortage of aircraft due to manufacturing issues, particularly with the Airbus Neo engines.
"They have to take those engines off and basically strip them down and rebuild them, and that process takes about four months. So the airlines, you know, if you're managing an airline and you see an airplane that's not going to fly for four months, that's revenue stream, and that's not going to happen."
This, combined with the displacement of hundreds of pilots at major carriers like JetBlue, has created a complex situation in the industry. Latas warned, "So now there's going to be an abundance of first officers. Some of them aren't going to work. They're just going to sit there and not work and sit reserve the whole time. But it's cheaper to do that than to furlough pilots for this duration or then have to retrain them."
⚠️ Preserving Democracy and the Role of the Military
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Dr. Carmona's concerns about preserving democratic norms and institutions, particularly in the context of the incoming administration.
He expressed worry about reports that the President-elect may not require thorough background checks for Cabinet nominees, stating that "to eradicate that, if that is the case, I think is an injustice. It places us at risk, and my opinion would be that I hope that that is not the case, that it is just rhetoric because we desperately need to ensure that the people who are nominated have the core competencies to be able to run for that position and that their backgrounds are free from any indiscretions that can cause us harm as a nation."
Carmona also voiced concerns about the potential misuse of the military for political purposes, stating that "the role of the military is to ensure our national security and with the exception of a National Guard, which is in each state, which helps with emergencies that happen there, but to have National Guard breaking up protests or moving a military unit someplace to get involved with civil discourse and because you disagree, that's absolutely wrong. It's illegal and I have great concerns if that was to be."
He emphasized the critical importance of preserving the military's meritocracy and apolitical nature, warning that consolidating power and bypassing established processes could undermine the foundations of American democracy.
👯 People Mentioned
Dr. Richard Carmona
Former 17th Surgeon General of the United States
Quoted: "If we're not in a democracy that appreciates the value of science with leaders that appreciate the values of science, then my opinions or anybody else who are experts in science don't weigh in."
Quoted: "Marijuana use in young people affects their neural connections in their brain. It affects their growth. Marijuana use in older people can cause challenges just like alcohol in impaired driving, for instance. So it's a very complex issue, but it's not as safe as some people would want you to believe that it's okay. Nobody dies from it."
Quoted: "To have National Guard breaking up protests or moving a military unit someplace to get involved with civil discourse and because you disagree, that's absolutely wrong. It's illegal and I have great concerns if that was to be."
Jeff Latas (referred to as Jeff Lattice in the transcript)
Retired JetBlue captain
Quoted: "They have to take those engines off and basically strip them down and rebuild them and that process takes about four months. So the airlines, you know, if you're managing an airline and you see an airplane that's not going to fly for four months that's revenue stream that's not going to happen."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Discussed as a potential "Health Czar" appointment by President-elect Trump
President-elect Trump
Discussed in relation to his upcoming Cabinet selections and potential policy changes
President Biden
Discussed in relation to his decision to release longer-range missiles to Ukraine
Ed Honea
Former Mayor of Marana, Arizona, who passed away