This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Bagley's March 25 cartoon, "The medical benefits of guns," distorts the controversy over the NRA's opposition to the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as surgeon general. While bright, Murthy's resume shows that his main attraction for Obama is political rather than professional.
He only finished his residency in 2006 and unlike past surgeons general he doesn't have any major administrative experience with a hospital, medical school or the Public Health Service. He did, however, help found Doctors for Obama (now Doctors for America), which has actively supported the Obama administration's health-care and gun-control policies.
Murthy and his organization advocate the "public health model" under which guns themselves are viewed as threats to public health.
The vast majority of guns in this country however are used safely and responsibly for recreation and self-defense. The real threat to public health is the tiny minority of owners who use their guns recklessly or to commit crimes.
When a nomination is so clearly politically motivated it shouldn't be surprising that those opposed to the underlying philosophy would oppose it vigorously. Likewise, after the determined assault the administration launched on gun rights last year, it shouldn't be surprising that Second Amendment supporters are suspicious of Obama's motives.
Steven H. Warrick
Salt Lake City