Today, Dr. Quentin Young, national coordinator of Physicians for a National Health Program, sent the following open letter to the president:
Dear President Obama,
The recent revelations of former Sen. Tom Daschle’s direct financial ties to the powerful insurance and pharmaceutical industries fighting health reform are alarming. His nomination to head the Health and Human Services Department must be withdrawn.
Mr. Daschle’s numerous conflicts of interest and tax problems end his ability to lead this vital agency. Mr. President, I earnestly call upon you to name an HHS secretary who can achieve the urgent health reform our nation needs, a program that will necessarily replace the vested interests that have generously employed Mr. Daschle in the recent past.
Respectfully,
Quentin D. Young, MD, MACP
Chicago