I’m sorry but this was an absolutely stupid pick from the get-go. I have no doubt that Admiral Jackson is a fine physician and an excellent Naval officer. I highly doubt that most if not all of the allegations against him could be shown to be true. But does not have the political or administrative experience needed to run the second largest bureaucracy in government. This is not an entry level cabinet position and Jackson would have been in it way over his head. Had he been confirmed I have no doubt at all that within two years problems in the VA would be filling the news just in time for the 2020 election. The VA Secretary has to be someone with experience running a large medical administration.
The VA is beyond repair.
That makes logical sense but it hasn’t worked well at all.
I think a bureaucrat is the wrong pick for the job. There is something about bureaucrats that allows them to make small improvement gestures but they never really attack the rot or change the status quo.
I could not disagree with you more strongly, DoodleDawg.
Dr. Jackson was an Admiral in the US Navy, and a battlefield trauma surgeon in a challenging area.
He understands combat, combat trauma, and the unique challenges that combat personnel face, both in combat and out of combat. His job is to find good people to delegate to and to set strategic direction, which is what any flag officer should be doing.
I have worked in medicine for decades, and have worked with great administrators at all levels, but I believe having a person with extensive military combat experience and less experience administering a large medical network is more effective and better for veterans in the position at the head of the VA than a civilian with no combat or military experience and more experience running a large network of medical facilities.
Of course, I think Admiral Jackson is a talented man (as did President Trump) and that is the key. An untalented man won’t fit the bill.
Just my opinion. I think this good and capable man was done a grave and bitter injustice, and all that crap about medications is utter and complete partisan BS.