Posted on 12/03/2004 1:45:26 PM PST by West Coast Conservative
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson resigned Friday, warning of a potential global outbreak of the flu and health-related terror attacks. "For the life of me, I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do," he said.
Thompson, the eighth member of Bush's 15-person Cabinet to resign since the Nov. 2 election, said he tried to leave office a year ago, but stayed through Bush's re-election campaign at the request of the White House.
"It's time for me and my family to move on to the next chapter in our life," he said.
SNIP
As for Thompson's successor, the secretary had not yet stepped before the microphones when officials said Mark McClellan, the Medicare chief and brother of White House press secretary Scott McClellan, was Bush's likely choice to take over the sprawling HHS bureaucracy.
Thompson said McClellan would make "a great secretary." But he also dropped the names of several other potential candidates, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Thompson listed accomplishments of his tenure but also said he worries about a worldwide flu pandemic in an era when vaccine is in short supply.
The former Wisconsin governor has warned about food safety issues since before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and pushed for more money for safeguards. Spending on food security has increased from $800,000 to $150 million during Thompson's tenure, and there are eight times as many food inspections now as in 2001, according to HHS figures.
Thompson, who served 14 years as Wisconsin governor, said he plans to explore private sector jobs and expressed an interest in advancing health care causes across the globe. He also didn't rule out a return to elective office.
"That's entirely possible. I happen to love politics. Why would I say no? There's a Senate seat open," he said. Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl's term expires in 2006.
Thompson said he intends to serve until Feb. 4 or until the Senate confirms his successor.
Gee Tommy- Thanks for the tipoff.
Signed,
Osama
What is the problem with these people?
Maybe we can appoint someone not bearing a baby name?!
"For the life of me, I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do"
After reading that little gem of a quote, I have to say I'm really glad this guy is leaving. It almost sounds like he's disappointed. Is he retarded or what?
You know, it makes one wonder--do we need to advertise all of this to everyone in the world!!! Mr. Thompson what the h*ll is wrong with you?
""For the life of me, I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do," he said. "
For some reason, I just don't believe this quote is real.
I can't see Tommy giving away our security that way.
I'd like to see him come out on TV and either dispute or confirm this.
What a bunch of clowns.
WHos picking these men?
DO YOUR JOB. BUST SOME HEADS. DONT LEAVE THEN COMPLAIN YOU DIDNT DO YOUR JOB!!!
Why do republicans put milktoast losers in the cabinet?
Happy now? If not, read some of Barry Bonds' public statements for a taste of what to expect from our public figures when they're cornered.
If you'll notice, it comes from Ron Fournier. I don't believe either.
"Happy now?"
That's why I said: "I'd like to see him come out on TV and either dispute or confirm this. "
So you think Ron Fournier might have just invented the quote?
"For the life of me, I cannot understand why the terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to do," Thompson said as announced his departure before department employees. "We are importing a lot of food from the Middle East, and it would be easy to tamper with that." ...He also said that while inspections of food imports have increased dramatically, they remain "a very minute amount" and that better technologies are desperately needed. Food poisoning, Thompson said, is something he worries about "every single night."
Wow! Thanks for keeping that one under your hat, Tommy.
Exactly my thoughts when I read this.
Yes, the real quote was "Hey Osama, I double-dog dare you to attack our food supply system!" Yes, I believe that was the real quote. HHS personnel are, at this time, trying to remove Mr. Thompson's tongue, which has adhered to a frozen metal flag pole on the playground outside of his office.
Hannity and Drudge both reported him saying this. I doubt Fournier would make up the quote, but it might have been taken out of context.
"So you think Ron Fournier might have just invented the quote?"
Would you put it past him?
The point is. If Tommy comes out and says "I didn't say that", then it would prove the quote is made up.
On the other hand if he comes out and says "I was quoted out of context" then I will agree with you that he is a jerk.
Here's hoping he doesn't give specifics in his follow-up statements
Good riddance to this open-mouthed moron. Tell it to a friend, Thompson!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.