Betsy L. Ames: Kennedy as head of HHS might be a silver lining

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to be secretary of Health and Human Services, arrives at the Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to be secretary of Health and Human Services, arrives at the Capitol on Dec. 18, 2024. AP PHOTO/J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE

Published: 01-31-2025 8:43 PM

In an era of massive uncertainty about what the future holds and immense fear about what’s in store during Donald Trump’s presidency, I’m writing in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as head of Health and Human Services, which could be a silver lining in several ways.

First, his presence in the cabinet may help temper the harsher aspects of the current administration; I’d rather have Trump in office with Kennedy than without. Second, Kennedy’s also upholding traditional left-wing values that we should not only recognize, but wholeheartedly support, by challenging corporate interests that are setting up our population to be chronically ill/profitable for Big Pharma and the medical-industrial complex.

His promise to remove common-sense barriers to the health and well-being of Americans appeals to me, especially as an individual who lives with chronic illness. His call to make America healthy again by removing toxins in our food and water that are banned elsewhere in the world is sensible, as is his call for adequate testing of the childhood vaccine schedule, so that we have accurate information about the costs/benefits of each of those products for our children.

I have tremendous respect for Kennedy’s ability to speak truth to power regardless of the corporate campaigns designed to malign his credibility. He keeps fighting for the greater good regardless of the cost to himself; that’s integrity. We can no longer afford to allow corporate interests to dictate public health policy. Please join me in urging Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey to vote for Kennedy’s confirmation.

Betsy L. Ames

Northampton