Is Rachel Levine Biden’s Picky Pick for Assistant Health Secretary? An Analysis

With Joe Biden's administration focusing on various health and economic recovery strategies, his recent nomination of Rachel Levine as the Assistant Health Secretary has sparked a range of reactions. While some praise her qualifications, others question her competence. In this essay, we will examine the situation, explore the controversy, and discuss the implications of her appointment.

Justin's Initial Reaction

On first glance, the name Rachel Levine may not ring a bell, especially for those outside the United States. In fact, the author, who hails from the United Kingdom, was taken aback when she came across Rachel Levine's picture. The misidentification was with Brent Spiner, who played the character Ron Lewis in the Independence Day film series. This anecdote sets the tone for a critical perspective on the appointment.

Addendum from a Conspiracy Theorist

Author's Addendum:

While the initial reaction to Levine was a stretch, let’s address the argument that Joe Biden’s picks are trash. A famous example cited is Pete Buttigieg, who was appointed as the Secretary of Transportation. During his tenure in South Bend, Buttigieg lost the mayoral election to his competitor who had a clear platform on improving the city’s infrastructure issues, specifically mentioning the dreadful state of the roads.

The criticality of this point can be extended to the effectiveness of vaccine distribution under certain regimes. In Pennsylvania, a state under scrutiny, vaccine distribution was dismal, ranking second worst in the nation. The state faced a string of haphazard and inconsistent policy changes, resulting in severe disruptions for businesses and individuals alike.

A Side Note on Vaccine Distribution in Pennsylvania

Hundreds of small businesses in Pennsylvania faced unprecedented challenges, with a particularly bleak example illustrated. A restaurant’s closure decision on a Thursday was informed mere hours before, leading to extensive financial losses with orders placed and employees scheduled for the following weekend. All this occurred due to a mere 1.2 cases of COVID-19. The broader implication here is the haphazard nature of vaccine and health policies that had a direct and negative impact on businesses and communities.

Levine's Background and Qualifications

Levine, an American pediatrician, served as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health from 2017 to 2021. Prior to this, she held the position as Pennsylvania’s physician general from 2015 to 2017. Her background includes a PhD from Harvard, which the author considers a strong testament to her intellectual and professional capabilities.

Right Person for the Right Job?

The author acknowledges that Biden has made a strategic and well-considered move by appointing Levine. The emphasis on her educational qualifications and experience suggests that she might be the right person for the job. However, the decision also reflects a broader political aim of empowering and uplifting transgender individuals by demonstrating that they can fill high-profile government roles.

Calls for Criticism and Analysis

Despite her qualifications and experience, the author contends that Levine may be incompetent, regardless of how one interprets her gender. The record of her previous positions, particularly in Pennsylvania, demonstrates inconsistencies and poor handling of public health crises. This scrutiny is crucial for understanding the broader implications of her appointment and the administration's approach to health policy.

It is well-documented that the use of arbitrary and inconsistent data to make critical health and policy decisions can lead to significant harm. The mismanaged vaccine distribution and its implications on small businesses are just one example. Thus, the author argues that while Levine may have the qualifications, her role as Assistant Health Secretary under Biden's administration calls for continuous and harsh scrutiny.