Russell Simmons is expressing assist for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Well being and Human Providers regardless of controversy surrounding Kennedy’s views on the protection of vaccines.
The Def Jam founder posted an in depth assertion on social media Thursday (January 30) in assist of Kennedy Jr., following his affirmation hearings earlier than the Senate Well being, Schooling, Labor and Pensions Committee on Capitol Hill this week.
Simmons highlighted that he prefers investigating his “pal” Kennedy’s claims slightly than counting on politicians swayed by the pharmaceutical and meals industries, whereas citing issues about well being points affecting his personal age group.
He additionally referenced previous authorities actions, just like the crack cocaine epidemic, as causes for his mistrust.
“i might slightly we examine each “conspiracy principle” or “loopy declare” that Bobby Kennedy makes.. then to belief all of the republicans or democrats , who’re paid for by the pharmaceudical and meals industries, Simmons started. “This isn’t about democrats or republicans ..its about all my associates in my age group being sick and dying.”
Simmons acknowledged his assist for Kennedy, describing him as a lifelong pal with good intentions.
“To my democratic associates who suppose I’m loopy) Liberals was once progressive,” he added. “Listening is a progressive trait) however God bless you too. These associates who assault me for having an opinion go eat some Fruit Loops [heart emoji]. Ps im a promoter of well being religious bodily ans psychological and that i need to query / problem our well being care system.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s affirmation hearings concluded on Thursday (January 30). He confronted intense questioning over his previous statements on vaccines throughout each days of hearings.
Kennedy tried to distance himself from his earlier anti-vaccine rhetoric, stating, “I’m pro-safety” and that he helps vaccines.
Nonetheless, senators continued to press Kennedy on his historical past of spreading well being misinformation.
The Senate Finance Committee is anticipated to vote subsequent week on whether or not to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the complete Senate. Kennedy’s affirmation stays unsure, with key Republican assist hanging within the stability.
If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee a big federal company chargeable for managing healthcare for round 170 million People, regulating entry to medicine and vaccines, and monitoring pressing illness and foodborne sickness outbreaks.
In the meantime, Caroline Kennedy sharply criticized her cousin in a pointed open letter to the U.S. Senate. Branding him a “predator,” she urged lawmakers to reject his potential appointment.
“He lacks any related authorities, monetary, administration, or medical expertise. His views on vaccines are harmful and willfully misinformed,” Caroline acknowledged. “It’s no shock that he retains birds of prey as pets as a result of Bobby himself is a predator.”
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