This is the world in which we live: Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, President Obama's nominee for surgeon general, faces major opposition in his quest for senate confirmation. Not because he is unqualified, not because he is a bad doctor--not even because he has a funny name. No, Dr. Murthy faces opposition because he holds radical views on gun control. Or, at any rate, because he holds...views on gun control: You know, he has espoused those crazy, "fringe" ideas like limiting ammunition purchases or mandating safety training for gun owners.
This has the National Rifle Association up in arms (sorry), and promising to punish any senator (read: vulnerable Democratic senator) who has the temerity to support Dr. Murthy's nomination. In response, the Obama administration is considering delaying the confirmation vote until after the midterm elections, or even withdrawing the nomination altogether.
Now, forget for the moment the fact that the surgeon general, whatever his personal opinions, has effectively zero authority over enacting or enforcing gun laws. Focus instead on the apparent fact that, for the NRA, the only acceptable nominee for surgeon general would be one who believes that gun owners should not be required to know how to use their guns safely.
This is the world we're living in.
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