For those who know President Bush it will not be a surprise that he will appoint his personal physician, Kenneth Cooper, MD as the next US Surgeon General. This is some of the most exciting news I have heard from the government in some time. From my perspective all the appointees after Dr. Koop have been dismal disappointments. However, I believe that Dr. Cooper will even exceed many of Dr. Koop's accomplishments. I first read Dr. Cooper's book "Aerobics" in 1968 when it was first published. If you can believe it the cost of the paperback was 50 cents. In case you did not know it, Dr. Cooper is the person who invented the word "aerobic" as it applies to exercise. He is probably the single biggest influence on fitness in this country. Sadly, many do not even know who he is. He is the medical director of the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, Texas. He convinced me of the importance of exercise and I started running shortly after I read his book. Dr. Cooper has been very influential in my life as I have been exercising ever since now for 33 years. Dr. Cooper will not take office until the current US Surgeon General's term expires in February of 2002. But we will be in for some exciting times out of that office as I am quite certain Dr. Cooper will not be a figurehead, but will tackle the responsibility with the vigor and enthusiasm he has so clearly displayed over the past 40 years.
COMMENT FROM READER
I have run for political office 13 times in 26 years. Dr. Cooper is the most qualified person nominated for a high position in our government in the 30 years that I have been politically acitve.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Phil Ratte' PSIT, Public Servant In Training