Farewell, C. Everett Koop

[filkertom]

It's not often the phrase "Heroic Reagan Administration Official" springs to mind.

Charles Everett Koop has passed away at the age of 96. And he definitely wasn't the type you'd consider progressive by his resume: personally against homosexuality, abortion, and pre-marital sex, he nevertheless was a strong proponent of educating the public about

Comments

[cathain]

People neglect to mention that, in his later years, Koop was an extreme anti-abortion supporter. Although I have sometimes wondered if "pro-lifers" were taking advantage of an elderly man.

[redaxe]

Amen.

[gardnerhill]

I loved that he dressed like a Surgeon General - that and the Amish beard were highly distinguishing characteristics.

I also tip my hat to him for fighting to get correct, accurate AIDS information out at a time when no one wanted to say the word aloud - and did not let his personal religious beliefs about sexuality interfere with his duties. (Are you taking notes, fundie pharmacists?)

Here's a verse of Joanna Cazden's song:

"I am the very model of a modern Surgeon General

[redneckgaijin]

It may be too soon... but...

The Koop has flown.

[tsu_doshaman]

While I vehemently disagree with his personal views, I have nothing but admiration for the man himself.

[filkertom]

That's pretty much it. He kept his personal views from interfering with his job in public service. And he tried to make things better for people. Can't complain about that, nossir.