When ebola was raging in Africa, Trump had a definite position about allowing US doctors who became infected while fighting the disease back into the country for treatment — one that fits his position as a self-declared germophobe.
So his anti-regulatory radar may turn off when he gets this request.
Under the old rules, the CDC's authority was primarily limited to detaining people entering the country or crossing state lines. ...
With the new rules, the CDC would be able to detain people anywhere in the country without getting approval from state and local officials.
Detaining anyone, in any state, whether traveling or not, without warrant and without recourse.
The agency could also apprehend people to assess their health if they are exhibiting medical problems such as a high fever, headache, cramps and other symptoms that could be indicative of a dangerous infectious disease.
CDC Director Tom Frieden has already handed over the agency to an acting director. Frieden was a esteemed medical doctor and a respected epidemiologist who worked around the world combating tuberculosis and HIV. Trump has not yet named a replacement, but based on his choices for other agencies, the top picks would be Drs. Mengele and Frankenstein.
… attorneys say they fear the new rules give the CDC too much power — with insufficient safeguards to protect an individual's rights.
"It could represent a great danger to Americans' health and civil liberties," says Wendy Parmet, a health policy lawyer at Northeastern University.
The new rules were actually developed under the Obama administration where, strangely enough, they didn’t seem to come with minor chords played on a giant organ of dread. Only now, the idea of handing Donald Trump a “Throw Anyone Into Gulag Free” card seems a smidge more creepy.
But everyone should be fine. So long as they’re not spotted by aspirin. Or sneezing. Or coughing.
If you don’t dare admit you’re not feeling well, just think of how much more money insurers can make on Trumpcare premiums!
And, of course, Donald Trump was right. The nation was savaged by a plague that threatens the continued existence of the country. He just got the name wrong. It’s called TRUMP-VOTERS.