Hi all,

Let me try to help with all the different messages concerning Miriam and the
SG position.  Since this has been my baby since it started with a
conversation with Miriam at the LLLI Physician Seminar in 1995, maybe I can
help.

I'm afraid that Jan and others ARE mistaken.  Miriam is NOT on a short list
of candidates for SG.  If she was, I would be shouting from the roof tops,
because that would mean our work had paid off.  Unfortunately, our work is
NOT done, but is just starting.

BRIEF HISTORY:
1.  Gene Cranston Anderson sent a letter in support of Miriam as SG in
January.  The response she received told us that the President was now REALLY
considering nominating someone for the post of SG (remember that Mr. Clinton
had chosen NOT to put in a SG nomination after Foster was defeated and
congress had not even funded the post).  According to Mr. Nash," we plan to
have a Surgeon General later this year".

2.  When Gene notified Miriam of her correspondence, I began going to our
resources to check it out.  What I found out from several different sources
is that the President was looking to fill the SG post, but that there was a
"shoe in candidate.

3.  At a meeting in DC, I was given the name to contact that would have the
full story on the SG post, and who would talk to me.  What I found out is
that there is a short list (about 4 or 5) that the President currently has.
 Miriam is NOT on this list.

4.  My source said that there was a chance that we could get Miriam to be
considered, but we had to move quickly (and he added that by the time we got
her name in that a nominee might already be named).  In other words, we are
working with a VERY SHORT timeline.

5.  NABA immediately resubmitted Miriam's name, and approached several key
people to write letters of support.  I will recheck with my inside source to
see if Miriam is being considered to be put on the list next week.

6.  If we get any positive feedback, we will then have to get large
diversified organizations to write letters of support.  The grassroots piece
has the greatest effect when congress is involved during the confirmation
hearings.

In other words, everyone will have a big role to play, but first we have to
know that there is a game to play in.  This is VERY EXCITING and new to most
of us.  Let's not get ahead of ourselves.  As soon as I know anything, you
all will be the first group to know.  Lots is crossed fingers and prayers
will help for now.

Thanks for your enthusiasm and support for Miriam.  I really think she would
be fantastic as SG, especially in light of her strong support for women and
children.  I hope this will help with the confussion.  I promise to keep you
all up-dated as I have REAL news.  Marsha and I both have copies of Miriam's
short CV and will make it available to those interested.  Requests for
Miriam's telephone number is not appropriate at this time.  First we have to
know if she is being considered by the people that count, namely the
President and his staff.  Maybe we will know that in a couple of weeks.
 We'll keep you posted.

Barbara Heiser, NABA
email:  [log in to unmask]

Marsha Walker, NABA REAL
email:  [log in to unmask]

NABA web page site:  http://members.aol.com/marshalact/Naba