The recent confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services is appalling. He is manifestly unqualified.

I was hoping Republican senators would be different this time — that they might be able to see Mr. Kennedy for what he is: an arrogant man, who ignores scientific consensus and believes he knows better than anyone else.

Mr. Kennedy has long been an ardent campaigner against the vaccination of children despite the overwhelming evidence that it is safe and protects them from horrible, sometimes deadly, diseases. Senators who voted to confirm him, and the president who nominated him, will have blood on their hands.

Mr. Kennedy made assurances to senators such as Bill Cassidy of Louisiana — a physician, no less, sworn to first do no harm — that he would change his stripes. This is unlikely for a 71-year-old man. Experienced senators should be savvy enough to realize that when someone like Mr. Kennedy — who does not have a reputation for truthfulness — wants something badly enough, he might be lying.

Republican senators and others in the party have, by frequent exposure to the president and his circle, built up a high tolerance to lies. Their lie detectors have become less sensitive. Some have inevitably become well-practiced in the art of lying themselves. Voters should know by now they can’t be trusted.

Michael Bacon
Westbrook