Newly-crowned Miss USA Kara McCullough who was representing the District of Columbia wowed the viewers during the pageant on Sunday night as she described her impressive day job as a scientist with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Another surprise was when she came through the question-answer round by giving the most unpredictable answers deviating from other contestants. She believed healthcare is a privilege, not a right, and sees herself more as an ‘Equalist’ than feminist.
McCullough further added that she doesn’t regret whatever she said on the stage. “The beauty of America is that we all have an opinion, and we all have the right to say how we feel, and it's amazing so many people spoke out on the situation and contributed their two cents,” she said. “I just hope and pray that people still have an open mindset, rather than staying so close-minded.”
Her whole purpose to say all this was to give clarification on what she said and make sure everyone knows that she is a woman with opinion. Before her lines made national headlines, McCullough was already familiar with how politics could shape Americans, and when asked about whether current debates over the future of science have shaken her and her colleagues, McCullough stayed positive.
“At the end of the day, I am in the midst of this,” she said. “I don’t feel as if anyone has lost faith. I believe it’s a wake-up call for everyone worldwide; to show you always need to be producing in your field. Essentially, there are things we have to be aware of at the agency, because of the way the administration is moving. But I hope and pray we’re moving forward. And things are changing that are going to benefit the next generation of students that are coming in looking for jobs. That’s just how I’m looking at everything at this point.”
When it comes to changes McCullough would like to see how the government treats science, “definitely, more funding opportunities,” are at the top of her list. “I’m hoping to really do something like that with my program.”
What do you have to say about McCullough’s views?