One of many definitions of a “libertarian” is that they are a fiscal conservative and a social progressive. Historically libertarian political philosophy is predicated on the US Constitutional principles of reserving whenever possible political power to the people and the States as secured in our 9th and 10th Amendments in our Constitution—the so called “Federalist […]
We are so lucky to live in a State where we have an incredible group of health care providers. Doctors, nurses, and technicians, Family Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants are as knowledgeable and skilled as any place in the world and I have practiced all over the world. That being said there were two recent […]
I never heard of the term “virtue signaling” until last Sunday when I listened to news reports about the confrontation between the Covington Kentucky Catholic High School students and the Native American Elder. Now I know what “virtue signaling” is all about. In retrospect, I have probably been guilty of “virtue signaling” myself, maybe even […]
Over the past 7 years and since the time of the passage of the ACA, I have listened without interjecting myself into the debate about the efficacy of moving forward with—Medicaid Expansion, SHIP, and Access to Health Care to those on the margin. This year the debate surrounding Health Care will begin to discuss once […]
Last weekend was a great moment in time for the State of Idaho. Seeing power being transferred to a new generation of Idahoans and fresh young legislators eager to represent their constituents is always uplifting. Unfortunately, we heard the echoes of past debates when proponents of Medicaid Expansion again asserted that all people have a right […]
Last week I took a trip back to my home State. I helped teach a group of military surgeons from all over the world at the National Center for Medical Readiness at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton Ohio. We had several hours at the end of the course to talk about the State of […]
For years I have tried to relate my own personal experiences with friend’s colleagues and family members and the events being played out politically today. It is said that “all politics is local” My mother and father came from a generation that lived through the great depression and World War II. They realized through real-life […]
I would like to refer to the Wall Street Journal articles “Obama Care is Robbing Medicaid’s Sickest Patients” by Alyssa Finley and “America Is Running Out of Family Caregivers, Just When It Needs Them Most” by Clare Ansberry. These two articles describe the position that those who are against Medicaid Expansion in Idaho should try to […]
When I was 5 years old, my Quaker grandmother told me to be careful of the thoughts I think. Thoughts turn into words, words turn into actions, actions turn into habits, and habits define a life. Before the end of the 20th Century, neurobiologists believed that the brains of humans reached full development around the […]
Modern day medicine in the USA began at the end of the 19th century with the development of Medical residency training programs at John’s Hopkins University and the Mayo Clinic. Both institutions were run by physicians and administered by Catholic Sisters. The majority of their patients were indigent and couldn’t pay for their services. Fee […]
I would like to thank the Committee and the Chairman for providing me with the opportunity to testify regarding my concerns about the legislation surrounding the 1115 and 1332 waivers. Seven years ago, I was honored to be appointed to the YHI Exchange Board by our Governor and confirmed by the Senate, and honored once […]
It has now been over 1 week since Governor Otter presented his State of the State address. I have been an admirer of The Governor for over 40 years. I have seen him be a father and husband and be at the bedside during a difficult medical situation. I have seen him stay at the […]