Maybe President Obama, instead of portraying opponents of his version of
heath-care reform as liars, should cast out the mote in his own eye. (Oh no! I used a Biblical reference – must be one of those conservative right wing Know-Nothings storming the town hall meetings from coast to coast!) From him and his White House (read David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel) has flowed a never-ending stream of misinformation, disinformation, exaggerations and just plain baloney.
Take the oft-repeated claim that 50 million, 60 million or whatever -- take your pick -- Americans have no health insurance, as if our uninsured population is expiring in the nation's gutters because no one (read: Republicans) cares. But what the Obama and Democratic operatives don't tell you is the whole story, and by omitting it, they are themselves lying. Here are the facts:
The estimate of the uninsured comes from the U.S. Bureau of the Census' Current Population Survey, with analysis of the 2007 survey provided by the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation. The total uninsured was 45.7 million (and is likely higher now), but of those, 9.5 million were non-citizens or illegal immigrants; 12 million were eligible for other public health programs but hadn't bothered to sign up; 7.3 million were in families that had income exceeding $84,108 a year and chose not to be covered and 9.1 million were only temporarily uninsured. That leaves 7.8 million lower-income American citizens who are uninsured long-term.
That amounts to about 2.6% of the population. As Ronald Reagan used to say, facts are stubborn things. Do we totally destroy the current system because 2.6% are uninsured long-term, or do we fix the current system to get the numbers down? The Obama administration wants you to believe that covering these 45.7 million people of unequal needs is America's highest health-care reform priority. Truth is, most Americans don't agree. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey last year found half of U.S. voters say making health care and insurance more affordable is the No. 1 health issue; that's twice as much as the second priority, which is expanding coverage for the uninsured.
“Facta, non verba”
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Dangers of Dirty VA Hospital Equipment
Thank you to Bill Poovey of the Associated Press
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - A 60-year-old Navy veteran who had a colonoscopy last year got an unimaginable phone call recently - a blood test showed he had HIV. A second test by the Veterans Affairs Department was negative.
Now, the Tennessee man doesn't know what to think. He no longer trusts the VA and is seeking a third test from a private doctor. And, he's hired a lawyer.
The veteran is one of nearly 11,000 former sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines who could have been exposed to infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis because three VA hospitals in the Southeast treated patients with dirty equipment. Since disclosing the problem and warning patients to get follow-up blood tests, the agency has become tight lipped, fueling frustration among veterans nationwide.
On Friday, the VA revealed that another patient had tested positive for HIV, bringing the total to four such cases among patients who got endoscope procedures at hospitals in Miami, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Augusta, Ga. The agency also said a new hepatitis case had been discovered, increasing the number of positive tests to 26. More than 4,270 veterans still have yet to get test results.
Beyond those skimpy facts, the VA has said little else, citing an ongoing investigation.
It hasn't answered questions from The Associated Press about why problems with cleaning the equipment - and possibly co-mingling infectious body fluids - went on for five years at the Miami and Murfreesboro hospitals and about a year in Augusta. The VA also refuses to say if it found similar problems at its other 150 hospitals or if more patients should get blood tests.
The VA has stressed that the positive tests are "not necessarily linked" to medical treatment at its hospitals.
Veterans are calling on the agency to release more information.
"This effort must involve continual updates on what the VA is learning about the extent of this situation," Vietnam Veterans of America President John Rowan said in a statement Thursday.
More facts are little comfort, though, to those who are already infected - and those that don't know.
"I screamed out loud, 'No' and went over and held my wife and told her what happened," said the Tennessee Navy veteran, who spoke to The Associated Press on a condition of anonymity to protect his medical privacy and his security firm employer. "We had a nice, good cry. The things that go through your mind. You think your whole world is going to end. Her world could end, too."
It was not clear whether the Tennessee man was counted as a positive HIV test by the VA.
In December, the VA discovered that the Murfreesboro facility wasn't following cleaning procedures the manufacturer recommended. It issued an internal alert for hospitals to check their procedures. The problem at Augusta was discovered in January.
On Feb. 9, the VA announced a nationwide safety check of endoscopic equipment used in colonoscopies and ear, nose and throat treatments. The procedures involve a narrow, flexible tube fitted with a fiber-optic device such as a telescope or magnifying lens that is inserted into the body.
Some veterans were warned in February to get tested, and more were alerted in March when the Miami hospital backtracked on its previous conclusion that it didn't have a problem.
The day after the first HIV infection became public April 6, the VA announced that its top medical official, Dr. Michael Kussman, was retiring. Kussman still works at the VA but could not be reached for comment. VA spokeswoman Katie Roberts said there was "no connection whatsoever."
The endoscopic equipment is made by Center Valley, Pa.-based Olympus American Inc., and the company has said its recommended cleaning procedures are clear.
The VA and its inspector general have started investigations, and congressional members of the Veterans Affairs Committee have asked for a hearing in late May to discuss how the VA has been handling the problem.
U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind. and ranking member of the committee, said in a statement he and his staff have been briefed weekly by senior VA officials. His office declined to release more information.
Private hospitals have also spread infectious diseases with unsterilized equipment, but requirements to report such problems vary by state and there's no national regulation requiring disclosure, according to Barbara Rudolph, director of The Leapfrog Group, which advocates for quality health care.
The VA is providing a hot line for veterans and their families and posts the information it is releasing on its Web site. Because the VA hasn't ruled out other hospitals having had problems, some veterans are wondering if its more widespread.
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, former Marine Allen Lusk had several colonoscopies at the VA hospital in Iowa City and tested positive for hepatitis B in December.
"I never had it till I started going to the VA," said Lusk, 51.
He started using the VA in 2006 after he was injured when a car fell on him and he didn't have health insurance. After seeing news reports about the contaminated equipment problems elsewhere, Lusk went to his county health department for an HIV test. He tested negative.
"To be honest, I'd like to see them come out and be honest about how big this really is," he said. "It might be embarrassing, but in the long run it might be better for them."
I think the above AP release is very pertinent to my previous post on the need to reform the VA health care system. Bring the benefits to the vet instead of the vet to the benefit.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - A 60-year-old Navy veteran who had a colonoscopy last year got an unimaginable phone call recently - a blood test showed he had HIV. A second test by the Veterans Affairs Department was negative.
Now, the Tennessee man doesn't know what to think. He no longer trusts the VA and is seeking a third test from a private doctor. And, he's hired a lawyer.
The veteran is one of nearly 11,000 former sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines who could have been exposed to infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis because three VA hospitals in the Southeast treated patients with dirty equipment. Since disclosing the problem and warning patients to get follow-up blood tests, the agency has become tight lipped, fueling frustration among veterans nationwide.
On Friday, the VA revealed that another patient had tested positive for HIV, bringing the total to four such cases among patients who got endoscope procedures at hospitals in Miami, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Augusta, Ga. The agency also said a new hepatitis case had been discovered, increasing the number of positive tests to 26. More than 4,270 veterans still have yet to get test results.
Beyond those skimpy facts, the VA has said little else, citing an ongoing investigation.
It hasn't answered questions from The Associated Press about why problems with cleaning the equipment - and possibly co-mingling infectious body fluids - went on for five years at the Miami and Murfreesboro hospitals and about a year in Augusta. The VA also refuses to say if it found similar problems at its other 150 hospitals or if more patients should get blood tests.
The VA has stressed that the positive tests are "not necessarily linked" to medical treatment at its hospitals.
Veterans are calling on the agency to release more information.
"This effort must involve continual updates on what the VA is learning about the extent of this situation," Vietnam Veterans of America President John Rowan said in a statement Thursday.
More facts are little comfort, though, to those who are already infected - and those that don't know.
"I screamed out loud, 'No' and went over and held my wife and told her what happened," said the Tennessee Navy veteran, who spoke to The Associated Press on a condition of anonymity to protect his medical privacy and his security firm employer. "We had a nice, good cry. The things that go through your mind. You think your whole world is going to end. Her world could end, too."
It was not clear whether the Tennessee man was counted as a positive HIV test by the VA.
In December, the VA discovered that the Murfreesboro facility wasn't following cleaning procedures the manufacturer recommended. It issued an internal alert for hospitals to check their procedures. The problem at Augusta was discovered in January.
On Feb. 9, the VA announced a nationwide safety check of endoscopic equipment used in colonoscopies and ear, nose and throat treatments. The procedures involve a narrow, flexible tube fitted with a fiber-optic device such as a telescope or magnifying lens that is inserted into the body.
Some veterans were warned in February to get tested, and more were alerted in March when the Miami hospital backtracked on its previous conclusion that it didn't have a problem.
The day after the first HIV infection became public April 6, the VA announced that its top medical official, Dr. Michael Kussman, was retiring. Kussman still works at the VA but could not be reached for comment. VA spokeswoman Katie Roberts said there was "no connection whatsoever."
The endoscopic equipment is made by Center Valley, Pa.-based Olympus American Inc., and the company has said its recommended cleaning procedures are clear.
The VA and its inspector general have started investigations, and congressional members of the Veterans Affairs Committee have asked for a hearing in late May to discuss how the VA has been handling the problem.
U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind. and ranking member of the committee, said in a statement he and his staff have been briefed weekly by senior VA officials. His office declined to release more information.
Private hospitals have also spread infectious diseases with unsterilized equipment, but requirements to report such problems vary by state and there's no national regulation requiring disclosure, according to Barbara Rudolph, director of The Leapfrog Group, which advocates for quality health care.
The VA is providing a hot line for veterans and their families and posts the information it is releasing on its Web site. Because the VA hasn't ruled out other hospitals having had problems, some veterans are wondering if its more widespread.
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, former Marine Allen Lusk had several colonoscopies at the VA hospital in Iowa City and tested positive for hepatitis B in December.
"I never had it till I started going to the VA," said Lusk, 51.
He started using the VA in 2006 after he was injured when a car fell on him and he didn't have health insurance. After seeing news reports about the contaminated equipment problems elsewhere, Lusk went to his county health department for an HIV test. He tested negative.
"To be honest, I'd like to see them come out and be honest about how big this really is," he said. "It might be embarrassing, but in the long run it might be better for them."
I think the above AP release is very pertinent to my previous post on the need to reform the VA health care system. Bring the benefits to the vet instead of the vet to the benefit.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Veterans' Health Care Needs Overhaul
Before I propose this, full disclosure requires that you know I am a veteran with over 7 years served with 3 tours in South East Asia during the Vietnam War. I am proposing a huge change to the Veterans' Administration's (VA) health care system. The proposal is designed to spend more money on Veterans' health care issues, but less overall than is done now.
How? Instead of funding VA hospitals and nursing homes across the country, fund the care. What does this mean? It means that the government does not need to have a large number of VA run hospitals or care centers to provide the care. It means that veterans will not have to travel hours to get the care they need and deserve. It means that they do not have to change their local doctor for one a great distance away who does not know the vet as a person, a member of the community, a loving husband wife, father, or mother. A doctor who only knows the vet as a summary of symptoms.
How can this be done? It is relatively simple, and much of the infrastructure is already in place. If the government can issue Medicare cards for seniors so they can seek medical help virtually anywhere in the country, the VA can do the same thing for the vet. Let every hospital, clinic, doctor, nursing home, pharmacy, home health, and medical equipment provider in the country who can provide the services to a Medicare recipient provide the same service to the vet. A card similar to a Medicare card could be issued to the vet, and that would be his key to the system.
For too long the veteran has been used by the politicians of this country to fund capital projects designed to benefit their chance of reelection rather than the vet. The expansion at the Veterans Home in LaSalle is a good case to review. The money the state of Illinois spent there was nothing more than a construction project to grease some government money into the local economy. If it had really been about the vet, the nursing positions and all the support positions would have been fully funded right away. Frank Mautino kept saying he was fighting for the dollars. Well, he must not have fought very well or very long. Come on, he is Speaker of the House Madigan's right hand guy. It was always about the money, not about the vet.
The VA asked for $582 million for major construction projects in FY 2008. The request for FY 2009 is $1.275 billion. This money is not about the vet. Follow the money. There are huge physical plants that have to be maintained all across this country to support this archaic VA health care system. Follow the money. The VA will only spend a paltry $100 million more on mental health for the vet. This at a time when the press is full of stories about the huge increase of post traumatic stress disorder and suicides among returning vets. If a hospital or 5 or 6 could be constructed to serve their mental health needs, they would be. Of course no one could get the services who didn't live within about an hour of such a hospital. It would not be about the vet. It is about greasing the wheels of reelection for the politicians. Follow the money.
Dick Durbin can get on the floor of the United States Senate and compare our G.I.s to war criminals and Nazis, and then have the unmitigated gall to use disabled veterans in his reelection campaign. Why can he do this? Because he greases the wheels of VA funding in the Chicago and downstate areas where the VA hospitals operate. The veterans of Illinois should have called him on his vitriol during the campaign, but we did not. Why not? Because it is not about the vet. Follow the money.
The tax money that is being wasted on this archaic Veterans' Health Care System would fund a modern health system designed to provide to our veterans care in their own local communities with their own local doctors. They could stay in their own local hospitals or nursing homes if necessary. They could receive home nursing and physical, occupational, and speech therapy in their own homes if necessary from local home health agencies. No travel! No faceless pharmacy tech grumbling as he hands you the next few months of medication! No more being treated as a summary of symptoms!
It is all within the reach of the government to do if a loud enough voice is raised. With all the trillions being spent on insurance companies, banks, and auto companies, I'd think there has to be about $1 billion dollars to change the system. That would mean saving money at the federal level. A concept they are not use to. The VA needs to be about the vet, not the next election.
Look for future postings to add more meat to the proposal. Meat like keeping regional wound and trauma centers for the retuning vet if large university hospitals can not do the job. But, if they get the money to do it, they will.
How? Instead of funding VA hospitals and nursing homes across the country, fund the care. What does this mean? It means that the government does not need to have a large number of VA run hospitals or care centers to provide the care. It means that veterans will not have to travel hours to get the care they need and deserve. It means that they do not have to change their local doctor for one a great distance away who does not know the vet as a person, a member of the community, a loving husband wife, father, or mother. A doctor who only knows the vet as a summary of symptoms.
How can this be done? It is relatively simple, and much of the infrastructure is already in place. If the government can issue Medicare cards for seniors so they can seek medical help virtually anywhere in the country, the VA can do the same thing for the vet. Let every hospital, clinic, doctor, nursing home, pharmacy, home health, and medical equipment provider in the country who can provide the services to a Medicare recipient provide the same service to the vet. A card similar to a Medicare card could be issued to the vet, and that would be his key to the system.
For too long the veteran has been used by the politicians of this country to fund capital projects designed to benefit their chance of reelection rather than the vet. The expansion at the Veterans Home in LaSalle is a good case to review. The money the state of Illinois spent there was nothing more than a construction project to grease some government money into the local economy. If it had really been about the vet, the nursing positions and all the support positions would have been fully funded right away. Frank Mautino kept saying he was fighting for the dollars. Well, he must not have fought very well or very long. Come on, he is Speaker of the House Madigan's right hand guy. It was always about the money, not about the vet.
The VA asked for $582 million for major construction projects in FY 2008. The request for FY 2009 is $1.275 billion. This money is not about the vet. Follow the money. There are huge physical plants that have to be maintained all across this country to support this archaic VA health care system. Follow the money. The VA will only spend a paltry $100 million more on mental health for the vet. This at a time when the press is full of stories about the huge increase of post traumatic stress disorder and suicides among returning vets. If a hospital or 5 or 6 could be constructed to serve their mental health needs, they would be. Of course no one could get the services who didn't live within about an hour of such a hospital. It would not be about the vet. It is about greasing the wheels of reelection for the politicians. Follow the money.
Dick Durbin can get on the floor of the United States Senate and compare our G.I.s to war criminals and Nazis, and then have the unmitigated gall to use disabled veterans in his reelection campaign. Why can he do this? Because he greases the wheels of VA funding in the Chicago and downstate areas where the VA hospitals operate. The veterans of Illinois should have called him on his vitriol during the campaign, but we did not. Why not? Because it is not about the vet. Follow the money.
The tax money that is being wasted on this archaic Veterans' Health Care System would fund a modern health system designed to provide to our veterans care in their own local communities with their own local doctors. They could stay in their own local hospitals or nursing homes if necessary. They could receive home nursing and physical, occupational, and speech therapy in their own homes if necessary from local home health agencies. No travel! No faceless pharmacy tech grumbling as he hands you the next few months of medication! No more being treated as a summary of symptoms!
It is all within the reach of the government to do if a loud enough voice is raised. With all the trillions being spent on insurance companies, banks, and auto companies, I'd think there has to be about $1 billion dollars to change the system. That would mean saving money at the federal level. A concept they are not use to. The VA needs to be about the vet, not the next election.
Look for future postings to add more meat to the proposal. Meat like keeping regional wound and trauma centers for the retuning vet if large university hospitals can not do the job. But, if they get the money to do it, they will.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dave Potthoff for Mayor
When we were getting ready to move to the house we live in now from the house we had up on the North side of Peru (set to close on it the following day) I received a call from my neighbor to be while I was working in Litchfield (south of Springfield) to tell me that the son of the sellers was getting ready to have a big beer bash that night (the sellers had vacated the property about a month before this). He knew this because the son mowed the lawn (something he usually did not do unless a party was about to happen), and the city had delivered barrels and planks to set up the beer bar (again happened before). I called my wife at work in Peru. She called the boy's mother. I called Dave Potthoff because Mr. O'Beirne was not available at the time. Shortly after that call, according to my neighbor, a City of Peru truck showed up to pick up the "equipment" and the police showed up to tell the son (underage) there would be no party that night. I did not live in his ward, and I was not moving to his ward, BUT Dave Potthoff responded to a concern of a Peru citizen, and helped us out. That told me a lot about the man. That is one of the many reasons I support Dave Potthoff for mayor.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Pastor's Ass
Lessons For Our Lives
The Pastor's Ass
The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.
The pastor was so pleased with the donkey
that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read:
PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.
The next day, the local paper headline read:
BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey.
The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:
NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The bishop fainted.
He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, she sold it to a farmer for $10.
The next day the paper read:
NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.
The next day the headlines read:
NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
The bishop was buried the next day.
The moral of the story is . .. ..
being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery .. . even shorten your life.
So be yourself and enjoy life.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!
The Pastor's Ass
The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.
The pastor was so pleased with the donkey
that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read:
PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.
The next day, the local paper headline read:
BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey.
The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:
NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The bishop fainted.
He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, she sold it to a farmer for $10.
The next day the paper read:
NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.
This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.
The next day the headlines read:
NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
The bishop was buried the next day.
The moral of the story is . .. ..
being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery .. . even shorten your life.
So be yourself and enjoy life.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Peru Negativity
Well, I am back to putting a few thoughts on "paper". I have been reading and responding to two blogs about the Peru city election. I am backing off of that because it is too easy to get caught up in the negativity being spewed on each of the two blogs. I found myself starting to spew the same negative garbage so I have taken a step back from it. I understand why Kristy, who runs the Change for Peru blog has to step back sometimes. I recently made some comments about one of the candidates running for mayor, and all the people hiding behind their anonymous tag attacked me in many ways. I found out they know where I live, and what my name is. Hmmmm! I have thoughts on the implications of that. So, if there is any vandalism at my house, at least I can point in the general direction of may have done it.
The two campaign managers that I know of are Steve, "Jennie's Ghost", and Joe, "Zoro". I guess Steve on the west end of 7th street has a real ax to grind with Baker, and Juniper Joe is a staunch Baker supporter. Potthoff supporters are sort of caught in the middle. But, judging by the large number of anti-Potthoff postings as of late on these two blogs, he must be catching on. Should be interesting to watch.
I think the next most interesting race is the Spring Valley mayoral contest. Banks and Narczewski. Don't know who will win, but I bet there will be a fish processing plant in Spring Valley regardless of who wins.
The two campaign managers that I know of are Steve, "Jennie's Ghost", and Joe, "Zoro". I guess Steve on the west end of 7th street has a real ax to grind with Baker, and Juniper Joe is a staunch Baker supporter. Potthoff supporters are sort of caught in the middle. But, judging by the large number of anti-Potthoff postings as of late on these two blogs, he must be catching on. Should be interesting to watch.
I think the next most interesting race is the Spring Valley mayoral contest. Banks and Narczewski. Don't know who will win, but I bet there will be a fish processing plant in Spring Valley regardless of who wins.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A Counter Argument For Tort Reform
I read with interest Tony Raccuglia’s impassioned plea for Tort Non-Reform in last week’s Open Forum. Mr. Raccuglia is a talented attorney whose own income and well being depends on limitless financial “recovery” for patients harmed by incompetence or simple accidents. Unfortunately he uses the emotional appeal tactics developed over 50 years in law practice rather than presenting the facts in the case he cites as evidence in his unending battle against tort reform.
The case involved damages against a pharmaceutical company, Wyeth, who produced and sold a drug designed to prevent nausea. A physician’s assistant administered the drug, Phenergan, into the patient’s artery instead of her vein. The label for the Phenergan had a warning printed in bold, upper case letters that said, INTRA-ARTERIAL INJECTION CAN RESULT IN GANGRENE OF THE AFFECTED EXTREMITY. Indeed, that is what happened. The patient ended up having her entire right forearm amputated because it developed gangrene just as the warning label placed on the drug label by the drug company said. So, the patient, rightly so, sued the medical clinic, the physician’s assistant, and the supervising physician for malpractice. She settled the claims for $750,000.
Her attorney then filed suit against Wyeth, due to the deeper pockets of the drug company, even though there were a total of 6 different warnings on the label not to inject into an artery. The FDA had approved the labeling as both necessary and sufficient. The FDA has physicians and pharmacists who are charged with weighing the risks and benefits of drugs from the perspective of society as a whole. Mr. Raccuglia argues that a jury of lay people with no special training sitting in the presence of an injured patient are more qualified to dictate what the terms of a warning label should be. Not sitting in the courtroom in front of that jury are the many patients who have been helped by that particular drug.
An emotional appeal by an attorney trained to support any side of an argument - black or white, guilty or innocent – as the true and correct side of any argument is best suited to dictate medical policy rather than the trained physicians and pharmacists charged with doing so. This is essentially the argument made by Mr. Raccuglia. This approach has been very successful for him and other personal injury attorneys. This is the approach that drove many physicians from most of southern Illinois. This is the approach that necessitates endless review of cancer fighting drugs found effective in Europe but not allowed to be used in this country. This is the approach that is partially responsible for the ever escalating costs of medical care. And that, dear reader, is why tort reform is so necessary.
Attorneys have totally screwed up our country's congress. We need to keep them from doing the same to our health care system before it is too late.
The case involved damages against a pharmaceutical company, Wyeth, who produced and sold a drug designed to prevent nausea. A physician’s assistant administered the drug, Phenergan, into the patient’s artery instead of her vein. The label for the Phenergan had a warning printed in bold, upper case letters that said, INTRA-ARTERIAL INJECTION CAN RESULT IN GANGRENE OF THE AFFECTED EXTREMITY. Indeed, that is what happened. The patient ended up having her entire right forearm amputated because it developed gangrene just as the warning label placed on the drug label by the drug company said. So, the patient, rightly so, sued the medical clinic, the physician’s assistant, and the supervising physician for malpractice. She settled the claims for $750,000.
Her attorney then filed suit against Wyeth, due to the deeper pockets of the drug company, even though there were a total of 6 different warnings on the label not to inject into an artery. The FDA had approved the labeling as both necessary and sufficient. The FDA has physicians and pharmacists who are charged with weighing the risks and benefits of drugs from the perspective of society as a whole. Mr. Raccuglia argues that a jury of lay people with no special training sitting in the presence of an injured patient are more qualified to dictate what the terms of a warning label should be. Not sitting in the courtroom in front of that jury are the many patients who have been helped by that particular drug.
An emotional appeal by an attorney trained to support any side of an argument - black or white, guilty or innocent – as the true and correct side of any argument is best suited to dictate medical policy rather than the trained physicians and pharmacists charged with doing so. This is essentially the argument made by Mr. Raccuglia. This approach has been very successful for him and other personal injury attorneys. This is the approach that drove many physicians from most of southern Illinois. This is the approach that necessitates endless review of cancer fighting drugs found effective in Europe but not allowed to be used in this country. This is the approach that is partially responsible for the ever escalating costs of medical care. And that, dear reader, is why tort reform is so necessary.
Attorneys have totally screwed up our country's congress. We need to keep them from doing the same to our health care system before it is too late.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pave Our Roads With Concrete to Save Money and Jobs
The local municipalities throughout the Illinois Valley and Tri-county are discussing road repairs for this year. So I have been doing a little research. This rather long post is my take on why cement is better, cheaper, and more beneficial to our local economy.
I know the price of cement vs asphalt for road repair was briefly discussed at last night's Peru city council meeting. Here is some information I think you will find interesting, and why it is less expensive and beneficial to our local economy to use the cement instead of the asphalt.
Asphalt is $24 a square yard and cement is $52 a square yard. So the upfront costs are greater for cement. According to the federal government interstate highways paved with cement are 13 - 28% less expensive over the life of the road. That may be much less with an in town thoroughfare where the amount and weight of traffic would tend to be much lighter. The cement stands up to wear and tear much longer than asphalt. Maintenance costs of a cement road versus an asphalt one are up to 75%less. The asphalt road will be repaired and/or replaced well before the cement one will. Perhaps more than twice. Federal studies show that concrete interstate highways last 2.5 times longer than asphalt ones. Again the benefit may be greater on a local thoroughfare here because of the aforementioned lesser traffic and weight. Which is more costly? The cement would benefit our local cement industry and the people who work there. Local iron workers and laborers would have work locally instead of traveling out of town or state to find work. In the long run the cement road would last longer, provide business and jobs locally, and allow our local skilled labor force to stay close to home and work.
I know we can't guarantee that da mayor's minions will think critically enough to figure the above out, but the price difference will look good in a newspaper article.
Concrete costs less in the long run!
Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.
Recent U of Minnesota studies show that the use of concrete pavement saved up to 19% in the long run over the cost of using and maintaining similar asphalt roads.
The same studies shows that maintenance costs were reduced 75% when concrete was used to pave roads.
Advancements in concrete technology have reduced the cost of concrete paving while improving performance greatly; advancements in asphalt technology (so-called "SuperPave" mixtures) have increased paving costs significantly (even before considering skyrocketing oil prices) with only modest increases in performance.
Concrete lasts longer with less need for maintenance and repair!
No potholes - so concrete pavements stay smoother longer.
No ruts form to fill with water and cause wet weather accidents. Fewer traffic interruptions for repair and maintenance.
Mn/DOT reports that the average life expectancy of their concrete pavements is 27.5 years before repair while asphalt pavements have an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair
Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate highways around the U.S. last about 2.5 times longer on average than asphalt Interstate highways.
New Minnesota concrete pavement designs are expected to last for 60+ years with minimal maintenance.
Concrete costs less for users, too!
Heavy trucks get up to 20% better mileage on concrete.
Better long-term performance means fewer interruptions and lower user costs.
Concrete roads are not subject to spring load restrictions that increase the number of truck trips or driving distances.
Concrete is quiet!
After years of testing and research, Mn/DOT has adopted concrete paving designs and techniques that make concrete roads as quiet as most asphalt roads, while maintaining superior skid resistance.
Concrete is safer!
Concrete provides better and longer lasting skid resistance.
No rutting or potholes to cause loss of vehicle control.
Concrete offers better visibility on rainy nights.
Concrete is generally less slippery in wet weather.
Concrete is environmentally friendly!
Concrete is completely recyclable.
Concrete doesn't release odorous petroleum products into the air.
Concrete conserves oil, which is used to produce asphalt pavements.
Replacing asphalt pavements with concrete can help to lower summertime temperatures.
Concrete reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.
The "heat island" effect seen in large cities has been attributed, in part, to the use of asphalt pavements.
Concrete is aesthetically pleasing!
Concrete pavements have a clean appearance and brighten neighborhoods, both day and night!
Concrete can be colored and textured to produce attractive designs and patter
I know the price of cement vs asphalt for road repair was briefly discussed at last night's Peru city council meeting. Here is some information I think you will find interesting, and why it is less expensive and beneficial to our local economy to use the cement instead of the asphalt.
Asphalt is $24 a square yard and cement is $52 a square yard. So the upfront costs are greater for cement. According to the federal government interstate highways paved with cement are 13 - 28% less expensive over the life of the road. That may be much less with an in town thoroughfare where the amount and weight of traffic would tend to be much lighter. The cement stands up to wear and tear much longer than asphalt. Maintenance costs of a cement road versus an asphalt one are up to 75%less. The asphalt road will be repaired and/or replaced well before the cement one will. Perhaps more than twice. Federal studies show that concrete interstate highways last 2.5 times longer than asphalt ones. Again the benefit may be greater on a local thoroughfare here because of the aforementioned lesser traffic and weight. Which is more costly? The cement would benefit our local cement industry and the people who work there. Local iron workers and laborers would have work locally instead of traveling out of town or state to find work. In the long run the cement road would last longer, provide business and jobs locally, and allow our local skilled labor force to stay close to home and work.
I know we can't guarantee that da mayor's minions will think critically enough to figure the above out, but the price difference will look good in a newspaper article.
Concrete costs less in the long run!
Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.
Recent U of Minnesota studies show that the use of concrete pavement saved up to 19% in the long run over the cost of using and maintaining similar asphalt roads.
The same studies shows that maintenance costs were reduced 75% when concrete was used to pave roads.
Advancements in concrete technology have reduced the cost of concrete paving while improving performance greatly; advancements in asphalt technology (so-called "SuperPave" mixtures) have increased paving costs significantly (even before considering skyrocketing oil prices) with only modest increases in performance.
Concrete lasts longer with less need for maintenance and repair!
No potholes - so concrete pavements stay smoother longer.
No ruts form to fill with water and cause wet weather accidents. Fewer traffic interruptions for repair and maintenance.
Mn/DOT reports that the average life expectancy of their concrete pavements is 27.5 years before repair while asphalt pavements have an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair
Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate highways around the U.S. last about 2.5 times longer on average than asphalt Interstate highways.
New Minnesota concrete pavement designs are expected to last for 60+ years with minimal maintenance.
Concrete costs less for users, too!
Heavy trucks get up to 20% better mileage on concrete.
Better long-term performance means fewer interruptions and lower user costs.
Concrete roads are not subject to spring load restrictions that increase the number of truck trips or driving distances.
Concrete is quiet!
After years of testing and research, Mn/DOT has adopted concrete paving designs and techniques that make concrete roads as quiet as most asphalt roads, while maintaining superior skid resistance.
Concrete is safer!
Concrete provides better and longer lasting skid resistance.
No rutting or potholes to cause loss of vehicle control.
Concrete offers better visibility on rainy nights.
Concrete is generally less slippery in wet weather.
Concrete is environmentally friendly!
Concrete is completely recyclable.
Concrete doesn't release odorous petroleum products into the air.
Concrete conserves oil, which is used to produce asphalt pavements.
Replacing asphalt pavements with concrete can help to lower summertime temperatures.
Concrete reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.
The "heat island" effect seen in large cities has been attributed, in part, to the use of asphalt pavements.
Concrete is aesthetically pleasing!
Concrete pavements have a clean appearance and brighten neighborhoods, both day and night!
Concrete can be colored and textured to produce attractive designs and patter
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Legislation Introduced to Take Away Employee Rights
Yesterday Senator Tom Harkin (Left Wing D - Iowa) introduced legislation, the ironically named Employee Free Choice Act,in the United States Senate that takes away an employee's right to participate in an election with a secret ballot. Instead a person may sign a card handed to them by a union representative. The card then is used as proof that the person signing the card wants to be represented by a union. No election necessary. Only union strong arm tactics are necessary. Isn't that what Big Labor has accused businesses of doing during union elections?
Without this legislation this is how the process works - when that card is signed it is an indication that a person wants to hear more about union representation. The union and the company where the employee works are offered an opportunity to present their own opinion, the employee listens to all the information presented to them, then an election monitored by the union, the company, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)is held. The ballots are counted with all sides represented, and either a union is voted in or not voted in. Sounds pretty American to me. Sounds like a process designed to protect everyone's rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
But, the far left wing of the Democratic Party - henceforth known as the party - wants to pay off the debt they owe organized labor for all the money they poured into their elections. Oooh - is that a special interest being paid off? So the party doesn't care about the rights of the people who work or who start and operate businesses in this country. They only care about paying off their Big Labor sponsors.
How many people who voted for change knew they were going to change the fundamental way we have always done business in this country? Europe tried this approach, and watched their economies go down. England was known as the weak sister in Europe. France and Germany had stagnation and high unemployment. Well, Margaret Thatcher changed that in England. They are much stronger now then they were 30 years ago. Germany is trying to change their system. My God - even the French elected what passes as a free marketer in their country as president!
Big Labor wants to take away our rights because they lose most of the aforementioned elections. So, they figure if the employees do not have all the information needed to make an informed decision, unions will prevail. And let us not fool ourselves, more union members means more money in Big Labor's pockets. More money to pay their own salaries. More money that they did nothing to earn - no - more money taken from the wallets and purses from the people they say they represent.
This is bad legislation. This is bad policy. This is un-American. This is a mugging.
Without this legislation this is how the process works - when that card is signed it is an indication that a person wants to hear more about union representation. The union and the company where the employee works are offered an opportunity to present their own opinion, the employee listens to all the information presented to them, then an election monitored by the union, the company, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)is held. The ballots are counted with all sides represented, and either a union is voted in or not voted in. Sounds pretty American to me. Sounds like a process designed to protect everyone's rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
But, the far left wing of the Democratic Party - henceforth known as the party - wants to pay off the debt they owe organized labor for all the money they poured into their elections. Oooh - is that a special interest being paid off? So the party doesn't care about the rights of the people who work or who start and operate businesses in this country. They only care about paying off their Big Labor sponsors.
How many people who voted for change knew they were going to change the fundamental way we have always done business in this country? Europe tried this approach, and watched their economies go down. England was known as the weak sister in Europe. France and Germany had stagnation and high unemployment. Well, Margaret Thatcher changed that in England. They are much stronger now then they were 30 years ago. Germany is trying to change their system. My God - even the French elected what passes as a free marketer in their country as president!
Big Labor wants to take away our rights because they lose most of the aforementioned elections. So, they figure if the employees do not have all the information needed to make an informed decision, unions will prevail. And let us not fool ourselves, more union members means more money in Big Labor's pockets. More money to pay their own salaries. More money that they did nothing to earn - no - more money taken from the wallets and purses from the people they say they represent.
This is bad legislation. This is bad policy. This is un-American. This is a mugging.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
OPEN FORUM LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT FOR DAVE POTTHOFF FOR PERU MAYOR
Open Forum Editor
News Tribune
426 Second St.
Peru, IL 61354 March 7, 2009
With the Peru city elections right around the corner it seems an appropriate time to open up some debate in this public forum. I was asked not long ago what issues, as a long time citizen of Peru, are most important to me. I cannot speak for all, but there a number of like minded people I am sure. I hope this can serve as a positive place to start the debate.
The larger issues are the issues that matter to me most. They would be: 1. Open, honest, transparent governance without no bid contracts; 2. Development of logistic and manufacturing businesses, not just retail; 3. Fiscally responsible use of the city revenues to ensure we stay economically sound. We seem to fall especially short in the area of open, transparent governance. I don’t live in a north side neighborhood where the flooding has occurred so I am not as concerned about the situation there; however, I do wonder if the problems would have occurred if fiscal responsibility and open, transparent government had been priorities two decades ago. Maybe our own city engineer is warranted. It works elsewhere.
The less global issues that matter to me most are: 1. Maintenance of city streets - seems to have fallen off the last few years; 2. The hypocrisy of continuing to turn a blind eye to the illegal gambling that goes on in the downtown business districts; and, 3. A plan to develop the West side of Peru from the Igloo Westward.
I had an interesting conversation with a former mayor of one of the local towns not long ago. He said that candidates turn a blind eye to the gambling because they will lose the “tavern crowd” at the polls. Once elected they ignore the issue because they want to stay in office. My point is if a law is on the books enforce it, or change it. I am certain that few of the candidates in any of the LPOS municipalities will address this. I think the reluctance to enforce the law or to turn a blind eye to it speaks volumes about a person’s moral center, their personal code of ethics. This speaks to honest governance.
If the streets and curb program was put out to bid, we might not have the type of deterioration we experience every winter. Maybe selecting a major city thoroughfare to be paved with cement instead of blacktop would help our local communities with jobs and make the repairs less necessary.
Regarding the west side development: St. Margaret's is going to build a new hospital at the NW corner of U.S. 6 & Meridian Rd. From that intersection eastward is prime for development of health related businesses and eating establishments to cater to those businesses. Spring Valley will certainly go westward from the intersection. Peru can offer cheaper utilities and taxes. I do not want to see a TIF used there because of the effect it has on the Peru schools – much to the financial delight of many developers. Let that happen on the North Side where it is needed.
I know one of the Peru mayoral candidates to have leadership and management experience, to have a long history of fighting for responsible spending, to be honest in his business and professional life, to not be afraid to stand for what he sees as the morally responsible thing to do, and to work to transform the city government of Peru to be one that is open, honest, and transparent in all its business. That candidate is Dave Potthoff, and I support him for mayor of the city of Peru.
- 30 -
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
TIF AND CORRUPTION IN A SMALL TOWN
Now lets not forget about the Baker sales tax incentives. Do you know the TIF developer ACCESS LLC (JANKO) receives 50% sales tax rebate as an "incentive". So any sales tax produced by Hyvee, Pizza Hut, or any other business within the TIF Janko receives 50 % of that! Yep you heard me! What is your half boys $6000.00-$7,000.00 a month? Any how long is that TIF-23 years?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Roland Don't Go!!!
Roland Burris should not resign. Now there is a radical statement, or at least what is taken as a radical statement. Let's see how this works out. A former state office holder (Comptroller and Attorney General) is appointed to fill a senate vacancy by a non-indicted, non-impeached sitting governor in accordance with the Illinois state constitution. Shortly thereafter he testifies at a house impeachment hearing truthfully - answering every question asked of him. A few weeks later he sends supplementary information to the chairman of the Illinois House Impeachment committee to ensure they have all the information regarding contacts he had with the Blagoevich campaign committee prior to his being named senator. The information did not contradict what he had testified to earlier. So now all of Burris' good friends from Senator Dirty Dick Durbin to Governor "How the Heck Did I Get On the Inside" Quinn. This list also includes Senator Harry "Want to Buy some Real Estate" Reid. It is reported that Obama has also asked him to step down. I understand it is because Senator Burris pays his taxes - and Barack wants a team player. Why don't we hear a hue and cry for Rahm Emmanuel to step down? Yes - that Rahm Emmanuel - the chief of staff who incorporated his mansion as a non for profit to avoid paying property taxes in his expensive Chicago neighborhood. Well - expletive deleted - he is on Obama's team. Roland Burris has Obama's respect, but Obama has Rahm's backside covered. Respect will let you step down and slip away quietly. Having the president cover your back will keep you out of jail. Gosh! I am sure glad we have change in Washington.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Blog Issues in Peru
The following is a copy of a part of an entry I posted to a blog called Change for Peru. It will be interesting to see what the response is I will keep you up to date.
I know you have forbidden pro-Baker citizens of Peru from commenting on your blog. How do you know who they are? Just so you know, I am not pro-Baker. I am for a person with proven experience to lead the city. For me wanting change is not sufficient. I have often read that you want to see the old way of doing business in Peru to end. I agree. But,now I have to ask this - does this extend to ending the turning of a blind eye from the illegal gambling activity going on on 5th street and across the street from Walt Zukowski's law practice? Or, are there limits to what you think should be changed? Who has the "tip board bloc"? Should a candidate or an incumbent not enforce all the laws on the books? Do you think the chief of police should be removed for not enforcing the anti-gambling statutes? Should the mayor of Peru insist on enforcing all the laws, or just the ones that do not interfere with his or her reelection? Where is the line drawn? What do the candidates have to say about this? You have the time and the inclination to attend all the informal and formal council meetings, and are not shy about raising questions. Would you raise this question the next time you have the 3 candidates in the same room. I work from 7am to 8 pm so I really do not have the opportunity you do. I think the answer to this question will tell us all a lot about the moral compasses the candidates are using to direct their lives. What do you think? Could be interesting.
I know you have forbidden pro-Baker citizens of Peru from commenting on your blog. How do you know who they are? Just so you know, I am not pro-Baker. I am for a person with proven experience to lead the city. For me wanting change is not sufficient. I have often read that you want to see the old way of doing business in Peru to end. I agree. But,now I have to ask this - does this extend to ending the turning of a blind eye from the illegal gambling activity going on on 5th street and across the street from Walt Zukowski's law practice? Or, are there limits to what you think should be changed? Who has the "tip board bloc"? Should a candidate or an incumbent not enforce all the laws on the books? Do you think the chief of police should be removed for not enforcing the anti-gambling statutes? Should the mayor of Peru insist on enforcing all the laws, or just the ones that do not interfere with his or her reelection? Where is the line drawn? What do the candidates have to say about this? You have the time and the inclination to attend all the informal and formal council meetings, and are not shy about raising questions. Would you raise this question the next time you have the 3 candidates in the same room. I work from 7am to 8 pm so I really do not have the opportunity you do. I think the answer to this question will tell us all a lot about the moral compasses the candidates are using to direct their lives. What do you think? Could be interesting.
Peru and LaSalle Mayoral Races
It seems like the mayoral races in both Peru and LaSalle are heating up. In Peru there is an anti-Baker movement, but 2 candidates are running. One is an alderman with a long history of responsible opposition to the mayor and one is a self proclaimed union man who ran a losing campaign last time out. He seems to have tapped into a lode of anger and hostility toward anyone in office regardless of past accomplishments. Many of the conspiracy theorists seem to be backing Dave Harl. I guess he took a hint from the Obama campaign, and is running on a promise of change. Of course, he has not said what that means - just that it is change. The alderman is Dave Potthoff who runs the local YMCA, and has many years experience managing what has become a multimillion dollar enterprise. He has often opposed Mayor Baker's proposals, but was usually the lone voice of dissent. He needs to differentiate himself from Harl and Baker if he is to succeed. I was talking to a Harl supporter the other night, and he told me that many of his fellow Harl supporters believe that Potthoff is running to split the anti-Baker vote so Baker can get in. Man -what are they smoking? Whatever it is has led to a paranoia with little or no basis in reality. If a politician is to be judged by those who support him, then we do not need a Harl in the mayor's office. It will be the same kind of circus Dalzell used to be with Carlo Olivero as mayor. Hello! Is that what Peru wants - an ill informed, incapable, ring master. As for Mayor Baker - he has had his time. He has a record of solid accomplishments, but also a record of some failures. Don't we all have that record in our personal and professional lives? He ran last time on a platform of giving him one more chance. He had it, and now it is time to move on. Retire Don. You and Ann need to enjoy your golden years before they become mere tin.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Purpose of River Valley Voice Blog
This blog has been established to lend a rational voice to political, personal, moral, and ethical arguments related to the daily news and activities of the world, country, state (Illinois), tri-county area (LaSalle, Bureau, & Putnam), and the local communities of Peru, LaSalle, Oglesby, and Spring Valley, Illinois. Granted that one person's rational argument may be another person's rant. That will be the basis of many discussions - I hope. Welcome aboard.
Comments may be anonymous and can be posted only after review. I do work a full day - a long, hard full day. So, depending on my availability, it may take awhile for your comment to get posted. Nothing personal.
Comments may be anonymous and can be posted only after review. I do work a full day - a long, hard full day. So, depending on my availability, it may take awhile for your comment to get posted. Nothing personal.
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Wow! If that is true, then the Jankos do pretty darn good for themselves. Now, why is that part of these package "deals" ever reported or investigated? The New-Tribune and WLPO sure have not done much on that end of things have they. I have to laugh when I hear it announced that WLPO News is the award winning news broadcast. For what - sports? Lanny is great. BUT the news is as lame as lame can be. Most of what is reported is tape feeds from other sources. I know some people have problems with Joe Hogan, but at least he reported more local news then Jennifer does. The whole tenor of the news changed when Joe left. I do not believe there is an investigative bone in her body. when Rod was on in the morning before his legal problems began she stood up to him like tar before a steamroller. I really do not blame Jennifer though. Joyce McCullough is the good witch (depends on which employee you ask) and Peter Miller is the Wizard in the Oz known as WLPO. A few years ago they had consultants come in which resulted in Joe leaving, Jim Dornbusch leaving, and Rod extending his show past the farm gig. The Oz rulers have so bought into the consultants that you will not hear any of the broadcasters telling the audience what the low temperature of the night or day before was. Anyway - I digress. These bastions of journalism are supposed to be investigators and diggers for the truth - not mouthpieces for the powers that be in Bakersville, Oglesby, LaSalle, and Narczeskiville. It is a good thing yiou and others are blogging. Otherwise we would all be skipping down the yellow brick road to live in our own little fictitious world.