Smoke Easies0

• HEALTH CARE - Op-Eds
• March 26, 2006

The Colorado Legislature just did all us non-smokers a favor: they’ve ended centuries of oppression by the tobacco loving population and made it once again safe for us to practice our natural right to hang out comfortably in every neighborhood pub. It’s right there in the Declaration of Independence: “…and the pursuit of happiness.” I mean, how can I be happy when I’m kept out of the best sports bars by repugnant secondhand smoke?

There is no such thing as 'free' health care0

• HEALTH CARE - Op-Eds
• February 2, 2006

I don’t think saying that makes me a jerk. I don’t think that makes me greedy, selfish or lacking in compassion. I think it just makes me honest.

I don’t mean to get all philosophical, even though working with ideas is an important part of my job. But when you watch what the Colorado legislature is doing, particularly under Democratic control, thinking about ideas becomes really important. Even if it’s not currently fashionable.

Free association up in smoke0

• HEALTH CARE - Op-Eds
• January 29, 2006

After being drawn to “Brokeback Mountain” like computer geeks to the latest “Star Wars” movie, liberals have an even more pretentious sense of tolerance.

The message is clear. If cowboys want to get it on with each other, you gotta support that. Might not be your bag, baby, but hey, no one is suggesting you go gay. Just leave those who are alone.

Who Will Protect the Patients?0

• HEALTH CARE - Op-Eds
• March 9, 2005

If Senate Bill 22 passes, who will protect the patients?

Will it be the unpaid, politically-appointed 14 member pharmacy and therapeutics committee, which was created to recommend “allowable” drugs for Colorado Medicaid patients? This committee is supposed to pick treatments based on effectiveness results. Results from randomized clinical trials, national guidelines, clinical results, costs and from the kickbacks that can be wrung from drug manufacturers. Setting aside the fact that randomized clinical trials take forever, are few in number and, for arcane statistical reasons, tend to find against new drugs, such complex selection criteria mean, that in practice this committee will pretty much do as it likes.
Politically appointed committees put government interests first.

Is Health Insurance Cheaper than You Think?0

• HEALTH CARE - Op-Eds
• February 3, 2005

If people were better informed about the real cost of private health insurance, perhaps Patrick Lawler wouldnt be facing hospital bills big enough to bankrupt him.

Mr. Lawler, 23, was installing walls in a new home in Breckenridge when his nail gun smashed him in the mouth. According to newspaper reports, he endured a sore lip and a bad headache until his wife, 27, insisted that he get an x-ray. It showed that Mr. Lawler had had a 16-penny nail embedded in his head for six days. Removal required a team of surgeons and a stay in intensive care at an estimated cost of $50,000 to $100,000. A full recovery is expected, though Mr. Lawler was advised not to snowboard for the rest of the season.