People sometimes say I will make the time. This is a false statement. You can take time, but you cannot make time. Time is marching on and it can't be made. Tonight on 60 Minutes (cbs.com) a man is in prison for murder. He never murdered anyone, although he has already served 26 years of his life sentence. Two lawyers have known that another man is guilty. The same man that they represented for killing two police officers at the same time Alton Logan was wrongly convicted. Their client, Andrew Wilson, had told them he was guilty for the crime.
The lawyers felt compelled to not jeopardize their client, even though they felt terrible about Alton Logan. They convinced Wilson to agree to let them tell the truth after his death, so that Alton Logan could go free. They have come forward and the attorney general of Illinois is now considering the case. One tragic side of this story is that Alton Logan is still in prison. As Alton says, the state is quick ot convict, although slow to make things right. This should be corrected as quickly as possible.
It is ironic that we are all in a hurry, although Alton Logan is still waiting. We do not have enough time for Doctor's to examine patients properly, although we can keep innocent men in prison a while longer, waiting to correct a mistake. Ironic and tragic. I will pray that Alton gets out soon, as I am sure you will also. Let me know what you think.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Share The Shame
I was thinking about shame the other night in relation to a story on 60 minutes (cbs.com). Apparently there is a medication used during heart surgery that prevents bleeding. The medication is called trasylol and it's produced by the Bayer pharmaceutical company, based in Cologne Germany. One serious side effect with this treatment is the development of thrombi or clots. These thrombi can then lead to kidney failure and even death in some unfortunate souls. The FDA was alerted to these concerns, and as is typical with many large organizations, they took their time to do anything about it (fda.com). Bayer itself eventually did a study that they never released to the FDA until forced to by the study author, a professor at Harvard Medical School.
When the FDA first heard about the concerns, they ignored a study by a group in San Francisco that monitors safety issues of available medications, and said it was questionable science. I do not know the whole story, although the science described was compelling to me. A meta-analysis is considered the most credible type of medical evidence we have, and thus I am uncertain why the FDA would question the scientific merit of the study. The FDA did not completely ignore the study, they convened a hearing with the manufacturer Bayer in 1 years time (I guess 1 year is better than 10 years, although it still seemed like a long time). During that time, many thousands of American lives were put at risk, some of whom died waiting for the FDA to have a meeting. An important point worth mentioning is that there are other agents used for preventing bleeding during heart surgery with no potential for thrombus development and at a much cheaper cost. This story made me ashamed to be a doctor, as my colleagues in the FDA came across as uncaring bureaucrats. I try to be caring as do most doctors, although some doctors behave as if they are "above it all."
Many patients hesitate to seek care from a mental health professional because they feel ashamed to get help. This is a part of our culture that is incorrect. We all gleefully make fun of the "crazy folks." Yet many of these folks are very talented and energetic people. People like Heath Ledger, Britney Spears and others. They were probably ashamed to get help also.
The people that concern me the most are the people too ashamed to get help, and then end up shooting innocent people, as happened at Northern Illinois University last week. Maybe we should be ashamed for not getting help. Mental health problems are like all problems, something worthy of attention. Getting help would be a lot better than the shame of having a problem, and not attending to it. Particularly if innocent people die because of the negligence. Not getting help, killing other people, and then yourself is something that is shameful. At least that is what I think. What do you think.
When the FDA first heard about the concerns, they ignored a study by a group in San Francisco that monitors safety issues of available medications, and said it was questionable science. I do not know the whole story, although the science described was compelling to me. A meta-analysis is considered the most credible type of medical evidence we have, and thus I am uncertain why the FDA would question the scientific merit of the study. The FDA did not completely ignore the study, they convened a hearing with the manufacturer Bayer in 1 years time (I guess 1 year is better than 10 years, although it still seemed like a long time). During that time, many thousands of American lives were put at risk, some of whom died waiting for the FDA to have a meeting. An important point worth mentioning is that there are other agents used for preventing bleeding during heart surgery with no potential for thrombus development and at a much cheaper cost. This story made me ashamed to be a doctor, as my colleagues in the FDA came across as uncaring bureaucrats. I try to be caring as do most doctors, although some doctors behave as if they are "above it all."
Many patients hesitate to seek care from a mental health professional because they feel ashamed to get help. This is a part of our culture that is incorrect. We all gleefully make fun of the "crazy folks." Yet many of these folks are very talented and energetic people. People like Heath Ledger, Britney Spears and others. They were probably ashamed to get help also.
The people that concern me the most are the people too ashamed to get help, and then end up shooting innocent people, as happened at Northern Illinois University last week. Maybe we should be ashamed for not getting help. Mental health problems are like all problems, something worthy of attention. Getting help would be a lot better than the shame of having a problem, and not attending to it. Particularly if innocent people die because of the negligence. Not getting help, killing other people, and then yourself is something that is shameful. At least that is what I think. What do you think.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Winning and Election 2008
One of the issues that keeps coming up in the presidential campaign is: Are we winning in Iraq? John McCain, an American hero, says if we leave Iraq abruptly, al-Qaeda wins. Will someone please tell me what would define a win. More Iraqi's killed than Americans? Would a win be freedom and democracy in Iraq (that will probably take 50 to 100 years)? It is my opinion that enough American and Iraqi blood has been spilled. In war everyone loses to some extent. If no one can define a win, then let's declare one and bring our brave and fatigued troops home.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
You Can Pay Me Now, Or You Can Pay Me Later
On the CBS Evening News (cbsnews.com) today, a tragic story was told. Apparently a man with a serious mental health problem was living on the streets of New Orleans, LA. A young female officer was attempting to interview him and he wrestled her gun away. Then he shot her 15 times. This brave young woman died doing her job. Trying to keep the peace in a community ravaged by nature and government neglect.
The story highlighted the shortage of mental health care in the state of Louisiana. Apparently, since Katrina, mental health care facilities have been boarded up and mental health care practitioners have left the state. The American Psychiatric Association in a recent publication discussed the exodus of providers from Louisiana because of terrible pay (December/07 Psychiatry News (pn.psychiatryonline.org/). It has been said before that you get what you pay for. There is no question that this young officers life is priceless to the loved one's she left behind. The life of all the homeless folks are in many ways lost also. To be homeless is to be cast away, a death of sorts. A national embarrassment.
When are we going to assume that people with mental health problems matter? All illnesses are costly. In the grand scheme of things, mental health care is cheap. It should be like all health care, an investment in people. Cars need maintenance and so do people. If your mind and brain are in distress, attention early on makes a difference. Costs increase and accumulate if you don't put oil in your cars motor. Ignoring mental health problems when something can be done, lends itself to death, destruction and tragedy. Heavy costs.
The costs of not paying up front won't allow us to escape paying at some point. Paying with the loss of a young, brave officers life and incarcerating a man with a serious problem is stupid and thoughtless. The outcome of excellent mental health care is amazing and must be pursued with vigor. Otherwise you will pay later, at a much higher cost.
For more information on my thoughts regarding health care costs, read the February 14th Carmel Valley News or on February 21st the Rancho Santa FE Review (sdranchcoastnews.com). Take care.
The story highlighted the shortage of mental health care in the state of Louisiana. Apparently, since Katrina, mental health care facilities have been boarded up and mental health care practitioners have left the state. The American Psychiatric Association in a recent publication discussed the exodus of providers from Louisiana because of terrible pay (December/07 Psychiatry News (pn.psychiatryonline.org/). It has been said before that you get what you pay for. There is no question that this young officers life is priceless to the loved one's she left behind. The life of all the homeless folks are in many ways lost also. To be homeless is to be cast away, a death of sorts. A national embarrassment.
When are we going to assume that people with mental health problems matter? All illnesses are costly. In the grand scheme of things, mental health care is cheap. It should be like all health care, an investment in people. Cars need maintenance and so do people. If your mind and brain are in distress, attention early on makes a difference. Costs increase and accumulate if you don't put oil in your cars motor. Ignoring mental health problems when something can be done, lends itself to death, destruction and tragedy. Heavy costs.
The costs of not paying up front won't allow us to escape paying at some point. Paying with the loss of a young, brave officers life and incarcerating a man with a serious problem is stupid and thoughtless. The outcome of excellent mental health care is amazing and must be pursued with vigor. Otherwise you will pay later, at a much higher cost.
For more information on my thoughts regarding health care costs, read the February 14th Carmel Valley News or on February 21st the Rancho Santa FE Review (sdranchcoastnews.com). Take care.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Optimal Performance Without Killing Yourself
My book was released a couple of weeks ago and the feedback so far has been very positive. The book has not yet hit the New York Times Bestseller list yet, although Christmas is still a few weeks away. I want people to realize the book is available just before the season of giving, and the gift to me is a purchase of my book. Go to Authorhouse.com or Amazon.com to purchase.
My hope is that the book is successful for many reasons, although mostly for one. To help people that are entitled to it. People with mental health problems. As I have mentioned before, these are the finest people in our society. They are not to be ignored, segregated or stigmatized. Consider mental health questions and answers by myself at 'Ask the Psychiatrist"along with a further discussion of this issue at obad.ca (the self help group devoted to bipolar patients).
90% of people with mental health problems are hard working, conscientious and performance oriented (see their value in what they can achieve). My publisher is AuthorHouse.com and they were quite helpful in getting my book to market. I primarily owe the completion of the book to my wife, my literary agent Ariela Wilcox and my marketing agent David Davis at MCD.com. I should also mention the people with mental health concerns that have helped me understand life better and the inspiration to write the book in the first place. I cannot neglect mentioning people out there who have no understanding of mental health problems also. My book is designed to invite them into a life of less prejudice and better understanding, which will provide testimony to education being a key to freedom and less fear.
For all the people that don't realize we are more than apes and that there is more to mental health problems than abnormal chemistry, strange parenting and not trying hard enough in life. All of these issues are important, and there are more. Yet, because of the complexity of life, everything adds to everything else. People with problems don't need chastising, they need understanding and compassion.
Oprah, America's biggest advocate for talking about issues deserves mention. Even she has struggled with assuming things that are not true. On a recent show, according to one of my patients, Oprah interviewed Dr. Kay Jamison. Dr. Jamison is a world authority of Bipolar disorder and someone I have had the pleasure of meeting. Apparently Oprah told her that she at one time thought that Bipolar disorder was an excuse. This is from a sophisticated, intelligent person that has done more for the mental health of Americans than anyone else has in the last twenty years.
Thankfully, Oprah now feels that Bipolar disorder is real and not an excuse. Oprah's interview of Dr. Jamison highlights how far we have to go, to inform people of the reality of mental health issues and their importance in terms of health care. Check out Oprah at Oprah.com
If you want to be better informed regarding mental heath issues and also to see that people with these problems are our best citizens, read my book. It costs $12.95 online and it might change your life. It will certainly help mine. Peace and happy holidays.
My hope is that the book is successful for many reasons, although mostly for one. To help people that are entitled to it. People with mental health problems. As I have mentioned before, these are the finest people in our society. They are not to be ignored, segregated or stigmatized. Consider mental health questions and answers by myself at 'Ask the Psychiatrist"along with a further discussion of this issue at obad.ca (the self help group devoted to bipolar patients).
90% of people with mental health problems are hard working, conscientious and performance oriented (see their value in what they can achieve). My publisher is AuthorHouse.com and they were quite helpful in getting my book to market. I primarily owe the completion of the book to my wife, my literary agent Ariela Wilcox and my marketing agent David Davis at MCD.com. I should also mention the people with mental health concerns that have helped me understand life better and the inspiration to write the book in the first place. I cannot neglect mentioning people out there who have no understanding of mental health problems also. My book is designed to invite them into a life of less prejudice and better understanding, which will provide testimony to education being a key to freedom and less fear.
For all the people that don't realize we are more than apes and that there is more to mental health problems than abnormal chemistry, strange parenting and not trying hard enough in life. All of these issues are important, and there are more. Yet, because of the complexity of life, everything adds to everything else. People with problems don't need chastising, they need understanding and compassion.
Oprah, America's biggest advocate for talking about issues deserves mention. Even she has struggled with assuming things that are not true. On a recent show, according to one of my patients, Oprah interviewed Dr. Kay Jamison. Dr. Jamison is a world authority of Bipolar disorder and someone I have had the pleasure of meeting. Apparently Oprah told her that she at one time thought that Bipolar disorder was an excuse. This is from a sophisticated, intelligent person that has done more for the mental health of Americans than anyone else has in the last twenty years.
Thankfully, Oprah now feels that Bipolar disorder is real and not an excuse. Oprah's interview of Dr. Jamison highlights how far we have to go, to inform people of the reality of mental health issues and their importance in terms of health care. Check out Oprah at Oprah.com
If you want to be better informed regarding mental heath issues and also to see that people with these problems are our best citizens, read my book. It costs $12.95 online and it might change your life. It will certainly help mine. Peace and happy holidays.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
San Diego Fires 2007
The Santa Ana winds created significant havoc in the early part of fire season this year. Greater than 1000 homes destroyed, 2 deaths, many injuries and hundreds of thousands of evacuations. Living 8 blocks from the ocean I felt fairly secure, although we do live next to a lagoon and the authorities asked us to leave on Monday AM because of the potential for fire spread. My colleague Dr. Eric Drimmer was at greater risk as he lives more inland than I do. I pray that his home is alright as he and everyone else don't deserve to lose their homes.
A reporter asked me my thoughts about the effect of the fire and upheaval on people's mental health. I did my best to answer cogently. It is interesting that the idea of stress was first noted by a Canadian researcher named Hans Selye in 1936. It is hard to imagine that his original idea of stress affecting our physical health was originally met with skepticism. Anyway, the first effect on people is to feel anxious or tense with increased heart rate and rapid breathing. The desire to escape is significant which serves to protect us and is helped by these physiological changes. If the stress does not abate, exhaustion follows. Exhaustion is a politically correct term for depression.
What people need immediately after a life threatening stress is shelter, food and a secure place to recover with lot's of human contact. Anger, sadness and fear are common feelings and should not be denied. At the same time, acting out anger al;ways makes things worse. Walking off that feeling off is always the best approach. Any injuries or medical problems need to be addressed quickly also.
The feeling of loss of control after an out of the ordinary event is significant also. My feeling is to ask people what they would like so that the feeling of some control is returned. Making decisions is a form of control. Reassurance that they are safe and every effort will be made to help them is important. The mayor of San Diego (Larry Sanders) and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger did an excellent job of mobilizing help and also providing for people's basic needs.
Representative Duncan Hunter was very informative in his description of being more prepared next time. The reassurance of dong more next time is important in helping others feel more safe living here. He described hitting the next fire hard initially, so that things don't get out of control. Considering the military presence and capacity in San Diego, Mr. Hunter talked about being more prepared with helicopters, fixed wing water bombers and overcoming the bureaucracy which can slow things down.
Speaking of bureaucracy, one of my patients called me in the middle of this disaster to say that her pharmacy would not refill her prescription that she has taken for at least a year, without a written doctors prescription. It is another example of how a mental health problem is always treated as less important than medical problems. Would they have been so difficult with this woman if she needed her insulin or hypertension medication? I can't tell you which pharmacy it was, as I would need to hear their side of the story. Still, it sounded officious, unhelpful and bureaucratic to me. I would assume the pharmacist would be aware that we were in an emergency situation in the county.
Duncan Hunter went on to say that Governor Schwarzenegger was an example of a hands on leader and someone who insists on getting things done quickly. I have loved Arnold since his earliest career as a weight lifter and he seems to get better with age. One person that he spoke to said she was mostly struck by how much he cared. It's too bad that more of our politicians aren't like him and Duncan Hunter.
Children should be reassured and kept close. Constant re-exposre to the trauma by watching TV is not a good idea for children and adults. Especially when they show the same pictures and tell the same story over and over. I must say that I was more impressed by the local TV than the national coverage. Keeping family and friends close, apart from providing for basic needs, is really the best we can do to help. As time goes by, the need for more mental health help is probably wise, depending on each and every case. Early trauma counseling probably does more harm than good according to studies after 9-11. Still the risk of emerging Post Traumatic Stress disorder or depression is not insignificant. Getting enough sleep, starting to rebuild and recognizing that the worst off people lost family, friends or pets is a good start. Houses can be rebuilt, people can't.
This is my view at least. In general, I was impressed by how much help was made available. As Dr. Selye remarked years ago, helping others is very good for both your physical and mental health. I try to never forget that one of the best exercises for the heart is to reach down and help someone up. Let me know what you think and take care.
A reporter asked me my thoughts about the effect of the fire and upheaval on people's mental health. I did my best to answer cogently. It is interesting that the idea of stress was first noted by a Canadian researcher named Hans Selye in 1936. It is hard to imagine that his original idea of stress affecting our physical health was originally met with skepticism. Anyway, the first effect on people is to feel anxious or tense with increased heart rate and rapid breathing. The desire to escape is significant which serves to protect us and is helped by these physiological changes. If the stress does not abate, exhaustion follows. Exhaustion is a politically correct term for depression.
What people need immediately after a life threatening stress is shelter, food and a secure place to recover with lot's of human contact. Anger, sadness and fear are common feelings and should not be denied. At the same time, acting out anger al;ways makes things worse. Walking off that feeling off is always the best approach. Any injuries or medical problems need to be addressed quickly also.
The feeling of loss of control after an out of the ordinary event is significant also. My feeling is to ask people what they would like so that the feeling of some control is returned. Making decisions is a form of control. Reassurance that they are safe and every effort will be made to help them is important. The mayor of San Diego (Larry Sanders) and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger did an excellent job of mobilizing help and also providing for people's basic needs.
Representative Duncan Hunter was very informative in his description of being more prepared next time. The reassurance of dong more next time is important in helping others feel more safe living here. He described hitting the next fire hard initially, so that things don't get out of control. Considering the military presence and capacity in San Diego, Mr. Hunter talked about being more prepared with helicopters, fixed wing water bombers and overcoming the bureaucracy which can slow things down.
Speaking of bureaucracy, one of my patients called me in the middle of this disaster to say that her pharmacy would not refill her prescription that she has taken for at least a year, without a written doctors prescription. It is another example of how a mental health problem is always treated as less important than medical problems. Would they have been so difficult with this woman if she needed her insulin or hypertension medication? I can't tell you which pharmacy it was, as I would need to hear their side of the story. Still, it sounded officious, unhelpful and bureaucratic to me. I would assume the pharmacist would be aware that we were in an emergency situation in the county.
Duncan Hunter went on to say that Governor Schwarzenegger was an example of a hands on leader and someone who insists on getting things done quickly. I have loved Arnold since his earliest career as a weight lifter and he seems to get better with age. One person that he spoke to said she was mostly struck by how much he cared. It's too bad that more of our politicians aren't like him and Duncan Hunter.
Children should be reassured and kept close. Constant re-exposre to the trauma by watching TV is not a good idea for children and adults. Especially when they show the same pictures and tell the same story over and over. I must say that I was more impressed by the local TV than the national coverage. Keeping family and friends close, apart from providing for basic needs, is really the best we can do to help. As time goes by, the need for more mental health help is probably wise, depending on each and every case. Early trauma counseling probably does more harm than good according to studies after 9-11. Still the risk of emerging Post Traumatic Stress disorder or depression is not insignificant. Getting enough sleep, starting to rebuild and recognizing that the worst off people lost family, friends or pets is a good start. Houses can be rebuilt, people can't.
This is my view at least. In general, I was impressed by how much help was made available. As Dr. Selye remarked years ago, helping others is very good for both your physical and mental health. I try to never forget that one of the best exercises for the heart is to reach down and help someone up. Let me know what you think and take care.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Living in America
I moved to America to live and work in the most productive country in the world. My grandfather was a coal miner from Pennsylvania, my wife was born in northern California and it was exciting to move here from Canada. My intent was to live in an environment where the finest minds in Psychiatry existed. The University of California, San Diego has numerous thought leaders in mental health and their presence inspires me. I had not yet experienced interacting with health care insurance companies where doctors are assumed to be either stupid or fraudulent, although that is another story.
A woman named Dr. Georgiana Rodiger lives and works in Pasadena California and last week I went to visit her. She is not a famous academic at a famous university, although I had heard much about her from my partner Dr. Pam Laidlaw. The office I practice in with Dr. Laidlaw was originally Dr. Rodiger's. Before meeting Dr. Rodiger I read her book, "The Miracle Cure." In Pasadena I had the chance to observe Dr. Rodiger supervise her colleagues as they brought forward people that were struggling in psychotherapy (talking therapy) that they treated. Dr. Rodiger's comments were a combination of both kindness and insight that can only be found in experienced experts. The comments she made were direct and easy to appreciate for seasoned colleagues. After the supervision, Dr. Rodiger spoke to me about my son and a number of other issues. She mentioned casually that she has made a a study of numerous saints as Dr. Rodiger is also a religious and spiritual person.
Driving back to San Diego I could not stop thinking about the morning's experience. That night I had trouble sleeping, which is uncommon for me unless I am excited or worried. Since we met, when I think of Dr. Rodiger's wisdom and generosity, I think she may be a saint herself. In my career I have met many extraordinary individuals that work in mental health. Dr. Rodiger exceeds all of these individuals in my opinion. I spoke to Dr. Laidlaw about my impression and she agreed with me as do most of the people that Dr. Rodiger works with. America is privileged to have people like Dr. Rodiger caring for and teaching others how to help people with mental health conditions. It makes me proud to be a psychiatrist knowing I have colleagues like Dr. Rodiger.
At the same time there are disturbing things in America. It seems the higher one goes, the greater potential for the depths. In the November 2007 Vanity Fair, I read about issues that shocked me. According to one article, some military contractors appear to be committing fraud, stealing money from American taxpayers at an amazing rate. Some estimates are that billions have been over charged, making a small group of these thieves wealthy. Until the cases are heard everyone is innocent, although apparently the justice department is reluctant to go after contractors like Halliburton and it's subsidiary KBR.
While congress debates cutbacks for mental health care, it seems ironic. The thought of cutting millions that help people get better and/or even return them to becoming taxpayers themselves, while neglecting the prosecution of people charged with stealing billions seems wrong to me. If hte stolen money could be recovered it could be put toward a good cause with moneyh to spare. There would probably be enough for some of my patients to even buy a bike which tey fantasize about. Can you imagine getting around San Diego on foot, let alone a bike? Please read the article on page 212 of Vanity Fair November 2007 edition titled "The People vs. The Profiteers" by David Rose. See if you find it as disturbing as I did, considering all the other needs in America that require those stolen funds. In fairness, maybe there was no intent to defraud, it was just an honest mistake. Maybe the tooth fairy is real also.
Two weeks ago I was on the deck of the Midway, an aircraft carrier docked in San Diego. The description of landing and leaving the deck of this great ship by brave airmen left me with goosebumps. What the people of America have been able to accomplish in so many settings is inspiring. From the mental health practitioners to the brave people of their military, American's have much to be proud of. The problems will be solved and my hope is to make a contribution to this great country and the great people I have met. If someone has stolen from these people, they should be ashamed of themselves. No matter how rich they became though their greed.
A woman named Dr. Georgiana Rodiger lives and works in Pasadena California and last week I went to visit her. She is not a famous academic at a famous university, although I had heard much about her from my partner Dr. Pam Laidlaw. The office I practice in with Dr. Laidlaw was originally Dr. Rodiger's. Before meeting Dr. Rodiger I read her book, "The Miracle Cure." In Pasadena I had the chance to observe Dr. Rodiger supervise her colleagues as they brought forward people that were struggling in psychotherapy (talking therapy) that they treated. Dr. Rodiger's comments were a combination of both kindness and insight that can only be found in experienced experts. The comments she made were direct and easy to appreciate for seasoned colleagues. After the supervision, Dr. Rodiger spoke to me about my son and a number of other issues. She mentioned casually that she has made a a study of numerous saints as Dr. Rodiger is also a religious and spiritual person.
Driving back to San Diego I could not stop thinking about the morning's experience. That night I had trouble sleeping, which is uncommon for me unless I am excited or worried. Since we met, when I think of Dr. Rodiger's wisdom and generosity, I think she may be a saint herself. In my career I have met many extraordinary individuals that work in mental health. Dr. Rodiger exceeds all of these individuals in my opinion. I spoke to Dr. Laidlaw about my impression and she agreed with me as do most of the people that Dr. Rodiger works with. America is privileged to have people like Dr. Rodiger caring for and teaching others how to help people with mental health conditions. It makes me proud to be a psychiatrist knowing I have colleagues like Dr. Rodiger.
At the same time there are disturbing things in America. It seems the higher one goes, the greater potential for the depths. In the November 2007 Vanity Fair, I read about issues that shocked me. According to one article, some military contractors appear to be committing fraud, stealing money from American taxpayers at an amazing rate. Some estimates are that billions have been over charged, making a small group of these thieves wealthy. Until the cases are heard everyone is innocent, although apparently the justice department is reluctant to go after contractors like Halliburton and it's subsidiary KBR.
While congress debates cutbacks for mental health care, it seems ironic. The thought of cutting millions that help people get better and/or even return them to becoming taxpayers themselves, while neglecting the prosecution of people charged with stealing billions seems wrong to me. If hte stolen money could be recovered it could be put toward a good cause with moneyh to spare. There would probably be enough for some of my patients to even buy a bike which tey fantasize about. Can you imagine getting around San Diego on foot, let alone a bike? Please read the article on page 212 of Vanity Fair November 2007 edition titled "The People vs. The Profiteers" by David Rose. See if you find it as disturbing as I did, considering all the other needs in America that require those stolen funds. In fairness, maybe there was no intent to defraud, it was just an honest mistake. Maybe the tooth fairy is real also.
Two weeks ago I was on the deck of the Midway, an aircraft carrier docked in San Diego. The description of landing and leaving the deck of this great ship by brave airmen left me with goosebumps. What the people of America have been able to accomplish in so many settings is inspiring. From the mental health practitioners to the brave people of their military, American's have much to be proud of. The problems will be solved and my hope is to make a contribution to this great country and the great people I have met. If someone has stolen from these people, they should be ashamed of themselves. No matter how rich they became though their greed.
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