ethics

 Like a lot of Americans, I’ve come to the realization that most of our politicians do not see themselves as public servants, but rather as members of a smarter, wiser, more capable group that must save us from ourselves (after they take care of themselves and their friends). My political awakening was fostered by people like the legendary, late Chicago columnist, Mike Royko. He once suggested that the official Second City motto be changed from “Urbs in Horto” (“City in a Garden”) to the more accurate “Ubi est mea?” or “Where’s mine?” 

Royko, a Chicago native, had a quick wit and a pen as sharp as a rapier blade that cut to the quick. He was of course alluding to the payoffs and envelopes stuffed with money that are part of the city’s history. When placed in the right hands, they produce the “city that works” for those who know how to grease a palm. 

Even if you don’t have the time, make the time to read Principles for Allocation of Scarce Medical Intervention authored by DR Ezekiel Emmanuel (the POTUS’ Special Advisor for Health Policy and Rahm’s bro) and two of his colleagues, Govind Persad, and Alan Wertheimer. It is an article that every American should read, because it presents the “ethics” behind reorganizing the delivery and reimbursement of healthcare. The authors are all associated with the Department of Bioethics at The National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. (You will find the article by following this link.)

Emmanuel et al are not satisfied with our country’s prevailing method for making healthcare decisions, which is based on saving the most life-years. Instead they promote “The Complete Lives System”. They write:

Last year, The National Enquirer staked out the Beverly Hills Hilton and caught John Edwards visiting his former campaign worker/ mistress and her young child. In pursuit of the story, reporters chased him down a stairwell into a washroom, where he reportedly tried to hide out; his whimpering could be heard through the door.  After denying the affair for months, Edwards finally admitted it on national television in a special Nightline Mea culpa.

Early this month, the same paper reported that a federal grand jury is probing whether the former Democratic presidential candidate broke campaign finance laws through payments to his mistress. It also disclosed that the FBI and the IRS were involved in the investigation. Other news sources have confirmed that a federal grand jury is investigating John Edwards and the possibility that his presidential campaign funds were misused to pay off his mistress, Rielle Hunter.