Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

A Family physician, former county coroner and former Idaho State Senator

Chronic Pain

Posted on February 19, 2020 by ddxdx

Most of us live with chronic pain. For some, it can be crippling. As a young doctor, I quickly came to realize it was a difficult condition to manage. Whether it was headaches, back pain, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain or joints, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Chronic Pain

Ebb and Flow

Posted on February 13, 2020 by ddxdx

Separation of powers is a fundamental principle in both our state and federal Constitutions. The framers figured that by splitting up the powers that govern us, we, the governed would be less oppressed by our government (read Federalist 51). But … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Ebb and Flow

A Wall?

Posted on February 5, 2020 by ddxdx

I play pool almost every week with a very good friend. We don’t talk much while we’re shooting, but we take a break a couple three times between games and chat. He’s pretty hard line on immigration. “Build that wall” … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics | Comments Off on A Wall?

The Tax Man Cometh

Posted on January 29, 2020 by ddxdx

It’s a stark contrast to watch legislators propose some dramatic tax policy changes then read the Boise State Public Policy Survey. I attended a Republican traveling town hall a few weeks back and there was lots of talk about property … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on The Tax Man Cometh

Idaho; Poverty and Justice

Posted on January 21, 2020 by ddxdx

Governor Little has a sense of justice. And he’s acting on it. He’s fighting poverty in Idaho, though he doesn’t freely use the term. This week we remember Martin Luther King. He fought against racial injustice but more, he knew … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Idaho; Poverty and Justice

Apology

Posted on January 15, 2020 by ddxdx

I owe an apology to Bryan Taylor, Prosecutor for Canyon County. I hope this is good enough for him. Last week I wrote about Canyon County’s Followers of Christ Church and their strong belief in faith healing over medical treatments … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Apology

If Canyon County Cared

Posted on January 8, 2020 by ddxdx

For the past eight years, advocates have come to the Idaho legislature requesting repeal of Idaho’s “Religious Shield Laws”. Advocates say children are dying because parents refuse life-saving treatment for their children. Religious Shield laws protect parents from prosecution in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on If Canyon County Cared

Board Certification

Posted on January 1, 2020 by ddxdx

I think I just took my Family Medicine Board Certification test for the last time. They didn’t kick me out for my lousy scores, its just things are changing. Most people (patients) aren’t aware of the hoops and hurdles of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Board Certification

Health Care Limbo

Posted on December 25, 2019 by ddxdx

Congress makes policy changes nowadays in mammoth budget bills. I guess they chat about who gets what over bourbon or martinis, then lump it all together in a thousand pages and trillions of dollars. Health care policy took a left … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care | Comments Off on Health Care Limbo

Santa Comes to the Capitol

Posted on December 17, 2019 by ddxdx

Santa’s sleigh circled the dome and found a safe spot to perch. Santa stretched his legs, swung his big belly out and planted his boots in the crusty Boise snow. He patted Dunder’s and Bitzen’s flanks and circled back for … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Santa Comes to the Capitol