Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

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

Skip and Scooter talk about Brad

Posted on April 19, 2019 by ddxdx

It was a rushed lunch since all the fraternities had gotten together, but Skip wanted to grab a sandwich before O-chem at 1:30. “You got any turkey?” he asked Blanche, the cook. “They’re all labeled out there, just look.” She … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Skip and Scooter talk about Brad

Entitled

Posted on April 11, 2019 by ddxdx

I can understand legislative Republicans need to put sideboards on Medicaid Expansion. Since many government programs have become labeled “entitlements” we see them differently than if they were earned. I can understand legislative Republicans trying to fight people receiving a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Entitled

Hostages, Leadership and “the Bedke Rule”

Posted on March 27, 2019 by ddxdx

The primary function of the Idaho legislature is to set the annual budget. Our dear representatives love to wax eloquent on policy issues, and that is well within their function. But this year the Idaho voters spoke up on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Hostages, Leadership and “the Bedke Rule”

The Sham of Testimony

Posted on March 20, 2019 by ddxdx

We elect our representatives. They are our voice in making the laws that govern us. Why do they need our input except at the ballot box every two years? What purpose does this public testimony on proposed legislation serve? If … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Sham of Testimony

Brad’s Right

Posted on March 12, 2019 by ddxdx

While the legislature struggles with modifying Medicaid Expansion, costing more, getting less insured, Governor Brad Little on the campaign trail was beating a different drum. He was looking beyond the twisted shorts condition of legislative Republicans who fought Proposition 2; … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Brad’s Right

OK, Now What’s it Cost?

Posted on March 6, 2019 by ddxdx

In a noble effort, Idaho Representative John Vander Woude is bravely standing up to the bully majority voting public and protecting his fellow aggrieved minority legislators. He has vowed to fight the will of the “uninformed” voters. “We don’t always … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on OK, Now What’s it Cost?

A Small but Engaged Electorate

Posted on March 6, 2019 by ddxdx

I watched a large North Idaho county Republican Central Committee town hall meeting last week. Now I understand Idaho politics. The hall was full, maybe a hundred citizens. It was a pleasant venue with a sound system and refreshments. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics | Comments Off on A Small but Engaged Electorate

Sideboards, Springboards, or Spanking Boards?

Posted on February 27, 2019 by ddxdx

I understand the Idaho legislature has twisted shorts with the Medicaid Expansion initiative approved by 61% of Idahoans. They sat on their hands for six years and did nothing. They might have nodded quietly three years ago that those in … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Tagged , | Comments Off on Sideboards, Springboards, or Spanking Boards?

Booze, Big Bucks and Buy Outs

Posted on February 20, 2019 by ddxdx

Idaho territory was a rugged place. While LDS settlers were diverting streams and cultivating fields in the southeast, the mining camps in central and North Idaho were raucous, unruly and not ashamed of it. But the drafters of the Idaho … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics | Comments Off on Booze, Big Bucks and Buy Outs

Pain and Suffering

Posted on February 14, 2019 by ddxdx

Idaho can’t say we’re winning the war against accidental opioid deaths, but we’re fighting a good fight. As you can see, the numbers are climbing. If you want a very in depth and excellent analysis of the situation, read this … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Pain and Suffering