Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

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

Sign the Petition

Posted on March 27, 2018 by ddxdx

When the Idaho House chose to not vote on Governor Otter’s “Dual Waiver” plan last week I was not surprised, nor were most Idaho voters. We have come to expect such inaction, such cowardice, such laziness from our elected officials. … Continue reading →

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Creep Kills

Posted on March 25, 2018 by ddxdx

  Most people would agree we should try to prevent suicides. When I drafted a resolution in 2015 directing the Health Quality Planning Commission to make recommendations to the legislature for such, the resolution passed both legislative bodies unanimously. When … Continue reading →

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First and Only Senate Prayer- 2011

Posted on January 28, 2018 by ddxdx

Near the end of the 2011 legislative session (my first) the Pro Tem came to the Senate Minority Caucus and asked if a Democrat would like to give an opening prayer. It was a generous and welcoming offer. I looked … Continue reading →

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Where’s the leverage?

Posted on January 15, 2018 by ddxdx

  Idaho leaders are considering plans to carve up the health care market to save you money. You better be sure which side of the health and wealth teeter totter you fall on, because this could be great news for … Continue reading →

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My First Bill

Posted on January 12, 2018 by ddxdx

  I learned about politics and civility my first year in the Idaho legislature. If one doesn’t pay attention it can seem brutal. The state and the nation were facing the 2010 downturn, so budget cuts were proposed to Medicaid. … Continue reading →

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Harass, Uncivil, Who Cares

Posted on January 10, 2018 by ddxdx

My last session in the Idaho legislature leadership decided legislators needed training in “civility”. It was a required afternoon and I attended, though some skipped it. We all first met in the lunch room before being assigned to working groups. … Continue reading →

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A Modest Proposal

Posted on January 7, 2018 by ddxdx

It’s hard having discussions about difficult issues, but we need to. The state legislature should be a place for our elected representatives to have these difficult but necessary conversations. Getting the discussion going is an art. Advice can be helpful; … Continue reading →

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Health Care and Justice: No Slogans

Posted on October 24, 2017 by ddxdx

I want to applaud Director Cameron and former Director Armstrong for their creative and courageous work to bring down health care costs for all Idahoans and bring more of our neighbors out from under the threat of medical bankruptcy. If … Continue reading →

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Nobody Minding the Store

Posted on June 9, 2017 by ddxdx

Democrats are getting their hair on fire about all of Trumps executive orders. Well, I’m an Idaho Democrat so I’m concerned with Idaho’s Acting Governor’s executive orders. My hair isn’t burning, but I can see why the public isn’t paying … Continue reading →

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Idaho’s Unfair Religious Shield Laws

Posted on March 30, 2017 by ddxdx

We just had a woman here in our county convicted of animal cruelty to her horses. They were found starving, dehydrated in a pen here in town. How people treat their animals is regulated in Idaho law. And all people … Continue reading →

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