Category: Politics

Almost 50% of couples divorce, but 90% never fight about money, according to a new study.

Government has fought with doctors for almost 50 years now, and it looks like all they do is argue over money. This assumption is reasonable, and wrong.

Money is a Distraction

Most grownups pay attention to their accounts. They limit debt and make payments on time. They know that money runs out.

Government takes a different approach. In part, government does not need to worry; it can always raise taxes. But voters will not tolerate anything. Taxes run out, too.

When doctors and government fight about money, observers often miss an important point: Government does not really need to worry about the money it spends on doctors. Continue reading “Not About the Money”

Smart kids learn to distract and stay out of trouble. They know Mom won’t bother about overdue homework, as long as she stays stressed about something else.

Politicians do the same. They distract voters with new handouts, or even better, stoke anxiety about Zika, Global Warming or some other ominous event.

Just do not let voters ask about things that government can impact, like patient wait times.

How to Gain Control

If government wants to shape society, instead of just serving it, politicians need the power to tell people what to do. Continue reading “Distract Doctors, Gain Control”

My son’s hockey team kept losing, even though they had one outstanding player. They got an early win when their superstar was away. The team started passing, worked together and won.

Team unity beats divided talent every time.

The OMA presented a contract to the doctors of Ontario in July. Even at first glance, people could see that it would divide doctors.

We should not fear dangerous ideas. But ideas must come out at the right time, in the right place.

Tackling divisive issues in a tentative contract is like starting a team brawl in the locker room, just before a game. You will lose.

Divide and Conquer works well. Politicians know that.

Government is Not the Enemy

Doctors need government. Teams cannot play without goal posts and referees. Doctors cannot provide care without government to enforce contracts and maintain order.

As much as many of us hate to admit it, we need a little government bureaucracy.

But sometimes, government is the enemy.  Continue reading “Doctors Need a Common Enemy”