We Try Harder

Who is the biggest spending special interest group in the US of A?

US Chamber of Commerce. Here’s how they describe themselves at http://www.uschamber.com/

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. More than 96% of U.S. Chamber members are small businesses with 100 employees or fewer.”

So, who’s number 2? American Medical Association. Check them out at: http://www.ama-assn.org/

Here’s how they describe their mission: “Mission: To promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.”

TheFundamentals is a big fan of doctors, particularly doctors who are bettering public health and the art and science of medicine. But, what about doctors who are bettering their own financial health? Where in the mission statement do they address “bettering our doctors financial health?” Let’s see if the AMA needs to revise their mission statement.

The AMA recently sent their boss, J. James Rohack, M.D. to Washington DC to support Senate Bill S. 1776 “to repeal the flawed Medicare payment formula.” So, Dr. Jim aligned himself and his big organization with one of the real successful powerhouses of the US Senate. He chose a senator who has been chosen by the people of one of the states with the highest unemployment in the US; one of the most troubled large cities in the US; a state that has become the poster child for begging for federal handouts; a state that avoids bankruptcy or receivership as the consequence of the 24/7 operations of the printing presses at the US Bureau of Engraving and its codependents at the US Treasury and Federal Reserve.

Why, on earth, one might ask would the head of the American Medical Association, a fairly prestigious outfit, align with a person with these credentials? What could possibly motivate such a partnership?

You get three guesses.

One. Promote the art of science and medicine? NO.

Two. Promote the betterment of public health? NO.

Three. Promote our members financial health? YES.

The estimated cost of S. 1776, that great piece of legislation being promoted by the senator from the state of Michigan and Dr. Jim is a modest ----- $247 BILLION over the next 10 years!! That should keep the fuel tanks on the yachts of a few hundred thousand physicians pretty much filled up. Or, if you prefer to stay on land, it should pay the dues at the prestigious country clubs, huh?

Also, in case you are interested. The AMA was joined in supporting this recently renamed piece of legislation - Doctors Financial Health Security Act of 2009, by that ever so present special interest group know as AARP. This outfit claims a modest 40,000,000 members. One thing you can always count on is the early bird specialists lining up for something else to put on their children and grandkids credit card. You just gotta love this combination: Senator from a completely busted state; head of an organization of pretty rich individuals and 40 million insatiably demanding wannabee antediluvians all groveling for another big payday for their members. You scratch my back; I’ll scratch yours.

The AMA. We try harder.