Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

The downside of semaglutides

GLP-1-based therapies for obesity have been transformational. The benefits are undeniable, and the risks for most people are negligible. These drugs belong in the class with anti-hypertensives and statins. Who could complain? Here’s one doc who was an initial enthusiast, but who has cooled: “The truth is, most patients don’t stay on anti-obesity medications — […]

Can we stop hyperventilating about processed foods?

When I was growing up, lots of adults smoked. My piano teacher smoked during my piano lessons. Cigarette commercials were on TV. Their jingles were so addictive, we in the trumpet section would play them before band practice. Airplanes used to have a smoking section and a no-smoking light that went on before take-off and […]

RFK Jr and Antivax org and mRNA

Red Alert: RFK Jr-founded Antivax org pushing to Ban mRNA COVID Shots. Articles of impeachment are filed, ACA Signups, Michigander Charles Gaba Hoo boy. You knew this was coming. Via Jessica Karins of Inside Health Policy: As public health stakeholders and members of Congress grapple with how to respond to changes in HHS’ vaccine policy, the anti-vaccine organization […]

Wage gains for low-paid workers were larger than for those further up the income scale

The economy turned bad when Covid hit the nation. People were not able to work. And whether it was Biden or Tru_p were in the White House, the same problems would have existed. As Paul Krugman documents, the results for lower wage employees was better and increasing during the Biden administration, This is far different […]

RFK Jr-founded Antivax Org pushing to Ban mRNA COVID Shots

Red Alert: RFK Jr-founded Antivax Org pushing to Ban mRNA COVID Shots. Articles of impeachment are filed, ACA Signups, Michigander Charles Gaba does the News in healthcare Hoo boy. You knew this was coming. Via Jessica Karins of Inside Health Policy: As public health stakeholders and members of Congress grapple with how to respond to changes in […]

ACA Deductibles 2014 -2026

Deductibles in 2026 were planned proved there was ACA healthcare in 2026. It appears; Republicans are disenfranchising millions of citizens as they eliminate the subsidies. Such will make healthcare too expensive for millions of citizens. The deductibles below were pretty expensive. Deductibles in ACA Marketplace Plans, 2014-2026, KFF These chart collections provide key data about […]

Coming for Veteran’s Disability Benefits

In a 2020 “The Atlantic” article, four anonymous sources reported Donald Trump referred to fallen American service members as “losers” and “suckers” during a 2018 trip to France. According to the report, Trump also canceled a visit to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, asking, “Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers.” This […]

Senators Wrestling Over Almost Everyone Else’s Health Care Except for Theirs

Out of all of this back and forth, nothing occurred. According to what I have read, the Senate had until the 15th to decide. Yes, No, or otherwise. So, millions of people are faced with increasing ACA insurance costs. Approximately 2 million others will be kicked off of Medicaid. Congress goes home for Christmas. Those […]

Makary’s malarky

Mark Twain famously said, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” Among the many fleet-footed lies being told by the Trump Administration is that Lyme disease originated in a bioweapons facility. “During a November appearance on the “PBD Podcast,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH, […]