The Nature of Politics

When I began this blog, I made a decision not to get involved in politics. However, when there has been the necessity to influence any pending legislation that can affect the ability for a provider to stay in business, then I have spoken out and asked for your participation.

At those critical times, I asked that HME providers to please contact their legislators and get their customers involved. This has only been done when something onerous to our industry was being debated in Congress. I have been careful not to identify any political party. It doesn’t matter if you speak to a Republican or a Democrat who has been elected. They must all be aware of what you and your clientele want. The important aspect of this is that they all be spoken to ASAP.

Charles de Gaulle stated my feelings perfectly: “Politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.” We must influence our elected congressmen.

It is vital they recognize what competitive bidding can do to our industry and, even more important, how it will affect their constituents. All of the “politicians” are seeking ways to create more jobs. Every HME provider who will have to close their doors will mean more unemployment and less tax dollars collected. Do they realize this?

At Medtrade, please be sure that you and your staff make many visits to Competitive Bidding Central. This is where you will get the necessary information to pass on to your customers and staff. It is imperative that you involve your clientele. Always keep in mind that without votes politicians do not get into office. It can be your best way to get their ears! Ronald Reagan summed things up for me: “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize it bears a very close resemblance to the first.”
The schedule arranged at Medtrade for you and your staff to get to the Competitive Bidding Central allows plenty of time to attend. You must and the times they will be open in rooms B107 and B108 are:

• Tuesday, October 25, from 1.00 PM to 2:30 PM
• Tuesday, October 25, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 26 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Thursday, October 27 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Tempus fugit, have you registered? Medtrade in Atlanta is from October 24 - 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center. If you have not registered, please do so at once.