TV Hints Gibbons Guilty
March 16th, 2008I got a couple of calls from family members today who saw TV coverage of me in the Governor’s office last week when the Governor held a press conference to discuss the Endoscopy Clinic inspection story. My role was pretty limited to the budgetary aspects - the inspecting agency has one year’s operating expenses in excess cash on hand, and more vacancies for existing inspectors than they asked for in new positions during the last legislative session, discrediting some Gibbons haters who have suggested that somehow this awful story is his fault because he cut the budget too thin.
I am not sure which TV station they were watching, but my family members came away with the impression that Governor Gibbons was making excuses and sticking up for “his buddies” who sit on the Medical Examiner’s board.
Interestingly, Governor Gibbons has only appointed one of the board’s nine members and she’s holding one of the at-large public seats (not a doctor’s seat). The other eight were appointed by the last governor.
TV is simply a lousy medium for understanding stories more complex than simple human drama, and you always have to be on the lookout for individual reporters who may have a hard time hiding their own individual biases for or against someone.
March 16th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Late news - the Governor has apparently fired three of the last governor’s appointees.
March 17th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
And the Board’s Executive Director and the person in charge of the inspection system…pretty solid (and for government, quick) response.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Quick and decisive action and the Left WINCES!
March 21st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
You are a good son for clarifying that which the papers and TV stations can’t seem to report factually. Thank you.
March 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 am
More inspectors? What a line. Clearly, the current inspectors were too lazy to do their jobs (or were distracted by more important things). More Government inspectors will result in less inspections and more bureauocracy. The track record is clear.
By the way, the good “Doctor” was more a businessman than a doctor. It is pretty common today to rush patients through to get a set medicare fee. The patients do not care since they are not paying and the doctors have been trained to make a buck, pay for some insurance and let the lawyers pick up the pieces. If more poking around was actually done, you would find this is true of most medical offices. Go ahead, ask yourself…..when is the last time your “Doctor” spent more than 5 minutes with you. The answer is: there are almost no doctors and a great many businessmen with medical degrees. Sad commentary on a supposedly “free enterprise” society.
Notice that the “doctors” are running the medical boards and the insurance companies. Just like lawyers are running the Government. Please think of the implications.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 am
Bob, The “media” including newspapers and TV all seem to have a spin that benefits whomever they have an interest in, or visa versa. I feel the only way to return government back to the people is to have the people represented at the meetings that any government agency convenes. If one or two private citizens were allowed to sit at any government meeting, to take notes and report back to a larger public group several things could be accomplished. Sitting at the meetings would mean just that. No speaking or question asking just silent observation. No form of disruption, just silent little church mice. The benefits that come to mind are:
1. Detecting problems that are trying to be buried
2. Officials are more inclined to be honest and efficient when they know they are being watched.
3. Whistle blowing and a host of other safeguards. Let your mind run free.
I am interested in forming a new group. Do you think you could support it? The group, MATRIX, could be a reasonable resource because in the Las Vegas Valley we see almost daily examples of corruption, malfeasance, ineptitude and the good old boy network. What can the individual do about it? Not much, even a small group can be stonewalled easily. If a few activist citizens were to become involved, the ball would begin to roll. Membership would increase as the word got out. Those participating would attend as many governmental open meetings as possible to make notes and return their questionable findings, if any, to the larger group for discussion. The larger group would function mainly on the computer. Physical meetings might be held on action items. Showing a presence at governmental open meetings is important. Equally important would be listening to the whistle blowers. Government employees are concerned when they see wrongdoing in their workplace. There is not really anyplace to go. To make a complaint could easily mean their job or at least the next raise. Government agencies are not responsive to whistle blowers. This proposed group would offer a totally anonymous protection to the whistle blowers. If you are interested in helping please contact Jerry at ernje@aol.com
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Bob,
Jerry’s comment is right on the mark. I once was the president of a community action group. We assigned two members to attend each city meeting and take notes. The second time each pair showed up they were asked who they were and why they were there. That is all that it took to get the meeting chairs to ensure that agendas and protocols were properly followed and that our group was serious in seeing proper governance in our community.
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 am
I am hoping that some very angry people take a deep breath and take a look at the big picture instead of blaming the entire medical community. This case was just a handful of doctors and nurses that are politically connected. Governor Guinn, Gov. Miller and many senators/assemblymen have associated with Dr. D. Desai. Dr. D. Desai has been instrumental in threatening competing Dr.’s practices for years. I worked with him at one time and the abuse that staff encountered was appalling.
Unfortunately, people are blaming all physicians for a small percentage of unscrupulous practioners. Perhaps the question you should ask your doctor next visit is if he/she referred patients to his practice.
Believe it or not, most physicians did not spend 10+ years in higher education and the costs associated with that to become millionaires. Do the math.