Politics Information
Protect IP to Keep American Tech at the Top
America can't outcompete low-wage countries when it comes to manufacturing cheap, mass-produced widgets.
Imperial Nostalgia and Its Perils
Although great empires rank among the most powerful engines of world history, they are also among the most dangerous, especially as they brood over their decline.
What Have You Done For Me Lately? Using Elections to Rebuild Trust
The leaked draft Supreme Court opinion on Roe v Wade roused rage from both left and right. One reaction has been common to both sides – more democracy-eroding cynicism about our government.
Christian Leaders and Controversies: The Case of Francis Collins
There is always a dilemma for Christians in best handling and reacting to the positions and counsel of Christian leaders. Often these are people we have grown to trust and respect as followers of Christ. Their convictions at times are consistent with Christian principles and biblical wisdom. They champion appropriate positions and defend causes from a historically Christian perspective. They gain traction and respect even among cultural, political, and religious opponents because of the internally consistent strength of their arguments and their winsome and gracious demeanor.
Rein In Profiteering by Drug-Industry Middlemen
The Federal Trade Commission recently requested public comments on the impact of drug-industry middlemen on drug affordability and access.
Oh When the Bureaucrats Go Marching In
Bureaucrats are debating whether to take away patent rights on Xtandi, a prostate cancer drug, from its manufacturer. Activists have complained that the medicine's price is too high. They argue that because the molecule behind the drug originated in a research lab that received federal funding, the government has the power under the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 to "march in" and relicense the patent to other drug companies that could create cheaper versions.
Don't "March In" on American Innovation
The Biden administration may soon cripple America's economy -- inadvertently, of course.
To Protect Patients, First We Must Protect Patents
This spring, a U.S. negotiating team in Geneva reportedly made a deal that could have dire consequences for patients around the world.
China's a Formidable Challenger. Here's How We Can Fight Back
Chinese President Xi Jinping's rhetoric describing the strategic technological competition between the United States and China is growing increasingly strident. It's now the "main battleground," he says.
Don't Sacrifice American Innovation on the Altar of "March-In"
A DC-based advocacy group has just petitioned the government to seize the patent covering the prostate cancer drug Xtandi so generic manufacturers can copy the medication.
The group behind this petition has issued similar calls in the past. But both Democratic and Republican administrations have rejected such petitions on the grounds that they misconstrue current law, as the current administration should likewise recognize.
To Stupidity and Beyond
“To infinity and beyond!” In November of 1995, the first of four blockbuster animated films in the Toy Story franchise was released by Walt Disney Pictures to both audience and critical acclaim. With Toy Story, astute businesspeople at the Walt Disney Company created a cash-cow franchise capable of producing revenue for years to come by creating and delivering a product that appealed to their target audience of parents and children. Unfortunately, the Walt Disney Company’s leap from a business focused on producing broadly appealing content to a business exemplifying the latest version of woke corporate activism, redefining the nature and use of a company’s products, has taken the company to the height of stupidity and beyond.
Standing Up for the Startup
Google Home speakers are "smart," to use the language of our times. They're also stolen.
The Unintended Cost of Federal Drug-Price Controls
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone that opposed making innovative drugs more affordable. Indeed, President Biden said as much in his State of the Union address and proposed a solution. But, he and lawmakers do not have the votes to pass drug price control legislation. So instead, as an end-run, some lawmakers and activists have asked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to misuse a provision in the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 to seize patent rights to a prostate cancer drug.
Let's Learn from COVID to Prepare for Future Pandemics
One Covid-19 lesson is already clear: The time to invest in preparedness for the next pandemic is now.
The Biden Administration's Cynical and Unconstitutional Proposed Tax on Wealth
President Joe Biden’s proposed 2023 federal budget, which calls for a gargantuan outlay of $5.8 trillion, includes plans for a new kind of tax on the wealth of the rich. The official party line of Team Biden is that such a tax will be “fair” and “efficient.” That is some of the most cynical political spin I ever have encountered. The proposed wealth tax would be anything but fair and efficient.
Bad Jokes and Slapping People
In a civil, polite society we shouldn’t run around slapping comedians, politicians, radio or television personalities, or musical performers. The list goes on and includes everyone. Will Smith’s stunt of slapping comedian Chri Rock at the 2022 Oscars was a bad idea. It was only by the grace of God and mainly the grace of Chris Rock that Smith was not arrested or sued. Before this is all over, Rock could still take him to court. At this point in time, it doesn’t seem likely.
Immigration Comes at a Devastating Cost to Black Americans
Congress continues to relentlessly push immigration policies that'll make Black Americans poorer.
The Slap Heard 'Round the World
One small step backward for man, one giant leap backward for kind men.
Russians Know Death Unlike Any Other People
The number of Russian combat deaths in Ukraine is striking, perhaps already exceeding the total dead in 10 years of war in Afghanistan from 1979-89. A NATO official has estimated that 7,000-15,000 Russians have been killed in Ukraine and that there are up to 40,000 casualties. This has prompted many observers to hope that this could signal the end of Russia’s assault. After all, why would Russians persist when they’re getting their tails kicked on the battlefield?
Ukranian Refugees Are Coming
America has been good to help people and more are on the way.
Mark Cuban Shows How the Free Market Helps Patients
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban is known for his razzle-dazzle. Not only has he backed a long string of tech, media, and cryptocurrency companies, he also owns the Dallas Mavericks basketball team and is a TV star on "Shark Tank."
The Deep Connections Between Democracy and Nonviolence
In recent weeks, leaders and commentators here and abroad have rightly framed Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine as a struggle between autocracy and democracy.
Immigration and America's Racial Reckoning
The Civil Rights Movement was America's greatest moral crusade, the culmination of years of determined citizen activism, leading to radical changes in the 1960s. And we didn't just settle for a level playing field. We embraced affirmative action, expanded anti-poverty programs, rewrote history books, renamed public buildings, erected new statues, and promoted talented Black people in journalism, sports and Hollywood. Multiple Black mayors, city councilors and police chiefs were elected.
An Engagement Moment for the U.S. and China
One of the more interesting developments in Putin’s war on Ukraine is the retreat of China from full-fledged support of Russia. When the Russian invasion began, many experts were alarmed by the Putin-Xi final statement as the Winter Olympics closed, specifically its reference to “no limits” in Sino-Russian relations. As I’ve noted, that conclusion was mistaken. Since then, Chinese support of Russia has gradually eroded. There may be an opportunity here for US diplomacy with China.
Gas Prices, Propaganda, War and Politics
I come from oil country, so does House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy. My hometown—Bakersfield, in Kern County CA—Kern County was once the top producer and has been a top three oil-producing county in the US as recently as 2014.
To Lower Drug Prices, Should Progressives Follow This Billionaire?
A new front just opened in the battle to lower drug prices, and serial entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban is leading the charge.
Don't Sacrifice American Innovation on the Altar of "March-In"
A DC-based advocacy group has just petitioned the government to seize the patent covering the prostate cancer drug Xtandi so generic manufacturers can copy the medication.
Scientists Made History Last Year — But 2022 Could Be Even Better
Scientists had an astoundingly productive 2021. The Food and Drug Administration fully approved more than 50 new drugs -- one of the best years on record -- and granted emergency use authorization to numerous other therapies, including antiviral pills that reduce the risk of death from COVID-19 by up to 89%.
Economic Ramifications of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
As the world recoils in dismay and disgust at Russian aggression and grieves for the horrific suffering of the Ukrainian people, many Americans are just beginning to grasp the economic ramifications of this violence.
Biden Administration Misses Big Chance to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs
President Biden has repeatedly promised to make health care more affordable. And his administration has taken some important steps. But sadly, officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services just passed up an opportunity to save patients millions at the pharmacy.
Is Vladimir Putin the Devil?
There is nothing good to be said about the Devil. If you don’t believe me, check out Bible. Or, just turn on the television for a reporting of the evil he spreads throughout the world. You will likely see his picture, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.
Congress Must Protect IP from Big Tech and China
The U.S. economy runs on startups. For all of America's mega-corporations, it's young firms that create most of our new jobs during periods of economic growth. Those startups depend on America's famously strong laws protecting their inventions and intellectual property. The only way someone with a big idea but minimal resources can out-compete established firms is through government protection of their innovations.
How Much is Freedom Worth?
In America we pursue the occupation of our choice. That doesn’t mean we always like our jobs but we can choose to pursue another career or several different careers. We can choose our state, community and house. That doesn’t mean we can easily afford to live where we choose but we are free to pursue life in another neighborhood if we want to work toward such a move.
Will the Independent Medical Practice Become Extinct in America?
Facing declining revenue prospects, physicians are shuttering their private, independent practices to join up with larger hospitals that have near-monopolies on care in the regions they serve.
Why Big Tech Wants You to Think There's a Patent Crisis
Big Tech has long felt free to help itself to the good ideas of smaller companies. It's bad enough that these giants fiercely contest the efforts of inventors to receive fair compensation -- a courtroom mismatch between startup firms with a good idea but little money on one side, versus behemoths valued into the trillion-plus dollars on the other.
COVID-19 Showed We Need a More Diverse Doctor Workforce
Deaths related to COVID-19 were more than twice as high among Black, Latino, and Native American people as among whites in 2020, according to new research out from the National Cancer Institute.
AT The Pharmer's Market, Patients Suffer While Middlemen Profit
Imagine a visit to the local farmer's market. When you're about to pay the farmer for some fruit, a man in a suit and sunglasses interrupts the exchange and offers to negotiate a discount with the farmer.
A Punch to the Gut for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Loved Ones
Over 6 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer's just received a gut-punch from the federal agency that oversees Medicare. So did their loved ones.
Going Rogue for the Truth
Back in 1995, as a new director for a college office of career services, I attended the National Association of Colleges and Employers conference. One of the concurrent sessions was entitled “Going Rogue.” More and more students were formally accepting multiple internship and job offers. Unsuspecting companies were expecting their hired students to be people of their word. But no, these students would intentionally mislead, make their selection, and then with no communication, blow off the other companies. The conference attendees were frightened and angered by this trend. They were troubled about the implications of this ethical issue regarding corporate-university relationships.
Its' Time for Hospitals to be Transparent About Their Prices
More than a year after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services enacted a rule requiring hospitals to disclose prices for routine procedures, most still aren't complying.
