Crossing the Line: Florida’s Congressional Districts

The basic concepts of fairness and accountability have eluded some of Florida’s US Congressional Districts on a regrettably consistent basis through the years. Though originally founded on the belief that Congressional re-districting should provide people with United States Representatives who look like them, worship like them, and/or come from where they are from, the repeated outcome of Florida’s US Congressional Districts has crossed the line when it comes to gerrymandering. On this matter the Florida Supreme Court and I are in agreement.

Reaching mutual agreement on the fact that our Congressional lines are less than fair to the people of Florida turns out to be the easy part. Reaching consensus on how best to re-draw Florida’s Congressional lines before the 2016 election has not been so easy. The Florida Supreme Court hearing on November 10, 2015 will finalize new (and hopefully fair) US Congressional lines. As the hearing approaches, cries of desperation have been voiced more loudly by politicians than by Floridians. Quite frankly, I have a deaf ear when it comes to proponents of “coronations, incumbency, and safe-seats;” but rather, I care deeply about my fellow citizens who have been overlooked and taken for granted by “win at all cost” politicians.

As someone who traveled the State of Florida extensively (the 3rd largest state in the Union) while serving as Chief Medical Officer at the State of Florida’s Agency for Healthcare Administration, I am well aware that our needs in the southernmost portion of Miami-Dade county are different from other parts of the state. Plain and simple, our US Representative must be attuned to our concerns, and more importantly, accountable to “We the People” regarding the issues that are important to us.

It is my strongest hope that the Florida Supreme Court will make certain that my fellow citizens are provided a fair Congressional election map; thus ensuring proper and accountable representation in Washington, D.C.

Sincerely,

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr., MD, MPH

Climate of Confusion: The Public's Health

The matter of Climate control has intensified recently with the Pope's entry into the fray. Though it can be argued that the Pope is outside his realm of knowledge when addressing scientific matters, there is no denying that the Pope's encyclical points to man as a destructive force that is negatively impacting the many delicate balances that exist in nature. Though the Pope concedes that other factors may be at play as well, he clearly places blame on mankind. Very likely, he will articulate this blame when he addresses our US Congress in September of this year.

Now that the Papal spotlight is on Congress, politicians are all but forced to weigh in on matters pertaining to global emmissions, carbon credits, rain forest maintenance, and so forth. As the political rancoring ensues, there will be much talk of man-made causes versus natural causes that impact our climate. I'll leave that debate to scientists and politicians for the moment.

My focus entails examination of the Climate's impact on the Health of the Public. Regardless of how Ozone depletion may occur, it's effects regarding the increased incidence of adverse health outcomes must be resolved. Yes, I strongly support saving the Everglades. I also strongly support saving lives from preventable conditions such as skin cancer, asthma, and malnutrition. I call upon all Public Health leaders to resist the media driven tendency to place blame on man or nature; but rather, we must unite our efforts to promote Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in the context of what I term the "Climate of Confusion" regarding environmental factors and our collective health.

With the entry of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush into the 2016 Presidential field along with others including Hillary Clinton, there will be much room for debate as to the causation, prevention, and remedy of Climate issues. For now, I set aside my own political "hat" and serve as a trained and concerned member of the community who demands more emphasis on the Public's Health within the arena of Climate debate.

Sincerely,

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. MD, MPH

Florida's Food Basket: Protecting Our Own

I grew up in a small southern town in northeastern North Carolina where folks grew their own food. Whether livestock, or produce, or seafood, we were self sufficient when it came to putting food on the table at mealtime. In a nutshell, the food was wholesome, free of a lot of chemicals, and it was plentifully provided by nature.

Wind the clock forward to adulthood and things have dramatically changed. Our food supply is inundated with chemicals, and pesticides, and growth hormones. No longer do folks take pride in growing the foods that are served at mealtime. No longer do folks take the time to cultivate our food basket. Worse yet, the dwindling pockets of farming and agriculture throughout our Nation do not garner the support of leaders and elected officials as was the case when I was growing up.

Though Florida is known for sun and sea, and for NASA, and for Disney World, the Sunshine State plays an extremely important role in supplying our Nation's food. Just south of the center of Miami-Dade County exists a haven for homegrown fruits and vegetables. Ask anyone who has had the good fortune of visiting NASCAR's final stop on the racing circuit in Homestead, Florida. There are a multitude of fields growing a multitude of plants and trees and food for our homes that are clearly visible as one travels in the southern portion of Miami-Dade County.

The folks in places like Redland and Homestead are the same people I grew up with in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. They are kind and decent, as well as hardworking. Categorically, we as a State and as a Nation must do more to ensure that such remaining pockets of agriculture are given the best opportunities to thrive and to endure over time. Our food supply and our well-being both hinge on the success of my fellow Floridians who work the land as a way of life.

We must protect our own!

Sincerely,

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr., MD, MPH

doctormarionthorpe@gmail.com

The Best of America: Our People

I write this note as a plea to awaken Good Old American Know-How. For the better part of 4 and a half years, mainstream media outlets and politicians have endorsed the notion that big government is the catch-all savior for all that ails America. If the auto industry is in trouble, create a big government scheme to solve the problem(s). If the banking industry is in trouble, create a big government scheme to solve the problem(s). If the Health Care industry is in trouble, create a big government scheme to solve the problem(s).

My friend, America was not built on a handout, nor a bailout. America was built by those brave souls who believed in the dream of self-reliance, self-respect, and self-determination. America was built upon the shoulders of pilgrims, pioneers, and people who refused to allow their spirit of independence and freedom to be broken. America was built by strong ties to Faith, Community, and the refusal to bow to monarchies, socialism, or anything else that detracted from the dream of our Republic.

At the dawn of 2013, much as was the case at the dawn of past decades during America's 237 years of existence, America's greatest resource is our People. From our Scientists, to our Farmers, to our Military service men and women, to our Youth: American Know-How is unbeatable. Categorically, America is Simply the Best!

Let us re-focus our collective efforts so that we may capture the zest with which our founding fathers (and mothers) charted a path to the American Dream. Most assuredly, the path has not been an easy course to follow. In fact, there have been extremely rough patches along the way; however, as a Nation we must persevere so that our children and future generations can inherit a way of life that is better for all.

With your help, we will create a way of life that is anchored by Common Sense, Good Old American Know-How, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream in Florida and America.

United We Stand: Let's Heal America!

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. MD MPH

Chief Medical Officer (former)
Agency for Healthcare Administration
State of Florida

Proclamation of Thanksgiving by President Abraham Lincoln

The Following is the 1863 Lincoln Presidential Proclamation - celebrated shortly after Lincoln committed his life to Christ and celebrated while America was still in the midst of its Civil War. It was this proclamation which eventually led to the establishment of our national Thanksgiving holiday:

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union. In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. [Signed] A. Lincoln

An Ounce of Prevention: Leading a Healthy Lifestyle

One of the key components of successful Health Care reform hinges on the ability of the American public to fully embrace lifestyle decisions that aid Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. While many of us understand the need to eat sensibly, maintain a weekly exercise regimen, and get a good night’s sleep, all too many people forego the routine steps needed to stay healthy over the long run. As life’s pace is ever quickening in the 21st century, it is imperative that we find the time to ensure that each and every one of us practices common sense preventive care techniques; thus, ensuring individual longevity accompanied with a sound baseline health status.

In the same manner that residents of Florida prepare for the onset of hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, my fellow Floridians and Americans are well-served by preparatory actions that will prevent the onset of chronic and catastrophic disease occurrences. For those of us who have survived Florida’s hurricanes, we are fully cognizant of the impending doom sensation triggered by the high category winds that besiege our state during “the season.” In essence, heart attacks, strokes, and various types of cancer are often accompanied by similar feelings of impending doom. Of note, one significant difference occurs when comparing hurricanes and health: Namely, there is nothing one can do to alter the course or intensity of a hurricane; however, one certainly has the ability to thwart a bad health outcome at its origins. It is quite simple, good preventive health practices positively impact the likelihood of maintaining a good baseline health status over a great many years.

Join me in making Health Promotion and Disease Prevention a central tenet of Health Care reform. For starters, I want all of us to eat sensibly, maintain a weekly exercise regimen, and get a good night’s sleep. Secondly, practice moderation. If you smoke cigarettes and have trouble quitting, at the very least reduce the number of cigarettes that you smoke. If you tend to “clean your plate” at every meal, diligently reduce the size of portions on your plate. If you tend to burn the midnight oil on a regular basis, implement time management techniques that will increase your amount of uninterrupted sleep in every 24 hour period. Lastly, utilize common sense when it comes to your health. The human body has a way of letting us know when we need to make healthy lifestyle changes (e.g., smoker’s cough, pizza-induced acid indigestion, joint-stiffness experienced by coach potatoes).

As the former Chief Medical Officer of the State of Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, I have an extremely workable and achievable 14-point plan to logically and methodically solve the Health Care crisis that has deadlocked our Congress and caused extreme national controversy for months on end. A noteworthy portion of my approach is anchored by widespread adoption of Preventive Health techniques with the hope that each of us enjoys longevity marked by an enduring quality of life.

Join us at United We Stand: Let's Heal America to learn more about my plan for sound Health Care reform based on American know-how and ingenuity. United We Stand!

Sincerely,

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. MD MPH

Cheif Medical Officer (former)
Agency for Healthcare Administration
State of Florida

2012: The Year for Common Sense Solutions

Does anybody have any ”zeroes” to spare and send to Washington? Any extra zeros out there? Just send them to Washington and get this country out of debt and put America back to work.

Seriously. According to Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, – the guy in charge of our money in Washington – all we need to do to get the economy healthy again is to keep adding zeros to the deficit until the recession goes away.

I know. Sounds like something right out of “The Twilight Zone” – right? But I am not making this up. This is the present Administration's and Congress’s idea of sound economic policy.

The problem is – there is only one place all those zeros can possibly come from: your wallet and my wallet and your children’s and your grandchildren’s and your great grandchildren’s and probably their grandchildren’s wallets.

In 2012, let's stop the madness, let's stop the tax-and-spend "politics as usual" game in Washington, DC, let's stop the pilfering of our children's and grandchildren's future. In 2012, let us make our votes count as we strive to protect and promote the American Dream!

Sincerely,

Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. MD, MPH

Chief Medical Officer (former)
Agency for Healthcare Administration
State of Florida

doc@marionthorpe.com