It’s the last week of summer and, at this time, this column usually takes a look at some issues with a slight twist. And you get to know my position on various issues. Real plain talk, unlike a certain senator from Arizona.
First, healthcare. As I see it, there is only one item missing from the legislation, and that is tort reform. The problem with healthcare, as we all know, is it’s too expensive. And one reason is the multitude of lawsuits against doctors for everything from a botched operation to wrongful death. While many of these are worthy of action, many others are frivolous. This has caused malpractice insurance to go sky-high, which results in that price being passed on to us.
The trial lawyers have a great lobby in Washington, so no tort reform in the bill. And let’s add that a majority of lawmakers are lawyers themselves. Hate to kick a man when he’s down, but the best example is former presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, who made a fortune with such cases.
Now, I’m not looking to end such cases, as many have good reason for recourse. But hey, what about a cap for lawyers? Or caps on such cases as a slip-and-fall on the sidewalk? Included with this amendment should be a reduction in malpractice insurance.
Next, legal marriage in Pennsylvania. Simply put, forget it. If you think we have any chance of getting our legislature to vote marriage equality, you really don’t know Harrisburg. We can’t even get a nondiscrimination bill passed. And that is the point. Discrimination is something this community faces every day, and if we work hard enough, we can get that bill passed and signed by the governor. Marriage is for the future: The time to fight for nondiscrimination is now.
Finally, a personal note on the passing of Larry Frankel. Working with Larry was a pure joy. You knew his only agenda was the task of expanding LGBT rights or, more often, stopping anti-LGBT legislation. He was a professional who understood the power of law and the old expression, “Laws are like sausages. It is better not to see them being made.”
Larry made a lot of sausage along the way but, more importantly, he made many more friends.
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at [email protected].