BS on BCBS
2013-05-21 - by
A veteran business lobbyist takes aim at both The N&O and the legislature – and makes a noteworthy point about how government in Raleigh today works – or doesn’t:
“The N&O’s story last week about Blue Cross Blue Shield’s diminished influence at the General Assembly was badly reported, unfair to BCBS and confirmed that the newspaper’s understanding of current politics is minimal.
“The reality is that the influence of nearly all the usual political heavyweights — not just BCBS — has waned. Two factors contribute to this phenomenon. First, there’s the arrogant, know-it-all attitude of most of the new crop of legislators who believe they’re on a mission and don’t have to listen to anybody. They make policy choices based on instinct and their personal experiences. They also believe that getting facts from a lobbyist somehow compromises their independence. This is a dangerous mindset when dealing with complex issues that are beyond the comprehension of most legislators.
“Second, ethics laws have created a unfortunate structural separation between those with knowledge and those who desperately need to know. It’s harder than ever for lobbyists to share information, and the result is a poorly informed legislature that’s making bad choices that are not limited to the insurance industry.”
Posted in Uncategorized
BS on BCBS
2013-05-21/
A veteran business lobbyist takes aim at both The N&O and the legislature – and makes a noteworthy point about how government in Raleigh today works – or doesn’t:
“The N&O’s story last week about Blue Cross Blue Shield’s diminished influence at the General Assembly was badly reported, unfair to BCBS and confirmed that the newspaper’s understanding of current politics is minimal.
“The reality is that the influence of nearly all the usual political heavyweights — not just BCBS — has waned. Two factors contribute to this phenomenon. First, there’s the arrogant, know-it-all attitude of most of the new crop of legislators who believe they’re on a mission and don’t have to listen to anybody. They make policy choices based on instinct and their personal experiences. They also believe that getting facts from a lobbyist somehow compromises their independence. This is a dangerous mindset when dealing with complex issues that are beyond the comprehension of most legislators.
“Second, ethics laws have created a unfortunate structural separation between those with knowledge and those who desperately need to know. It’s harder than ever for lobbyists to share information, and the result is a poorly informed legislature that’s making bad choices that are not limited to the insurance industry.”
Posted in Uncategorized