I had a fantastic day!

Heard from Dr. William Brody, M.D., president of John Hopkins University at lunch. Got a little history of health insurance, started by the folks at Baylor as a sick fund in 1929. The first plan had an annual premium of $6 and the Methodist hospital in Dallas started selling for $9, paying the hospital $6 and made a $3 or 50% profit. Most of the candidates running for president have touched on only two C's , Cost and Coverage, of the five, Consistency, Complexity and Chronic Illnesses, that he believe we must address to have a better health care system. Though he professed to be impressed with Mitt Romney, Dr. Brody declared he does not like any of the candidates we have right now. When I asked him whether he thought Mike Huckabee got it right when it comes to chronic illnesses, he admitted he hasn't talked to Huckabee yet and it's on his to do list.

The evening US Chamber holiday reception was great. We heard from Dick Armey and Martin Frost, moderated by Mark Davis. Mr. Armey said one thing that really summarized the principle of conservatism, government should only take action when it is both a correct and necessary thing to do. Asked why we should conclude the war in Iraq in an orderly fashion rather than total victory, he said there is a point at which we do not want any more cheese but just want out of the trap. Mark Davis loudly disagreed and I agree with Mark. These Islamic terrorists came to our shore to attack us and they aren't going to leave us alone. Asked on the immigration issue, Mr. Armey blamed the inefficiency of the government agency formerly known as the INS. I wholehearted agree with him. He brought down the house when he said the Republican can't expect the Hispanic voting bloc's support with the way we've handled the immigration issue, just like you cannot call a girl ugly all year and expect her to go to prom with you. I don't necessarily agree with him on this one though I wish the national dialog on this issue had remained civil without resorting to militant name calling the way it has been.

I took off afterward and went shopping at IKEA. They were closing down before I had even seen everything I wanted to see. It had so many new things every time I go there.