Having lunch with the president of the United States is not an everyday occurrence for most of us, but Michael Crawford, chancellor of the Palmer Chiropractic University System, and Gary Mohr, executive director of institutional advancement at Palmer, had that distinct honor, February 25th at the White House.
Mr. Crawford and Mr. Mohr also participated in a series of White House meetings designed to inform business, opinion, and political leaders of Iowa about the president's legislative agenda. Briefings were given by senior administration officials on health care reform, welfare reform, and crime, among others. Similar meetings are being held for representatives from all 50 states.
Mr. Crawford and Mr. Mohr were the only representatives of the chiropractic profession in attendance and the sole representatives of Iowa higher education. Mr. Crawford's presence was particularly appropriate, being chairman of the Coalition for Chiropractic Inclusion in Health Care Reform, the organization of chiropractic colleges formed to mobilize grassroots support of alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
The highlight of the day for the chiropractic representatives was meeting and talking with President Clinton, Hillary, and Vice President Al Gore and wife Tipper.
"This was a great day for Palmer and the entire chiropractic profession," Mr. Crawford said. "In discussion with the president and Mrs. Clinton, as well as the vice president and Mrs. Gore, we had the opportunity to talk about Palmer and the importance of including chiropractic care in any health care reform legislation. This event provided us the opportunity to once again stress the importance of chiropractic care to our nation's leaders face to face. The president expressed a desire to work with us."
Also included in the group were about 30 Iowa state legislators and state officials, along with U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and Congressman Neal Smith. Mr. Mohr found having such a large group assembled was beneficial. "Chancellor Crawford and I used this opportunity to talk about chiropractic issues not only with the Clintons and the Gores, but also with Senator Harkin, Congressman Smith, and the other legislators. Certainly we appreciated the invitation," he said. The day also was a boost for chiropractic. "It is a very positive development to have representatives of chiropractic institutions included in such White House events and indicates to me another step in the growing awareness and recognition of the chiropractic profession."
