Welcome to election season, a vital part of our American culture. Every two years, without fail, we are bombarded with TV, print materials and phone messages seeking our vote. They talk about the "big" issues like crime, guns, the economy, jobs, winning the war on terrorism and making our lives better. Based on what we think of their positions on these issues, we are supposed to make an "intelligent" vote. Really?
The truth is that deep down, most of us are single-issue voters. While we care about the "big" issues, we each have a personal interest in legislation pertaining to chiropractic – issues that will help us in the marketplace: things like wider chiropractic coverage with less restrictions and better fees in Medicare; less hassle with state and federal worker's comp cases; better benefits in PI cases; etc. We have little knowledge as to the candidates' thoughts on these issues.
In every legislature in America, there are chiropractic issues that cry out for attention. When they are not addressed, it is because they lack the support to bring them into law. That support comes from many legislators voting alike. A single legislator usually has little power.
That's because a legislature works through committees. A number of legislators need to get "on board" to move a bill through committee and onto the floor for a vote. Once that is accomplished, it goes to the governor's or president's desk. Bottom line: It ain't easy!
There are hundreds of legislators in any legislative body. Given that, is it realistic to assume a handful of paid lobbyists can make our dreams come true? Lobbyists help, but given our track record, our bills need something more. That "more" is greater personal involvement by individual chiropractors at the grassroots level. It's time each of us became more involved in the process. Failing that, very little will happen.
Look around: Few DCs are active in the political process. Our lobbyists are the only people working on our issues. With hundreds of members in any legislature, how can a handful of lobbyists bring a majority our way, often against the opposition of powerful special interests?
In some cases, such as when a simple rule change is needed, it may be possible for a legislator to get a given agency, HSS, for instance, to make such a change without passing a law. But how hard that legislator is willing to work on our issue is directly related to how close the legislator feels to us.
It's the same old story: What have you done for me lately? Legislators "carry water" for those who support them, who help them when they need it. Right now, when they are running for election, how much support do we individually give them?
That brings us to the purpose of this article. In order to obtain more favorable legislation, we need more chiropractors willing to do the personal work needed to understand the issues and actively support legislators when they need help. If they know us, understand our contribution to health care and appreciate our support, it makes them more sensitive to our issues. In my opinion, our lack of such personal involvement has been the primary reason we have done so poorly (for so long).
What Can You Do? Plenty
Look up your county committee on the web. Call the secretary or other committee officer and ask if they need another committee person. If they say yes, you will be invited to attend the next county committee meeting. There, you will often meet candidates in person. That eliminates the need to travel to the state Capitol or to Washington, D.C., to visit your legislator.
At the Capitol, most legislators are busy with floor votes and committee meetings, and have little time for personal visits, often directing visitors to their staff people. Generally speaking, I have found talking to staff people of little benefit.
The Practice Benefits of Political Involvement
Over the past 45 years, I have done everything I just suggested to you. Believe me, there are great benefits to even modest political involvement. In my case, serving on a committee gave me the opportunity not only to meet legislators, but also to interact with influential people in my community. That helped my practice, stimulating referrals.
I found that serving on a committee was personally rewarding as well. It helped me meet the movers and shakers in my community – one of the best practice-building experiences in my career. And passing candidates' petitions in my area gave me a chance to meet people in my neighborhood.
In each home, I was able to introduce myself as the area chiropractor. Believe me, almost everyone loves to meet doctors. They easily get to talking about their or someone else's health problems – a perfect opportunity to pass out one of your cards!
Professional success hinges on how many people know and respect you. Meeting people while doing good work for political candidates is one powerful way to grow your circle of friends. It works the same for us in growing a practice as it does for any legislator seeking votes. We all need more friends.
Think about it, doctor. Make friends and grow. With the elections so close at hand, there is simply no better time. Get involved – now!
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