Today’s political climate is exceptionally partisan and overly sensationalized. It’s that way on purpose. Stoking emotional fires leads to more donations and free, earned media attention for politicians. Throwing “red meat” to the base helps partisan candidates build their foundation of support and consequently, creates a piggy bank full of I.O.U. favors owed to the special interests and constituencies that help elect a candidate. This tactic is especially the norm during primary election season. Candidates normally aren’t successfully elected by “the base” alone however so, as things progress toward the general election season, they lay down some AstroTurf. It’s call:…
Author: Matt Leonard
Matt Leonard
Matthew Leonard, of Auburn, is a multi-tour combat veteran, former chamber of commerce president, business owner, and current candidate for the Maine State Senate. Leonard can be reached at mattjleonard@gmail.com.
I’m not a doctor but I played one in real life. I served as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy for 21 years. Anyone who is familiar with the military healthcare system knows that enlisted personnel diagnose and treat military service members under the care of a physician, either directly or indirectly, as a routine healthcare delivery practice. In times of emergency, healthcare is also provided to civilians as seen recently with the assignment of the USNS Comfort to New York City. In addition to providing primary care in thousands of medical encounters, I spent years providing direct…