Day in the life of Dr. Joe

March 21, 2009

Dear President Obama:

As means of introduction, I am enclosing a copy of the letter I sent to you prior to your inauguration. (Blogger's note: see the previous blog entry!)

I am profoundly disappointed in you.

You promised open and public discussion of issues before acting upon them. You have been specifically soliciting massive public input into "health care reform".

You signed into law the Economic Recovery Act. Within that act, specifically in Title XIII (but not limited to that section), are major provisions regarding Health Information Technology, creating agencies and plans for the centralization of all medical care. Nothing in this section of the Economic Recovery Act has ANYTHING to do with economic recovery. It is entirely about the "reformation" of health care and the marked increase in the federal government's control over medical practice.

I have queried many of my patients, with varying backgrounds and levels of information and education, regarding this situation. Only one, a retired pharmaceutical industry executive, even knew of these provisions in the legislation. Two of my patients, who are staunch believers in you and your programs and promises and who are currently active in YOUR community focus groups regarding health care reform, were shocked and dismayed when I showed them the contents of Title XIII.


You allowed this. For all I know, you planned this. You have clearly misled the American people. For you to be so very deceitful so very early in your tenure as president is truly frightening.

I feel as if you have betrayed us all. I believe you owe us an explanation.

Most Sincerely,




Joseph T. Cohn, M.D.
Family Physician
Diplomate of the American board of Family Medicine
Clinical Assistant Professor at UMDNJ
Clinical Assistant Professor at Drexel School of Medicine
Senior Attending Physician at RWJUH, New Brunswick, NJ
Senior Attending Physician at SPUH, New Brunswick, NJ