Thoughts for the Day, December 4, 2024: Cold Blooded Murder
Murder of United Health Care CEO
The gunning down of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Health Care Group, Insurance Division this morning in Manhattan outside of a hotel near Central Park, was a brazen targeted attack. The video shows the gunman stepping in behind Thompson as Thompson walks down the sidewalk. The gunman then aims his gun and shoots Thompson in the back. Thompson never saw it coming. It was cold blooded and premeditated murder as videos show other people passing by the gunman as he laid in wait for Thompson.
We have no idea of the motive for the murder of Thompson. Eventually we will find out.
Do not be surprised if we find out the motive was related to a major frustration the patient or family member was having with insurance coverage on services, he or a family member had. Patients do not volunteer for health care services. When they get stuck with a bill because the service is not covered by their insurance company, the patient becomes frustrated and mad. They feel like victims caught between the doctor or hospital and the insurance company. The time and effort it takes to resolve the issue can be overwhelming. In some instances, it can bring out the worst in people.
This is a good thing
Per the NY Times, Mexican security forces captured more than a ton of fentanyl this week, marking the country’s largest synthetic opioid seizure, which officials on Wednesday said was equivalent to 20 million doses of the drug…
Mexican authorities said officers confiscated 800 kilograms of fentanyl in a truck at a house in Sinaloa state, home of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel and a hub of fentanyl production on Tuesday. Officials also seized chemical precursors used to make the synthetic drug, and another 300 kilos in a separate house, in addition to industrial mixers and scales.
In a separate operation that day, security officials and prosecutors said they arrested two men carrying two kilos of fentanyl pills. The authorities said the men led a cell “dedicated to the production and trafficking” of fentanyl.
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Hegseth
Multiple sources are reporting that Trump is hedging his bets on Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense. Per the NY Times, … the president-elect appeared to be having serious conversations about picking Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and his onetime primary rival, to be the defense secretary instead.
Mr. Trump has told people close to him that he likes the idea of giving Mr. DeSantis the job, saying it would be a “big story” if he resurrected Mr. DeSantis after defeating him. The president-elect has also praised Mr. DeSantis’s ability to run the state of Florida, where Mr. Trump lives, and has mentioned that he is “a Navy guy.”
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Winter
Winter has arrived in Petoskey with vengeance. We have over 10 inches of snow on the ground with high winds and drifting snow. More snow is on the way.
What is fascinating is watching how this area moves snow. As I drove into the gym this morning at 5:45 the main roads were clear, and there were snowplows operating everywhere. I am learning quickly to stay out of the way of the snowplows. They have lots to do, not enough time to do it in, and they are much bigger and stronger.
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Michigan Men’s Basketball
Michigan’s men’s basketball team made a statement last night with their 67-64 win over previously undefeated and eleventh ranked Wisconsin at Madison. Michigan’s two seven footers Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin took over the game in the second half. Wisconsin had no answers for them.
This team is so different from last year’s team. New head coach Dusty May has the team playing up-tempo with the ball never staying in one place for long. On defense, I love the way they switch on every ball screen. They have no problem with big guys guarding smaller guys. If the big guy gets beat, they still have a 7-footer guarding the rim.
Most importantly, this team plays better in the second half than in the first half. This is a sign of a coaching staff that knows how to adjust strategy during the game. The great coaches know how to do this.
It is going to be a fun season.
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Quote of the Day: “Man, we play tough opponent after tough opponent, plenty coming up. This is the type of stuff you live for, and it’s also the type of stuff that gets you ready for the tournament. We’re a resilient bunch and nothing’s going to change that.” Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell
Note: The toughness of a team’s schedule is directly related to how well the team finished the previous year. By making the NFC championship game last year, the Lions have one of the toughest schedules in the NFC.
Orchid of the Day: Those who work the snowplows in Petoskey and the surrounding area. Operating a snowplow in the early morning hours during a winter weather advisory is not my idea of fun.
Onion of the Day: David Yellen, a youth gymnastics photographer from Royal Oak convicted of distributing child pornography, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison Tuesday.
Yellen, 59, who prosecutors say also spent two decades taking pictures of the bare feet and genital areas of approximately 1,100 children in leotards, also was ordered to spend 10 years under court supervision once he is released from prison.
Question of the Day: Lions or Packers on Thursday Night Football?
Video of the Day: Enjoy.
Bing Crosby, David Bowie - Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy