Marc Yacht, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Marc YachtOctober 6, 2014

The recent U.S. Ebola cases alarm some Americans, but their concerns are unwarranted. Such dangerous infectious diseases can be controlled as long as our federal and local public health agencies have adequate resources. Americans should remember SARS, West Nile Virus and Swine Flu. All were dangerous outbreaks. But for the most part, U.S. public health […]

Marc YachtSeptember 22, 2014

Refugees escaping dangerous countries are traditionally welcomed to U.S. shores. Jewish refugees came through Ellis Island circa 1910 to escape Russia. Cuban refugees poured into Florida in 1959. They left family and possessions to escape Castro’s communism. The U.S. welcomed the “Lost Boys of Somalia” and other victims of rape and torture in the 90s. […]

Marc YachtAugust 31, 2014

Lee County must be commended for the courage to “just say no” to high-stakes testing. Last week, the Lee County School Board voted to end all state-required testing in the county’s public schools. They have had enough with the Common Core agenda pushed by computer corporations and the Gates Foundation. It is rare that liberals […]

Marc YachtAugust 11, 2014

The causes of our health care system’s meltdown are many and they’re complex. Are there too few doctors? Are health insurance companies ineffective? Are there too many people without health insurance? Are the drugs too expensive? Are there too many demands on hospitals’ staff? Are government regulations too onerous? All of the above? It’s a […]

Marc YachtAugust 10, 2014

As a longtime public employee and a current political candidate, I have met political hopefuls and incumbents who have made me appreciate the courage of those seeking office. As the retired Pasco County Health Department Director, I never doubted the devotion of my 215 employees to make Pasco County a healthier community. The department’s nurses […]

Marc YachtAugust 4, 2014

I recently attended the Florida Medical Association annual meeting, where the organization develops policies for the coming year. The legislative agenda is drafted and approved. FMA delegates from the specialty groups and county medical societies will vote on each resolution coming before the House. FMA lobbyists will then bring approved policy to Florida’s legislators and […]

Marc YachtJuly 28, 2014

Over the years I have had many dogs. They are pure spirits. An occasional pet or scratch on the belly, and regular meals, will make a loyal friend for life. It is not unreasonable to read about a mutt warning the family of a house fire or saving a drowning tot. Dogs have the most […]

Marc YachtJuly 23, 2014

Government is about essential services; business is about profit. Business types have no “business” running government. That is the purview of elected officials. Government’s focus should be on solving problems, not on available dollars. The challenge is to find the resources, not cut the programs. It’s a different way of thinking and the best example […]

Marc YachtJuly 16, 2014

There is controversy as to who said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” Perhaps Mark Twain, perhaps British Prime Minister Disraeli, but few would argue the meaning. Politicians twist data all the time and with Obamacare, the misinformation reaches new levels. While conservatives try to destroy the Affordable Care Act […]

Marc YachtJuly 13, 2014

When being interviewed by the press, it’s preferable to stick to a limited number of talking points so the conversation stays on a sensible track. When it comes to Florida education, it is impossible to stay on message. There are simply too many issues. Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning asked, “How do I love you, let […]

Marc Yacht

Marc Yacht: U.S. safe from Ebola if public health workers have proper resources

Marc Yacht: Pasco County should be helping refugee children, not hindering them

Marc Yacht: We ruin public schools by withholding money, imposing demands

Marc Yacht: A perfect storm of problems plagues U.S. health-care system

Marc Yacht: Government is not the problem or the enemy

Marc Yacht: Florida Medical Association supports expansion of Medicaid

Marc Yacht: Dogs, they’re family

Marc Yacht: Government should not be run like a business

Marc Yacht: Eventually, voters will punish politicians who fought Obamacare

Marc Yacht: Florida’s public education system facing grave threats