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IowaPolitics.com: Thompson Promotes Wellness, Says Americans 'Too Darn Fat'
2/10/2007

By Chris Dorsey
IowaPolitics.com

AMES – Universal health care is a hot topic along the campaign trail among presidential hopefuls. Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson addressed health care Saturday at a gathering in an Ames hotel, but his message deviated from traditional candidate fodder.

He said one way to change the future is correct the situation today. That can be done through wellness, diet and exercise, he said.

“I want a change from curative (health care) system to a wellness system,” Thompson said. “The truth is we are too darn fat in America. I am on the Tommy Thompson diet – I eat half what I am offered.”

Health care costs account for 16 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, a number he said is significantly higher than many countries including Japan, which is 8 percent. Those costs have adverse affects on the American consumer and U.S. businesses, said Thompson, a Republican who has formed a presidential exploratory committee.

General Motors has approximately $1,525 in health care costs for its workers in every automobile it produces. Toyota, a Japanese based company, has $225 in each vehicle for its health insurance costs. Thompson credits the difference in health care overhead as one of several reasons Toyota has become the top automaker, recently passing Ford.

Businesses are also experiencing more difficulties meeting the rising health care demands, Thompson said. After World War II, more than 80 percent of U.S. businesses insured their workers. Today, it’s nearly 60 percent – and for companies with 15 employees or less that number is more than 40 percent, the former U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services said.

Thompson also warned if Congress and the next president don’t address the health care system – as a whole – it will only result in disaster in the next six years. Medicare will go broke by 2013 if something isn’t done soon, Thompson said.

Thompson was introduced at the Ames event by Iowa Fourth District Congressman Tom Latham. Iowa State Representative Dave DeVoe, R-Nevada, also attended the event along with more than 60 people.

The four-term Wisconsin governor discussed the importance of repairing America’s battered international reputation by using medical diplomacy. As HHS secretary, Thompson said he saw the positive effects of U.S. aid to countries around the globe. That was evident when the U.S. sent a military hospital ship to Indonesia to lend medical assistance to those seriously injured in the tsunami. He suggested having the medical ships perform such services around the world.

“It would be the most powerful thing,” Thompson said.

His message resonated well with two Ames residents. Bill Weston is not a GOP activist or involved with any campaign. But, he came Saturday to listen to a man he said he admires.

“He has a vision,” Weston said. “He does something in life everyone envies – he accomplishes the goals that he sets out to achieve. He is not a politician, but a government servant.”

Ames’ Bill Burke likes Thompson’s passion and no-nonsense approach to solving problems. He also said he was impressed with Thompson’s fiscal conservatism. As governor he cut taxes 91 times, saving taxpayers $16.4 billion.

“He is one of those roll up your sleeves and do it kind of guys,” Burke said.


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