A story in Courthouse News caught my eye recently, as it highlighted the inane levels of political correctness we now see on a daily basis. It tells of a lawsuit filed against a Vancouver, BC Building Council because they blocked a restaurant chain from leasing a space in their building. A “Moby Dick’s Fish and…
Oregon Court Voids Plotkin Termination from SAIF Corporation
Today Marion County Circuit Court Judge Claudia Burton did something that no one in Oregon has been able or willing to do for John Plotkin since he was terminated as CEO of SAIF Corporation. She gave him justice. Let me say that again: SHE GAVE HIM JUSTICE. Issuing a summary judgement in the case of…
Stealing Fluffy's Meds
We’ve heard all about how bad the Opioid addiction problem has become here in the United States. As a nation, we consume 99% of the world’s opioid supply, while we represent less than 5% of its total population. Prescription drug sales on the street are rampant. People are dying. Lives are being ruined. Pharmacy stocks…
What is Lost in the Debate Over Workers' Compensation Reform?
While perusing the news early this morning I came across several articles related to reforms pending or proposed in two key states. One such article was discussing potential reforms in a state dominated by a Republican governor and legislature; another was discussing a state with a Republican Governor but a legislature permanently controlled by Democrats.…
Plotkin v. SAIF Lawsuit Heads to Trial This Month
Man, do the wheels of justice turn slowly. After all, it was almost three years ago, in May of 2014, when John Plotkin, the new CEO of SAIF Corporation, Oregon’s state owned workers’ compensation insurer, was terminated after just three months on the job. The debacle that followed is known to many in our industry.…
Bob’s Top Ten Predictions for 2017
2016 was a hectic year here at the Cluttered Desk. That is due in part to the fact I wasn’t behind it much of the time these past 12 months. Travel demands this last year exceeded all before it, and I spent a fairly significant amount of time away from the office. This makes foretelling…
Japanese Insurance Company to Replace Claim Reps with Artificial Intelligence System
A Japanese insurance company is about to thrust the insurance industry into the future, as well as the ongoing debate over how much technology will really alter our industry. I’ve spent a good deal of time this past year discussing the future of workers’ compensation at conference presentations around the nation. Obviously, technology is a…
When Waffle House Fires Annie Oakley
A bit of controversy erupted this past week when an Atlanta area Waffle House Restaurant was robbed in the wee hours of the morning. Waffle House, for those of you north of the Mason Dixon line, is a small 24-hour diner with 1,800 locations, primarily in the south. They are known for both their pecan…
Nearly a Century of Persistence
The picture below is not a remarkable one. Taken recently by my niece and posted to Facebook, it shows the bed of my father’s work truck. You can see a hose, as well as a six-foot ladder. There is a box containing supplies of unknown origin, and just barely visible in the left of the…
Merry Happy Happy Chrishannakwanadan – 2016
Bob has posted this holiday message every year since it was originally published on 12/23/2011. Admittedly, this year feels a bit different, as the drama surrounding the recent election seems to have put the drive for Political Correctness on it’s heels. The phrase “Merry Christmas” has once again returned as an acceptable part of the…