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Articles by David Colton
David Colton | Analysis: How much does universal health care really cost?
Photo: © ipopba/Adobe Stock There has been a lot of chatter on the internet recently about the cost of universal health care. Will it really save money for individuals as well as for the nation’s economy? Will we have to pay more or less for health care insurance under a single-payer system? Who will pay for this, all of us or just billionaires?
David Colton | Ben Cline is lying to you about universal health care
Toon: Chris Gavaler In his most recent media ad, Ben Cline criticizes Beth Macy for supporting universal health care: “Beth Macy is hiding who she is. Socialized medicine that will raise taxes and take away your doctor.” To be clear, Macy is not hiding who she is. Better, affordable health care, including universal coverage, is one of the priorities listed on her website for anyone who wants to take the time to look.
Dave Colton | On the subject of universal health care, I’m fed up with stupid
Photo: © DragonImages/Adobe Stock As I have gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate the phrase, “I don’t suffer fools gladly,” which means having little patience for people who are foolish, ignorant or incompetent. To be fair, I’m going to begin with myself. In my last post, I criticized Democrats for advocating for universal health care but not having a concrete plan for it.
David Colton | Why don’t we already have universal healthcare?
Photo: © Toshe/stock.adobe.com Some anthropologists believe that competitive sports grew out of a need to channel aggression without killing the opponent. It also may have had an evolutionary purpose as the genes of the fittest members of a tribe could be passed onto to the next generation. If fandom of the NBA Playoffs, Super Bowl, World Series, and most recently for the U.S., the World Cup, are any indication, interest in competitive sports has not waned.
David Colton | The truth about wait times in countries with universal healthcare
Photo: © ipopba/stock.adobe.com About a year and half ago, I went to my primary care physician to see what could be done about knee pain. I was thinking that a cortisone shot might be in order. He took x-rays and referred me to a local orthopedic surgeon’s office. I had to wait 4 to 5 weeks before I could be seen and rather than meeting a doctor, I met with a nurse practitioner. She told me that I had knee osteoarthritis, which is common in people my age, but that it was not advanced.
Universal healthcare is not free healthcare: There is no such thing as free healthcare
Home Universal healthcare is not free healthcare: There is no such thing as free healthcare Photo: Peshkova/iStock Photo I typically scroll through Facebook to see if there are postings or reels of interest. If universal healthcare is the topic, I usually respond, in part to market my book and link my UHC Facebook page, and in part to write a correction if I believe the information is inaccurate. Today I saw a posting that really riled me.
Who are the real communists? Republicans are describing themselves
Photo: © freshidea/stock.adobe.com In a recent AFP op-ed, Yvonne Surette noted that congressmen Ben Cline is labeling Democrats as communists (Why is Ben Cline so fixated on communists? July 28, 2026). That may be a positive sign for his Sixth District opponent, Beth Macy, as Republicans typically resort to this branding when they are worried.
David Colton: Donald Trump has gone full tilt bozo again
Home David Colton: Donald Trump has gone full tilt bozo again Donald Trump. Photo: © Evan El-Amin/shutterstock.com During Donald Trump’s first term, I wrote a lengthy article describing why many psychiatrists and psychologists believe Trump meets clinical criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis.
Making the case for universal health care: The message is the message
Photo: © barmaleeva/stock.adobe.com “We knew that their ideas were far out of the mainstream and things were totally out of whack. We found ourselves living in a country where what was considered extreme just a decade ago was now national policy. How could this have happened?” [1] It may surprise you that the above was written not after Donald Trump was elected president, but after George W. Bush was elected (with help from a conservative Supreme Court) in 2000.
Former USA TODAY editor David Mazzarella, who helped give paper its hard news edge, dies - Editor and Publisher
Posted Tuesday, July 22, 2025 1:43 pm Former USA TODAY editor David Mazzarella, who helped propel the newspaper to its strongest circulation years in the late 1990s, died July 17 after complications resulting from a fall. He was 87. Mazzarella, a seasoned war correspondent, editor and AP reporter in Europe, was with USA TODAY from its improbable beginnings in the early 1980s to an impactful five-year stint as editor in chief from 1994-99 at the dawn of the digital age.
Former USA TODAY editor David Mazzarella, who helped give paper its hard news edge, dies
Former USA TODAY editor David Mazzarella, who helped propel the newspaper to its strongest circulation years in the late 1990s, passed away on July 17 after complications resulting from a fall. He was 87. Mazzarella, a seasoned war correspondent, editor and AP reporter in Europe, was with USA TODAY from its improbable beginnings in the early 1980s to an impactful five-year stint as editor in chief from 1994-99 at the dawn of the digital age.
Les Carter | WealthManagement.com
Les Carter is a Partner and Advisor at Gresham Partners, an independent multi-family office currently serving over 120 ultra-high net worth families nationally. Les uses his quantitative, tax and estate planning background to help clients achieve their long-term financial, wealth transfer and philanthropic goals.
David Colton | WealthManagement.com
Home David Colton David Colton Partner, Advisor and Director of Client Service Development, Gresham Partners, Gresham Partners LLC As a former attorney with ShawPittman, and a CPA with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young’s National Tax Department, David draws upon a broad and deep knowledge base to provide wealth transfer planning advice.
Ten Tips for Raising Competent Adults Amidst Wealth
How can parents raise children with wealth in a way that ensures they will be motivated and can make good decisions independently? After more than 25 years as an advisor to wealthy families, I am frequently asked this question, or a variation, by many of the families I work with. Throughout my career, I have learned various parenting approaches that seem to work in different situations, and I have seen others with unintended consequences.
The Classic Horror Film Board-Christopher Lee
We've updated our Privacy Policy and by continuing you're agreeing to the updated terms. Share with: Link: 4,025862 11K4,759 Robert Laughlin 8,8991,632 "It's not polite to walk into a trap eating peanuts." 34910 29K10,700 "Son, I've seen more dead bodies than you've had TV dinners." - Carl Kolchak taraco Burgomaster 14K13,615 Always found this fascinating and very, very human.
Legendary USA TODAY editor Bob Dubill dies: 'He made every newsroom better' - Editor and Publisher
Posted Monday, August 26, 2024 7:48 pm Robert A. Dubill, an award-winning executive editor with Gannett News Service and a unique and forceful leader at USA TODAY since its inception in 1982, died Friday, Aug. 23, from complications after a fall. He was 88. With a keen eye for accuracy and an unyielding advocacy for reporters, Dubill was a fierce defender of journalism as not just a profession but as a calling.
'He made every newsroom better'
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Legendary USA TODAY editor Bob Dubill dies: 'He made every newsroom better'
August 25, 2024 at 10:04 AM Executive Editor Bob Dubill, left, huddles with staffers around the 1A desk waiting for results as a presidential election was too close to call on Nov. 7, 2000, in Arlington, Va. Robert A. Dubill, an award-winning executive editor with Gannett News Service and a unique and forceful leader at USA TODAY since its inception in 1982, died Friday from complications after a fall. He was 88.
The Hilarious History of April Fools’ Day
Illustration by Sam Island 1985: A false pitch A pitcher who can hurl a baseball at 168 mph? That’s what writer George Plimpton claimed about a supposed New York Mets prospect in the April 1 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Who died in 2023? A look back at some of the year's most memorable passings
David Colton Special to USA TODAY On a November afternoon in tiny Plains, Georgia, former first daughter Amy Carter, now a 56-year-old woman out of the spotlight for decades, reluctantly approached the microphone at the funeral for her mother, Rosalynn Carter, 96. “I chose something that is hard to read without crying,’’ she said. “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad.” She then unfolded a letter that Jimmy Carter had written to his wife 75 years ago when he was in the Navy.
Who died in 2023? A look back at some of the year's most memorable passings Original
David Colton | Special to USA TODAY On a November afternoon in tiny Plains, Georgia, former first daughter Amy Carter, now a 56-year-old woman out of the spotlight for decades, reluctantly approached the microphone at the funeral for her mother, Rosalynn Carter, 96. “I chose something that is hard to read without crying,’’ she said. “My mom spent most of her life in love with my dad.” She then unfolded a letter that Jimmy Carter had written to his wife 75 years ago when he was in the Navy.
How MDC are future-proofing Australian design
Share this post The link has been copied! Words by: Ashleigh Hebiton, Sam Hawkes, David Colton, Alyssa Billington Matt Delroy-Carr's expertise has led to him becoming an authority of sorts on sustainability in the Perth design community, and he offers an array of curious insights into how he practices what he preaches.
USA TODAY's annual look at the memorable figures we lost this year Original
In today’s fractured culture, it’s not surprising that pausing to remember the dead has become a generational thing. With history constantly up for debate in the swirl of social media, only the rarest of figures can command full attention of our divided demographics. In 2022, that was Queen Elizabeth II.
USA TODAY's annual look at the memorable figures we lost in 2022
In today’s fractured culture, it’s not surprising that pausing to remember the dead has become a generational thing. With history constantly up for debate in the swirl of social media, only the rarest of figures can command full attention of our divided demographics. In 2022, that was Queen Elizabeth II.
USA TODAY's annual look at the memorable figures we lost this year
News Sports Kentucky Derby Life Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries eNewspaper Legals David Colton Special to USA TODAY In today’s fractured culture, it’s not surprising that pausing to remember the dead has become a generational thing. With history constantly up for debate in the swirl of social media, only the rarest of figures can command full attention of our divided demographics. In 2022, that was Queen Elizabeth II.
USA TODAY's annual look at the memorable figures we lost in 2022
News Sports Life Business Data Obituaries eNewspaper Legals David Colton Special to USA TODAY In today’s fractured culture, it’s not surprising that pausing to remember the dead has become a generational thing. With history constantly up for debate in the swirl of social media, only the rarest of figures can command full attention of our divided demographics. In 2022, that was Queen Elizabeth II.
Democrats, not Republicans, best suited to fix economy
Polls show that the number one issue for voters is the economy and most belief that Republicans are better suited to fix it. But if you want to know if that's true you only need to look at what has happened in England where the conservative party is in control. Their new prime minister, Liz Truss, announced a conservative plan to combat inflation. The result was the near collapse of their economy and her ouster in less than two months in office.
USA TODAY turns 40: Celebrating 40 moments that mattered most to our newspaper
Coming up with a Top 40 in the era of Everything Goes Viral can only spark endless arguments and “whataboutism.” But everyone loves round numbers, and USA TODAY’s 40th anniversary – remember, some predicted it would not last 40 weeks – should not be ignored. And what better way to celebrate than highlighting 40 moments to mark our anniversary on Sept. 15? How to do it? We did not want simply an almanac-type list of the 40 biggest stories over four tumultuous decades.
USA TODAY turns 40: Celebrating 40 moments that mattered most to our newspaper Original
Celebrate USA TODAY's 40th anniversary with these 40 moments when the newspaper made a difference to its readers, our nation and its staff. David Colton Special to USA TODAY Published 9:02 am UTC Sep. 15, 2022 Updated 7:15 am UTC Sep. 16, 2022 Celebrate USA TODAY's 40th anniversary with these 40 moments when the newspaper made a difference to its readers, our nation and its staff. David Colton Special to USA TODAY Published 9:02 am UTC Sep. 15, 2022 Updated 7:15 am UTC Sep.
Cline should have voted for bipartisan Infrastructure bill
Karen Coleman's response to my letter is filled with so much disinformation about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it deserves a rebuttal. Ms. Coleman is factually incorrect that more money is spent for electric cars than other infrastructure projects: it's actually $7 billion for electric vehicles compared to $110 billion for roads and bridges. The legislation also funds modernization of railroads, airports, ports and waterways.
Ben Cline's voting record, or lack thereof, speaks for itself
When you're sitting in traffic on Interstate 64, ask yourself why our congressman, Ben Cline, voted against the infrastructure bill. If you are a senior, ask why Cline voted against letting Medicare negotiate drug prices. If you are a parent of young children, ask why Cline voted against affordable childcare. If you purchase your health insurance through an insurance exchange, ask why he voted against continuing subsidies to help families pay for health insurance.
We should follow the golden rule and do our part to protect the health of others: Letter
The other day I overheard a woman in a local store say she hadn’t gotten the vaccine and wasn’t going to wear a mask because if it was her time for God to take her, then it’s time. That’s not a very Christian thing to say or do. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” This is the golden rule and theologians agree that it means that we should put the welfare of others before personal self-interest. It is also a declarative statement.
USA TODAY'S Richard Curtis, a 'visionary' of visual storytelling, dies at 75 Original
By David Colton and J. Ford Huffman Richard Curtis, one of the original designers of the look and feel of USA TODAY, including the bold use of color photography and graphics that revolutionized newspapers in the 1980s, died on Sunday. He was 75. Curtis passed away quietly at home of cancer, surrounded by his wife, Jane, and family.
Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson: Remembering notables who died in 2021
Social influencers, for good or sometimes bad, have been with us long before Instagram and TikTok turned ordinary people into internet superstars. No matter the generation or technology, the impact of influencers can be global and long-lasting or as personal as a parent, teacher, beloved uncle or longtime friend.
Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson: Remembering notables who died in 2021
Social influencers, for good or sometimes bad, have been with us long before Instagram and TikTok turned ordinary people into internet superstars. No matter the generation or technology, the impact of influencers can be global and long-lasting or as personal as a parent, teacher, beloved uncle or longtime friend.
Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson: Remembering notables who died in 2021
Social influencers, for good or sometimes bad, have been with us long before Instagram and TikTok turned ordinary people into internet superstars. No matter the generation or technology, the impact of influencers can be global and long-lasting or as personal as a parent, teacher, beloved uncle or longtime friend.
Hank Aaron, Bob Dole, Cicely Tyson: Remembering notables who died in 2021
Social influencers, for good or sometimes bad, have been with us long before Instagram and TikTok turned ordinary people into internet superstars. No matter the generation or technology, the impact of influencers can be global and long-lasting or as personal as a parent, teacher, beloved uncle or longtime friend.
Requiring the coronavirus vaccine to achieve mass immunization is reasonable: Letter
I was watching an interview with a vaccine refuser, a man in his 60s or 70s, who said he’d never gotten vaccinated and he wasn’t about to start now. Wrong. If he looked on his left upper arm he would find a small round scar, the remnants of his smallpox vaccination. Prior to the vaccine, up to three out of 10 people died from smallpox.
How can we 'Make America great again' without the necessary investment in infrastructure?: Letter
Republican President Dwight Eisenhower supported construction of the interstate highway system because, as a military commander, he knew it would be needed in wartime to transport troops and materials as well as evacuate citizens if our country was attacked. Flash forward 45 years and tens of thousands of New Orleans residents were trapped in the city before and after Hurricane Katrina hit because there weren’t enough roads to evacuate everyone.
People need to get vaccinated to prepare for re-engagement in social activities: Letter
A recent Pew Research Survey found that 70 percent of Americans say they have already got or definitely plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19. And as people become better informed, they become less hesitant about getting vaccinated. That’s important because to attain herd immunity we need to reach vaccination rates in the range of 80 percent (good), 90 percent (better), to 95 percent (best).
A Guide to Potential Tax Law Changes Under Biden
Now that the Democrats will control both houses of Congress and the White House, it’s time to focus on tax law changes they might propose. Although President-elect Joe Biden and other Democrats have proposed many changes to individual income and payroll taxes, business income taxes and individual transfer taxes, we’ll limit this commentary to those changes that would be most likely to affect our clients and are attributable to President-elect Biden.
Offering affordable space to small businesses also helps property owners
I am a member of the Augusta County Railroad Club which operated as the Augusta County Railroad Museum at the Staunton Mall. Like other occupants, we were completely blindsided by the request to vacate in 30 days. Because of COVID-19, for the safety of our members and the public, we decided to close for the duration of the pandemic.
RBG, Kobe Bryant, Little Richard: Remembering notables who died in 2020
Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story had the incorrect year of Ray Manzarek’s death. He died in 2013. In this year of the coronavirus pandemic, deaths were often just a cold statistic. Grieving families barely had a moment to say goodbye, to remember or to celebrate. But every well-lived life, whether lost to disease, old age, accident or other cause, leaves positive paths forward, or sometimes cautionary tales, for family, friends or fans.
RBG, Kobe Bryant, Little Richard: Remembering notables who died in 2020
Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story had the incorrect year of Ray Manzarek’s death. He died in 2013. In this year of the coronavirus pandemic, deaths were often just a cold statistic. Grieving families barely had a moment to say goodbye, to remember or to celebrate. But every well-lived life, whether lost to disease, old age, accident or other cause, leaves positive paths forward, or sometimes cautionary tales, for family, friends or fans.
RBG, Kobe Bryant, Little Richard: Remembering notables who died in 2020
Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story had the incorrect year of Ray Manzarek’s death. He died in 2013. In this year of the coronavirus pandemic, deaths were often just a cold statistic. Grieving families barely had a moment to say goodbye, to remember or to celebrate. But every well-lived life, whether lost to disease, old age, accident or other cause, leaves positive paths forward, or sometimes cautionary tales, for family, friends or fans.
RBG, Kobe Bryant, Little Richard: Remembering notables who died in 2020
In this year of the coronavirus pandemic, deaths were often just a cold statistic. Grieving families barely had a moment to say goodbye, to remember or to celebrate. But every well-lived life, whether lost to disease, old age, accident or other cause, leaves positive paths forward, or sometimes cautionary tales, for family, friends or fans. Those memories can bring tears, renew faith, and often spark a smile when the hint of a grandparent shows up in the face of a newborn.
Letter: Vote Democrat to remain land of the free
Letter: Vote Democrat to remain land of the free Where do Republicans get their silly ideas? In response to Dr. Larry Roller’s letter to the editor, let’s get the facts straight. First, Democrats are not pro-abortion, whereas Republicans are. For years they’ve cut funding for family planning, sex education and access to contraception, all practices that reduce abortion. Republicans want to make abortion illegal but making something illegal doesn’t make it go away.
Do I risk eternal salvation by voting for Trump?: Letter
In Christian theology, the New Covenant is God’s promise of salvation for accepting Jesus as your savior. The New Covenant incorporates and renews previous covenants, such as the expectation that to enter the Kingdom of God, one should follow God’s commandments. This is important because 85 percent of conservative Christians support Donald Trump even though he rejects the New Covenant.
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