The Name of the Game

Yes, I realize I'm quoting Abba. I happen to love the song "The Name of the Game" and was quite upset when it was cut from the movie verison of Mamma Mia. Besides the Abba 8-track playing in my mind, I also realized that I need to buy new shoes. And a leather attache. And maybe even a fancy umbrella.

Yesterday, I got caught in what could only be described as a torrential downpour of Biblical proportions. I was invited to a couple of business meetings downtown, with a few strategic folks in senior leadership at St. Fozzie's, to address the Director of Health and Family Services and the governor. The St. Fozzie's folks wove me into the agenda so that my representation actually seemed necessary. It was just COOL, to be in fancy meetings with the governor's office and holding my own (Governor Quinn, not Blago). In both boardrooms, I was the only woman. Intimidating? Naaah. Not when you have soaking wet shoes, a soggy portfolio, and a damp suit coat to distract you.

This brings me back to the rain...even though we were dropped off near the door (central Loop), we still got soaked...To the bone...Where the A/C chills you because everything on your person is damp. Despite seeing the animals walking two-by-two down Wacker, I learned a whole hell of a lot about Illinois politics.

I was shocked to find out, a few weeks ago, how political the healthcare scene is in Illinois. You receive earmarked funds because the lobbyists go to bat for you. You get stricken from legislative bills because your adversary just happens to be tight with state hospital association. You are successful because of who you know and how you play those relationships. That's not a new idea, especially in healthcare. I just had no idea how pervasive these politics are in the Illinois sphere...they're the Name of the Game.

They should totally make a reality t.v. show based on Illinois politics! "I'm a Hospital Administrator, Get Me Outta Here!"