Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do you mean by the term objective?
By objective, we mean that we strive to provide analyses and solutions that are true according to a standard that is consistent with reality and independent of personal feelings or wishes. We believe that truth accords with reality, and that it is ascertainable to man through his senses and faculty of reason. We believe these truths extend to the realm of ethics and that they tell us that people ought to live and trade with each other freely and voluntarily—without committing, or submitting to, physical force. We do not mean objective in a value-free journalistic sense or as a mere synonym for "impartial." Our approach is not to report the two conventional sides of any issue and refrain from evaluation. If the conventonal views are flawed and there is a third perspective that is objectively true, then that is what we will adopt.

Is OHP affiliated with any political party?
No. OHP is not owned by, controlled by, or formally partnered with, any particular candidate or party. Additionally, no money that you give in support of OHP will go to any party or candidate.

What is laissez-faire capitalism?
Laissez-faire capitalism refers to a system in which property is privately owned and individual rights are consistently protected. Under laissez-faire capitalism, government would consist of essentially a police force (to protect against domestic criminals), an army (to protect against foreign threats), and a court system (to adjudicate civil disputes). Strictly speaking, the "laissez-faire" modifier (which means "let do," as in "hands-off") is redundant, but it helps to emphasize that rights must be protected consistently, not selectively. Under capitalism, each individual would be free to pursue his own happiness, as long as he does not initiate physical force or fraud against another person. [Pronounciation]

How can I get involved?
One way to get involved with OHP is to write a guest blog article on a health policy issue that is important to you. Whether you are a graduate student, policy analyst, or practicing health professional, writing for OHP is a great way to think through an issue while promoting rational, free-market ideas in health policy. For more details on submitting an article, see the contact us page. There are other ways to get involved, too. For example: handing out OHP flyers at events, sharing our links on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, offering to do graphic design work, and spreading the word to doctors and medical students. If you have other ideas for getting involved, just write to us.

I share some or all of your viewpoints. Will you trade links with my website/blog?
It is very encouraging to see other people promoting free markets and individual rights, and we sincerely thank you for your support. But it is also very difficult and time-consuming to evaluate and keep track of the thousands of bloggers, activists, and think tanks out there. We do not maintain a blogroll of links to organizations or do formal endorsements, but we do frequently share links on Twitter and Facebook to interesting articles and videos. If you have something to share, then you are welcome to send it to us. Note that when we share articles or videos in this manner, it does not constitute an endorsement.

Can I donate books to your student outreach program instead of cash?
Absolutely. If you would like to donate one or more copies of any item that we give away as part of the kit in our student outreach program (see contents here), you can mail them to us at the address shown on the contact us page. Please send only books, pamphlets, etc., that are in very good condition or better.

How do you choose which books to Twead?
We choose books that are interesting, relevant, or that bring up important questions dealing with philosophy, economics, health, and/or health policy. Our selection of a particular book should in no way be taken as an endorsement of the author. Also note that a twead is not the same as a book review. A twead offers samples of the highs and lows of a book, and may or may not include an overall evaluation of the book, whereas a book review definitely would.

Do you do research or writing for hire?
Yes. If your organization is looking for policy-related research, writing, or consulting, just contact us with a description of your project and we can discuss the opportunity. It may be a fit, or it may not. In any case, we are committed to providing clear and objective analysis.

Do you do speaking engagements or media interviews?
Occasionally, but rarely. To do these things well takes substantial time and preparation. Should OHP grow enough to become a full-time pursuit, then we will do many more talks and interviews. Until then, we simply do not have the time and resources to take on this work in addition to everything else.

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