Welcome.

This is the personal site for Duncan, who is a writer, theorist and activist currently living in New York City. It brings together writing from experiences as an activist, blogger and student.

So why the need for the site?  I can’t lie, it’s more than a little bit self-interest – I wanted a place to put my ideas and writing on display for folks I’d like to work with in my various intellectual, political and professional endeavors.  Generally, I will post clips that I think other folks might find useful, or at least interesting – this isn’t a total brain dump.

This site began in May 2009 after I graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU.  I will be regularly updating with my current work; old material before this site was established is backdated to reflect the original date of completion/publication.

Clip categories are below, most recent posts to the right.

It Could Happen to Anyone: At Cigna HQ

from It Could Happen to Anyone

When we finally reached Cigna HQ, CEO Ed Hanway chose to shut his door to Dawn, and to the thousands of people who stood with her in the journey to Philadelphia.  Instead, Dawn had a conversation with Cigna’s Chief Medical Officer, who met her with a fistful of half promises and partial admissions of guilt.   She certainly has their attention, but still doesn’t have any guarantees as to whether she’ll actually get the care she needs. Dawn and her companions on the journey will be heading home this weekend, but her fight isn’t over.

I’m convinced Dawn’s story can’t be heard enough – every time she tells someone about her illness and what Cigna put her through, I see them starting to think differently about our health care system.  Even when you already know how broken it is, hearing Dawn speak deepens your commitment to change.  Each person thinking differently is a grain of sand tipping the scales of the national debate towards reform.  But we need to keep pouring the sand on.
Dawn’s trip shows that the messy distractions and lies of the anti-reformers can’t withstand the voices of real people wronged by a broken health care system. It’s up to all of us to keep sharing their stories and piling on the grains of sand that will tip the scales and make health care available for all Americans.

It Could Happen to Anyone: Leaving Atlanta

From It Could Happen To Anyone

We set out today with the well wishes of a great city behind us.  At the capital, folks from all walks shared their stories with Dawn and we began collecting messages of support in pill bottles – the hallmark of our journey and how we will make Cigna hear our voice.

On the Capital steps we heard from politicians and everyday Atlantans, all who recognized what needs to be done.  We then went to visit the office of Senator Johnny Isakson, whose office staff offered to arrange a meeting with him when we arrive in DC – hopefully he will recognize it as well, and stand with her when we reach DC.  With the wind at our backs, we slogged through rush hour Atlanta and then took side roads through the Chattahoochee National Forest on our way to Asheville.

The foothills of the Appalachian mountains swept by as we rumbled towards Asheville, and we got another glimpse about why we’re taking this on.  We live in a beautiful, big country that deserves better from its health care system, and which can do better for its citizens.