The Malpractice Crisis in America: Tort Reform vs. Asset Protection

The Malpractice Crisis in America: Tort Reform vs. Asset Protection

The medical malpractice crisis is reaching national proportions. State legislatures as well as Congress are looking to tort reform as the answer. While waiting for the laws to change, however, there are other answers for medical professionals.

(PRWEB) August 8, 2002

Just follow the headlines. Malpractice insurance and the medical profession are in trouble, again. Rates are skyrocketing and physicians are rapidly dropping out of specialty practices. Richard Corlin, MD, from Santa Monica, Calif., and past president of the American Medical Association has gone on record as saying that a dozen states -- Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and West Virginia have already reached the breaking point. Thirty others are getting there quickly.

That it has reached a national pitch is without question. On July 25, 2002 President Bush speaking in North Carolina, called for federal tort reform legislation that would mirror what was done in California over three decades ago, placing caps on jury awards. Depending on which side of the issue you take, it was either fortunate or unfortunate that less than a week later the Senate voted 57-42 to kill an amendment that would have capped lawsuit awards and limited lawyer contingency fees.

Recent headlines out of Nevada provide further evidence that lawmakers at the state level are struggling to deal with the crisis. During a recently concluded special session where the tort reform war was waged, the legislature passed a $350,000 cap on pain and suffering awards.

Doctors in the state are hailing the decision as if it were going to save the medical profession. Insurers have been quoted as saying that it is a positive change, if it can withstand the court challenges that are sure to come. Trial lawyers have bemoaned the change and see it as special interests getting the better end of the deal at the expense of victims and their families.

Tort reform has always been the primary argument pressed forward whenever discussion about what to do with the malpractice insurance problem has been brought up. In fact, the AMA has declared federal tort reform as itÂ’s number one legislative priority for this next year.

But tort reform doesnÂ’t always work. Group members of Physician Insurers Association of America have pointed out that in many states the courts have ruled tort reform measures as unconstitutional. Tort nullification has taken place in Idaho, Illinois, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington.

Even in states where tort reform has been upheld, doctors have still been held liable for judgements exceeding the caps imposed. Courts in Alabama, Colorado, and Texas have all upheld awards for amounts that exceeded the states’ statutory limitations. As Sarah Lawhorn, president of a malpractice insurer has stated, “Some jurors freely admit that they’ll overlook whether the doctor violated the standard of care if they feel sorry for the plaintiff.”

So, the question looms large in the minds of many practicing physicians, “When will relief finally come and what do I do until then?”

Taking an entirely different approach to the same crisis and providing an answer to this nagging question is the National Medical Foundation for Asset Protection. They provide education and training to physicians and dentists on total asset and medical malpractice protection. By sponsoring AmericaÂ’s top authorities on malpractice protection and prevention, the Foundation will present to over 100 medical and dental organizations in 2003.

“We have been sponsoring speakers to present to medical and dental organizations for over 15 years,” said Cameron Taylor, executive director for the Foundation. “Our goal is to help physicians and dentists stay in practice, teaching them ways to protect their personal assets as well as structure their practices in a way so as to preserve their ability to keep doing what they do best…taking care of patients.”

The Foundation, located in Provo, UT, was started by Jay W. Mitton, MBA, JD. Nationally known as “The Father of Asset Protection,” Mitton is the best selling author of the book Cover Your Assets: Lawsuit Protection. He started the Foundation to help achieve his life mission of educating the world on lawsuit and asset protection.

The speakers, who are sponsored by the Foundation at no cost to the medical and dental professional organizations, speak on a wide range of topics. They address how to protect your practice, assets, and property in the event of a judgment in excess of your malpractice insurance. Strategies are presented on how to protect IRA and pensions from judgments, seizures, and creditors as well as how to maintain the focus of your medical practice on improved patient care rather than malpractice defense.

Proven alternatives to costly malpractice insurance are presented as well as the advantages and disadvantages of “C” and “S” corporations. Legal steps that can be done in minutes to ensure 100% asset protection are offered as well as a myriad of other strategies.

Are such strategies and measures useful in the face of the crisis facing the medical profession now? A Chicago, IL based attorney who attended a Foundation-sponsored presentation believes so. “As the representative of three to four hundred doctors we have concluded that this seminar is a must for the asset protection of each and every doctor practicing in the United States today.”

Members of the Massachusetts Medical Society think so. At their annual meeting in 2002 emphasis was placed on the importance of becoming more educated about the importance of using the right asset planning and protection strategies.

The malpractice insurance crisis is real. Doctors are leaving the profession. Tort reform is needed. But, it may come to late or not at all for many who will face litigation challenges in the meantime. Asset protection strategies and practices can and do work to minimize lawsuit damages. The National Medical Foundation for Asset Protection is available to educate and provide answers on how to do it.

To contact the National Medical Foundation for Asset Protection, visit them online at www. nationalmedicalfoundation. org or call them at 1-800-375-2453.

“Pulse On America” to Feature Real Estate Investing Institute

“Pulse On America” to Feature Real Estate Investing Institute

The purpose of Real Estate Investing Institute (REII) is to educate anyone “serious about investing in real estate.”

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) April 8, 2005

New Line Media Solutions is pleased to announce the selection of Real Estate Investing Institute for its innovative, educational television series, Pulse On America. The company will be featured in a segment on “Investment Opportunities” in the Models of Excellence Series, based on their excellent reputation for success.

The purpose of Real Estate Investing Institute (REII) is to educate anyone “serious about investing in real estate.” REII’s emphasis focuses on two areas of education: first, how to acquire property through creative and conventional methods, enabling students to invest competitively in their market. Second, training in asset and tax protection, enabling students to increase their profitability and maintain their assets over the long term. This education is accomplished by mentoring students on a weekly basis. REII educates individuals who have a sincere desire to make changes toward achieving their financial goals. The education assists students in developing strategies that will enable them to meet their goals. Through education REII has been able to help many people take control of their financial future.

Real Estate Investing Institute mentoring offers a wide variety of training techniques in: foreclosures, pre-foreclosures, creative financing, landlording, no money down, lease option, tax lien/tax deeds, probate, discount mortgage and many other aspects of creative real estate.

The educational process consists of two types of mentoring:

The first is the Tax Lien & Foreclosure resource line. This program gives the student access to mentors via a toll-free number and provides him with access to a websites that enable them to research tax liens and auctions across the country via the Internet, and focuses on all aspects of REO and foreclosure information. The second program is the "Personalized Mentor" which gives the student a proactive/reactive learning experience, working one on one with an expert for twelve months. The mentor will evaluate the student’s situation, identify strengths and weaknesses, and walk the student through every aspect of their investing, once again eliminating “trial and error”. The student has access to his mentor by phone, fax, and e-mail.

These programs are designed to work in tandem with each other to give the student the best real estate business background, and the most diverse education possible.

Mentoring gives the flexibility to receive training from the comfort of the student's own home or office and provides specialized software programs to accompany the education.

Several times a year, REII hosts three-day real estate investor workshops. Students are taught hands-on, how to turn their knowledge into a successful retirement plan and home-based business.

REII products and services are based on proven principles, that when applied, produce positive results in the lives of individuals and families.

For more information, see www. reii. com

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In Their Prime, Women Face Far Greater Stroke Threat Than Men: Leading Neurologist & Stroke Specialist Discusses Unique Risk Factors, Symptoms and Prevention

In Their Prime, Women Face Far Greater Stroke Threat Than Men: Leading Neurologist & Stroke Specialist Discusses Unique Risk Factors, Symptoms and Prevention

Stroke is often a misunderstood condition - particularly among women. While it is true that men outnumber women among stroke patients over the age of 65, a new study reported at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2007 found that women between the ages of 45 and 54 are up to 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke than men in the same age group.

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) May 11, 2007

Despite its standing as the third leading cause of death and the number-one cause of disability in the U. S., stroke is often a misunderstood condition - particularly among women. While it is true that men outnumber women among stroke patients over the age of 65, a new study reported at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2007 found that women between the ages of 45 and 54 are up to 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke than men in the same age group. In fact, due to differences in risk factors, symptoms and response rates to treatment, the American Stroke Association reports that in the general population nearly 50,000 more women than men in the U. S. suffer a stroke each year, and over 30,000 more women than men die as a result of their stroke.

"Women - particularly younger women - have distinct risk factors that put them in greater danger of a stroke," explains Dr. Susanna Horvath, M. D., a neurologist and stroke specialist at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. "Sadly, women in the 'prime of life' age group (35-65 year-old) - which accounts for a quarter of all stroke victims each year - are largely unaware of the unique risks, symptoms and prevention strategies they need to know in order to protect themselves from stroke," Dr. Horvath adds.

Stroke has reached epidemic status in the U. S.; according to the CDC, 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, and approximately 150,000 Americans die each year due to stroke - making stroke the third leading cause of death in this country. It is also the leading cause of disability in the U. S., costing the healthcare system more than $63 billion annually, according to the American Stroke Association.

Roughly 80% of all strokes are ischemic, caused by clogging of one or more arteries by plaque or by a blood clot, preventing blood flow to the brain. For women at risk, Dr. Horvath says, education and awareness is key. "There are three critical things women need to know in order to prevent, recognize, and ultimately survive an ischemic stroke," she notes.

1. The risks are higher, but manageable
Dr. Horvath believes that, while the results of the new study were surprising, they are understandable. "Women in their late 30s and 40s are experiencing pregnancies at a greater rate than ever, or are frequently taking birth control pills, while women in their 50s and early 60s sometimes are beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - all of which increase the risk of stroke," Dr, Horvath notes. "More importantly, women in these age groups need to watch for the development of high blood pressure and diabetes, the two highest risk factors for stroke," Dr. Horvath adds. "Even physiology, which dictates a larger waist-hip ratio (WHR) for women than men, puts us at greater risk, as studies have linked increases in tummy fat with elevated risk of stroke," Dr. Horvath points out.

The key to prevention, Dr. Horvath explains, is education. "Women need first to understand that stroke is a serious threat, and then to educate themselves about their own personal risks." When an assessment of basic factors like weight, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, WHR, smoking, pregnancy and hormone use reveals a high risk, Dr. Horvath recommends a visit to a medical doctor or specialist to discuss stroke prevention. "Patients need to know that the four key factors to preventing stroke are controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, and avoiding smoking," she concludes. "It is important for women at risk to seek out and take advantage of the resources available to them in order to achieve these preventive measures."

"Here at New York Methodist Hospital, we have been designated as a Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health, which means a great deal to women at high risk of stroke," Dr. Horvath explains, adding, "For example, we have a team of neurologists and other specialists on-call 24 hours a day, providing a full spectrum of preventive and treatment services for stroke."

Individuals with symptoms may be referred for testing to determine whether there are blockages of the carotid arteries, the neck arteries that carry blood to the brain. New York Methodist Hospital's Vascular Laboratory is fully equipped to provide these non-invasive studies. Advances in surgery and neuroradiology now offer highly effective treatments for narrowed carotid arteries that significantly reduce the risk of a stroke.

2. Know the Signs
Recognizing the signs of stroke is crucial for a positive outcome. Classic symptoms of stroke include numbness, tingling, loss of speech and partial paralysis. However, according to another study reported at this year's Stroke Conference, women are 33% less likely to report one of these symptoms than their male counterparts. Instead, more women report such symptoms as fainting, shortness of breath, dizziness and sudden pain right before having a stroke. "It is critical for women to recognize that our stroke signs may differ from men's, and to seek medical attention immediately - even if the symptoms don't fully mesh with the usual signs of a stroke," Dr. Horvath cautions. "Many patients - women and men alike - spend precious time 'waiting out' the signs of a stroke at home, thinking the symptoms may pass, but this can mean the difference between receiving lifesaving treatment or not," she adds.

Once patients get to the Emergency Room, Dr. Horvath encourages them to communicate if possible their belief, based on risk factors and/or symptoms, that they may be having a stroke to the Emergency Room staff immediately upon arrival in order to maximize their chances of receiving the only drug approved by the FDA to treat and reverse the effects of a stroke in its earliest stages.

3. Get The Treatment Fast
"Time is brain," says the American Stroke Association, based on the fact that the best chance for a stroke victim's recovery lies within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms. It's only during this timeframe that the clot-busting drug tPA - tissue plasminogen activator - can be administered safely before the risk of bleeding in the brain becomes too high. What's more, the closer the patient is to the three-hour time limit, the less effective tPA will be. Although there are other treatment options once the three-hour window has closed, they are more invasive than tPA. "TPA dissolves a clot and restores blood flow to the brain, increasing the patient's chances of survival, recovery and functional independence following a stroke," Dr. Horvath notes. "Yet its limitations prevent it from helping all stroke victims, and so the research community is hard at work seeking out new therapies for stroke patients," she concludes.

Bio:
Susanna E. Horvath, MD is a leading medical expert in the area of stroke. Dr. Horvath is currently New York Methodist Hospital Stroke Program Director. Previously Assistant Clincal Professor at Long Island College Hospital Dr. Horvath is a member of The American Heart Association, The American Stroke Association on their Scientific Council, The New York City Stroke Council and the Epilepsy Foundation Greater New York Chapter Professional Advisory Committee. Dr. Horvath received her medical training at Semmelweiss Medical School in Budapest, Hungary and completed her medical training at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Horvath is Board Certified in Neurology and Vascular Neurology and has been actively involved in public education. More information about Dr. Horvath and about the stroke program at NYM can be found at www. nym. org.

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Carcinogen Found in Many "Natural" Skin Care Products, One Skin Care Specialist Fights Back

Carcinogen Found in Many "Natural" Skin Care Products, One Skin Care Specialist Fights Back

Dr. Teri Dourmashkin was shocked when she found the results of a recent study: a number of skin care products that claim to be "natural" or "organic" have cancer-causing ingredients.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 21, 2010

Dr. Teri Dourmashkin was shocked when she found the results of a recent study: a number of skin care products that claim to be "natural" or "organic" have cancer-causing ingredients.

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) revealed that ethoxylation - a process that provides mildness to harsher ingredients - produces 1, 4-Dioxane, which, according to the state of California, is a chemical that causes cancer. Because it is considered a by-product, companies are not required to list 1, 4-Dioxane on their labels. While this has already been revealed to be present in a number of conventional skin care products, this is the first time the toxin is shown to be in many self-proclaimed, but not certified, "natural" and "organic" products.

"People purchase 'natural' and 'organic' products because they feel these products will be better for their health," says Dr. Dourmashkin, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Health Education from Columbia University. "These 'natural' labels may mislead consumers into rubbing toxins on their skin."

For this reason, Dr. Dourmashkin founded La Vie Celeste Skin Care, Inc., (http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com (http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com)) and is releasing a new line of anti-aging skin care products designed to take advantage of powerful antioxidants and other natural ingredients - without opening you up to the risk of overexposure to many harmful ingredients.

In particular, Dr. Dourmashkin uses only R-Lipoic Acid in both her face and eye creams. Research indicates that R-Lipoic Acid may have far superior anti-aging properties when compared to the more commonly used Alpha Lipoic Acid.

"By only using non-toxic ingredients, we make La Vie Celeste products safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Our products can help bring back a healthy, youthful appearance that can help boost a woman's confidence, with no harm done to her skin or her health."

La Vie Celeste's complete line of anti-aging products is available for immediate purchase at http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com (http://www. laviecelesteskincare. com), or call 1-866-921-9599. The products will soon be available at the New York City Fifth Avenue office of Dr. Raphael Kellman, M. D., who specializes in internal and holistic medicine.

"La Vie Celeste Day and Night Restorative face cream truly represents the next phase in cosmetics. I highly recommend it to my patients," Dr. Kellman stated.

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Minnesota School of Business/Globe College Selects CUnet’s Exclusive VLMS to Attain Enrollment Objectives

Minnesota School of Business/Globe College Selects CUnet’s Exclusive VLMS to Attain Enrollment Objectives

CUnet, an industry leader in the performance-based Educational Marketing and Managed Services sector, announced that it has been selected by Minnesota School of Business/Globe College to implement its exclusive Vendor Lead Management System.

Wyckoff, NJ (PRWEB) October 31, 2005

CUnet, an industry leader in the performance-based Educational Marketing and Managed Services sector, announced that is has been selected by Minnesota School of Business/Globe College to implement its exclusive Vendor Lead Management System. By enrolling in CUnet’s Vendor Lead Management System, Minnesota School of Business/Globe College joins the ranks of many other prestigious educational institutions throughout the country. 

CUnet’s Vendor Lead Management System provides powerful marketing intelligence which enables Minnesota School of Business/Globe College to proactively and efficiently maximize their enrollment objectives, while minimizing costs. CUnet manages multiple vendors and provides quality leads for Minnesota School of Business/Globe College by way of their network of interactive education portals. CUnet also manages all of the school’s lead providers, ensuring that each vendor is in compliance with the goals and regulations set forth by the school. In addition, CUnet’s Vendor Lead Management team secures additional vendors as needed to satisfy the school’s enrollment goals each month. The experience and professionalism of CUnet’s Implementation Department allows for a seamless transition for both the school and their vendors.

“CUnet is very excited to have been chosen by the Myhre family as their partner for interactive enrollment growth and vendor management,” said Tom Ferrara, CEO of CUnet. “The combination of our technology and business processes and their high quality education will ensure continued enrollment growth in the years ahead.”

“Minnesota School of Business/Globe College is one of the leaders in higher education in the Midwest. We are encouraged by our partnership with CUnet to expand our success nationwide.” said Mark Myhre, Marketing Coordinator for Minnesota School of Business/Globe College.

About Minnesota School of Business:

Minnesota School of Business has been providing specialized career training programs for more than 125 years. They have grown to be one of the most recognized and highly respected providers of private business, medical, and computer education in the Upper Midwest. Classes are offered both day and evening for full-time and part-time students. Many classes and programs are also offered online, providing students with an opportunity to participate in distance education. Visit www. msbcollege. edu for more information.

About CUnet:

New Jersey based CUnet, has solidified its reputation as a leader in the Educational Marketing and managed services industry. CUnet currently provides over 2,300 campus and online schools with performance-based Educational Marketing, lead generation, and vendor management services. Leveraging the flagship portal, www. CollegeandUniversity. net, along with over 1,300 media driven Education Channels it powers for geographically targeted TV networks, radio networks, newspapers, and career portals, CUnet has become the destination of choice for schools seeking branding, lead generation, and student recruitment. The CUnet network of education portals has a reach of over 1 million unique education seekers each month.

For more information please contact CUnet at http://www. cunetcorp. com/contactus. asp (http://www. cunetcorp. com/contactus. asp) or 201-560-1676

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Next Step Prep Helps Students Navigate the Road to College Life

Next Step Prep Helps Students Navigate the Road to College Life

Next Step Prep is dedicated to partnering with families to guide their high school students through the process of researching and selecting colleges, evaluating their choices, applying to college, and preparing them for their first year. This fall, beginning September 23, 2007, Next Step Prep will offer a lecture-style course, weekly for 12 weeks that will take high school students on an in-depth journey through the college admissions process.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) August 22, 2007

As the 2007-08 school year begins, students throughout the Metroplex are abuzz with excitement about the months ahead of them. High school juniors and seniors must make every moment count when it comes to preparing for college, and that is when it's time to turn to the Next Step College Preparatory Group (Next Step Prep).

Next Step Prep is dedicated to partnering with families to guide their high school students through the process of researching and selecting colleges, evaluating their choices, applying to college, and preparing them for their first year. This fall, beginning September 23rd, Next Step Prep will offer a lecture-style course weekly for 12 weeks that will take high school students on an in-depth journey through the college admissions process - and what better place for the program to take place than on the campus of Southern Methodist University.

There are many reasons why families will find that Next Step Prep is essential in their student's college application process. The Next Step Prep courses include "Financing the Easy Way", which educates students and families on scholarships and financial aid research, aimed at reducing families' concerns about paying for a college education. Students will also participate in "Essays that Pay", covering the best strategies for essay writing and personal statement development, a critical component that can result in a students' admittance or rejection. "Fill with Appeal" is a course session that guides students through building a great high school resume, allowing them to better promote themselves for their college applications, recommendations and financial aid applications. "The Major Pain" allows students to pinpoint their career interest and major ensuring the wisest decisions are made for school research and selection. Next Step Prep students will also greatly benefit from panel discussions with current students, recent graduates and special guest speakers from the College Board, test preparation services and college admissions representatives. Upon completing this program, students' admittance to the college of their choice and their satisfaction with their major selection is greatly increased due to the information, exposure and preparation gained; and they are properly equipped to take the Next Step.

Information session info:
Registration / orientation session September 23, 2007 at 3pm - 5pm
Southern Methodist University - Hughes Trigg Center (lower level
3140 Dyer Dallas, TX 75275

About Next Step Prep
Next Step Prep is professional college advisement firm located in Richardson, TX that specializes in helping Dallas Metroplex students gain admission to the college of their choice. Next Step Prep advisors work with students and families through interactive course sessions and through individual counseling. Whatever the needs are, Next Step Prep aims to walk hand-in hand with students as they take steps in the direction of success at the college of their choice.

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Peter Singer and the Universist Movement Evaluate State of American Culture War; Is Judeo-Christian Morality Unethical

Peter Singer and the Universist Movement Evaluate State of American Culture War; Is Judeo-Christian Morality Unethical

Famed Bioethicist Peter Singer sits down with the Universist Movement for a discussion of the state of the American "Culture War." Universists advocate individual moral reasoning free of faith and other forms of outside authority. Singer, like the Universist Movement, has become a favorite target of cultural conservatives for refusing to participate in their moral jingoism.

New York, NY, (PRWEB) October 28, 2005

The Universist Movement will host philosopher Peter Singer on Sunday, October 30th in a live online discussion with its members at 9PM Eastern. Singer, Decamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, provided a philosophical justification for animal liberation so compelling it generated an historic global movement. He is today our most influential and controversial thinker in the field of bioethics.

Though an Australian, Singer has become a touchstone figure in America's culture war. Singer's ethical conclusions are often cited by raging evangelical Christians as a prime example of the "evil" of moral relativism. Singer is not the type of relativist that believes one person's opinion is as good as anyone else's. Singer makes famously strong ethical judgments himself about the rights of animals and the responsibilities people in the first world have towards people in developing countries. Singer argues that actions are right or wrong depending on their known consequences, "not whether it conforms to a rule." Ethics cannot be reduced to simple and universally applicable principles. Ethics are as complex as the situations that require their application. The rightness or wrongness of an action is relative to the particular case considered. This form of utilitarian ethics directly opposes the faith-based morality cultural conservatives advocate.

Albert Mohler, Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, routinely refers to Peter Singer as "notorious." Yet it is Mohler's logic that is notoriously flawed. Mohler believes that Christians have only one argument against the devaluation of human life - the theology that we are "made in the image of God." That a principle intellectual leader of America’s 40 Million Baptists believes they will devolve into murder and mayhem without this one article of faith is troubling indeed. Mohler unwittingly highlights the moral bankruptcy of modern Christianity.

Singer's ethics value quality of life, distinguishing between personhood and the human species. It is "characteristics like rationality, autonomy, and self-consciousness" that give a being value. Mohler and other evangelicals, including President George W. Bush, enjoy labeling their view the "Culture of Life," and Singer's view the "Culture of Death." The Culture of Life means sustaining life at all costs and in all states, whether a ball of cells in a uterus or individuals in Terri Schiavo's state of brain destruction. It would be far more appropriate to label the evangelical position the "Culture of Yogurt." Strikingly ignorant of the fact that "life" includes yeast, bacteria and mice fetuses as much as humans, evangelicals have staked their theology on a distinction in semantics, not in reality.

Universists value quality of life, not membership in the Human species for its own sake (Universists are not Humanists). Universism values an activity transcendent of species identity, the conscious being's ongoing search for meaning in the universe. The search requires freedom, opportunity and education.

About The Universist Movement

The Universist Movement is an international nonprofit organization focused on individual wellbeing, social progress, personal responsibility and the promotion of existential questioning. It advocates Universism, a rational religious philosophy elevating relative truth at the expense of group authority in metaphysical questions.

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