AlterNet
by Arianna Huffington

09/27/05

For over a decade, Bill Frist has steadfastly rejected all suggestions that his ownership of up to $25 million worth of stock in HCA -- the nation's largest for-profit hospital chain, founded by his father -- created a conflict of interest for a Senator deeply involved in shaping health care policy. Then, this past June, Frist suddenly changed course and, in what he claims was an effort to avoid any conflict of interest, decided to sell off the stock. Nine days before the share price hit an all time high. And just one month before a company warning of weakening earnings sent the stock price tumbling. As the Church Lady would say: 'How convenient!'

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/26086/


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp