Florida mother charged with terrorism over “threatening” insurance provider

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Florida mother charged with terrorism over “threatening” insurance provider

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Lakewood, Florida  – On December 10, a heated phone call over a denied insurance claim led to the arrest of a Florida mother on charges of threatening a mass shooting and committing an act of terrorism.

According to police reports, Briana Boston ended the call with a BlueCross BlueShield representative by stating “Delay, Deny, Depose. You people are next.”

 42-year-old Brianna Boston arrested after allegedly threatening Blue Cross Blue Shield Source: Polk County Jail

Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor stated that Boston admitted to making the statement and apologized during police questioning. She reportedly told investigators that she said the words because “healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil.”

The phrase “Delay, Deny, Depose” has broader context, referencing a book about insurance company practices and a common critique of healthcare administrative procedures.

Boston claimed she first encountered the phrase in news coverage of the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, where it was reportedly found engraved on shell casings at the crime scene.

Boston, a nuclear medicine technologist with over eight years of healthcare experience, now faces severe legal consequences despite having no prior criminal history.

She was arrested and held on a $100,000 bond, with potential charges carrying a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

Authorities clarified that Boston was not found in possession of any firearms and stated that she “does not pose a danger to anyone.”

Briana Boston’s legal defense Gofundme set up by her husband Source: Gofundme

The case has sparked significant public backlash, with many questioning the severity of the charges against Boston. A GoFundMe campaign for her legal expenses has already raised over $82,000, with supporters arguing that the punishment is disproportionate to her actions.

Her attorney, Anthony Rickman, called the arrest “political hyperbole,” describing her statement as an emotional outburst rather than a credible threat.

On December 15, 2024, her husband, Daniel Boston, shared an update on the GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the global support: “Briana and I continue to be amazed and overwhelmed by the support from around the world; it is greatly appreciated, and we cannot give enough thanks.” He clarified that, despite some media reports, his wife is still facing charges and remains under house arrest after posting bond.

Court documents detail the strict conditions of Boston’s pre-trial release. She is confined to house arrest with GPS monitoring and may only leave home for court appearances, attorney meetings, medical appointments, work, church, and one weekly grocery shopping trip. Additionally, she is prohibited from contacting anyone affiliated with BlueCross BlueShield or possessing any weapons or ammunition.

The disproportionate legal response Boston faces comes in the wake of the high-profile assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, as he was heading to an investors’ conference.

The alleged suspect, Luigi Mangione, was arrested on December 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, nearly a week after going on the run.

In a manifesto attributed to Mangione, he expressed a deep-seated resentment toward the healthcare system, stating, “Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming. A reminder: the US has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy. United is the [indecipherable] largest company in the US by market cap, behind only Apple, Google, Walmart. It has grown and grown, but as our life expectancy? No the reality is, these [indecipherable] have simply gotten too powerful, and they continue to abuse our country for immense profit because the American public has allowed them to get away with it.”

The killing of Thompson has ignited widespread outrage against insurance companies, revealing a growing fury toward the industry’s influence and practices in the United States.

This anger highlights broader frustrations with the American healthcare system, which remains one of the least efficient in the developed world.

According to Mirror, Mirror 2024: An International Comparison of Health Systems by the Commonwealth Fund, U.S. healthcare spending began to outpace other comparable nations in the early 1980s, a trend that continues today. By 2022, the U.S. spent 16.5% of its GDP on healthcare—far exceeding Germany, the next closest country, at 11.8%.

Yet this high spending has not translated into better outcomes. In 2022, the U.S. ranked last in overall healthcare system performance, placing 9th or 10th in four of five categories: “access to care,” “administrative efficiency,” “equity,” and “health outcomes.”

Its only relative strength was in “care process,” where it ranked second.

This disconnect between cost and performance has created a system where families face limited access to quality care and significant financial strain. Public opinion reflects this growing dissatisfaction.

A 2023 Gallup survey found that only 44% of Americans rate “the quality of healthcare in this country” to be “excellent” or “good,” which Gallup described as the “lowest point in their data trend dating back to 2001.”

Similarly, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey revealed that 58% of insured adults encountered issues with their health insurance in the past year, including claim denials, high costs, and limited provider networks.

Under the leadership of CEO Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare became notorious for denying consumers claims.

In May of 2024, ValuePenguin a personal finance site offering consumer-focused analysis and insights on insurance, loans, and other financial products called UnitedHealthcare “the worst insurance company for paying claims,” estimating it’s rate of denial to be 32%.

ValuePenguin has since placed a notice at the top of the page that says “due to recent events, ValuePenguin removed certain data elements from this piece at the request of law enforcement.”

Notably, the data that was once organized with a visually appealing bar graph has exchanged the graphic for a test-based data table that must be expanded to view fully.

Most companies measured showed a denial rate in the high teens with the lowest being Kaiser Permanente at 7%. UnitedHealthcare’s next closest competitor for worst estimate of claim approval was Medica at a mere 27%.

UnitedHealth’s stock performance, year to date. Photo: Google Finance

Before his death, Thompson was accused of insider trading in a shareholder lawsuit filed by the City of Hollywood Firefighter’s Pension Fund. At the same time, the Department of Justice was investigating UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare’s parent company for potential antitrust violations.

According to the lawsuit, Thompson and others allegedly used confidential information about the DOJ’s investigation into UnitedHealth’s acquisition of Change Healthcare to profit financially.

During the four months between the investigation’s initiation and its public announcement, Thompson reportedly sold approximately $15 million in UnitedHealth. After the sale, the investigation was announced on February 27, 2024 and UnitedHealth lost over $27 per share, wiping out $25 billion of market value in the process.

Reece-Wolfe Dialogue 1.5 Epistemology Study Guide

Summary

The discussion presents a dialogue between Stephen Wolfe and David Reece, focusing on epistemology, the nature of knowledge, and the implications of Christian thought in various domains, including civil power and ethics. The discussion begins with a short introduction to Reece’s business endeavors aimed at fostering a Christian economic culture. The conversation then quickly shifts to foundational philosophical questions about how knowledge is acquired, the role of Scripture in understanding reality, and the moral implications of human actions. Reece emphasizes that true knowledge is rooted in divine revelation and logical coherence, while Wolfe challenges this view by exploring the internal moral principles that guide human behavior. Throughout the dialogue, both speakers navigate complex theological and philosophical concepts, ultimately advocating for a worldview that aligns with Christian doctrine.

Questions Asked in this Discussion

1.How do you know anything?
2.Do you think man apart from revelation is just a jumble of sentiments and emotions?
3.Does man lack an inherent principle by which they can discern good from bad?.

Study Guide

The discussion is 2 hours long. I created a summary, an outline, 9 multiple-choice questions, and 15 study questions to help process what we hear. I will break this study up into 5 parts coving 5 days. Much of this material will be repeated with the focus on 3 new study questions each day according to this schedule. Repetition is the mother of all learning.

DueQuestions

01/01/25

How do Stephen Wolf and David Reece define the role of Scripture in understanding human behavior and morality?

01/01/25

In what ways do they believe Scripture is limited in its ability to predict specific geopolitical events?

01/01/25

What is the significance of empirical analysis in the context of political science, according to the dialogue?

01/02/25

In light of this dialogue, do we find the Biblical writers apply the same technique of balancing the Word of God with a systematic examination of historical and contemporary events, including the study of various political systems, ideologies, and historical contexts?

01/02/25

How do the concepts of sin and human motivation relate to the discussion of warfare in the discussion?

01/02/25

What philosophical questions arise from the conversation about human nature and the ability to discern right from wrong?

01/03/25

What are the main differences between Reece’s and Wolfe’s views on epistemology?

01/03/25

How would Reece and Wolfe answer these question? How would you account for Adam’s decision to eat from the forbidden tree? Did he lack knowledge? Did he know what he was doing or was he deceived? Was he exercising a will shaped much like God’s in that he was willing to sacrifice his own life in hopes of saving Eve and thus, committed sin, but not a flagrant sin?

01/03/25

If God were in Adam’s shoes, right after Eve ate but before Adam ate, what would God do and why?

01/03/25

In light of God’s commitment to divine law as described here, how would you then account for God not killing Cain after he murdered his brother?

01/04/25

How does Reece define knowledge, and what role does Scripture play in his understanding?

01/04/25

In what ways do both speakers address the concept of civil power within a Christian framework?

01/06/25

What might they say God’s reasons would be for choosing a pagan Roman Empire rather than the nation of Israel as the time and place for revealing His greatest message to man in Christianity?

01/06/25

What was wrong with Israel that these conditions could not be met for the spread of Christianity?

01/06/25

How does the Fall affect human rationality according to Reece’s perspective?

01/06/25

What implications do their discussions have for contemporary Christian thought in business and ethics?

Outline

I.Introduction
A.Overview of the dialogue’s purpose
B.Introduction of Stephen Wolf and David Reece
II.Epistemology and Human Understanding
A.Definition of epistemology
B.The role of Scripture in understanding knowledge
III.Scripture and Warfare
A.General principles of sin and motivation for war
B.Limitations of Scripture in predicting specific wars
IV.Empirical Analysis in Politics
A.Importance of empirical data in understanding geopolitical events
B.Historical context and its relevance to modern conflicts
V.Philosophical Implications
A.Discussion on human nature and morality
B.The role of logic and reasoning in understanding Scripture
VI.Conclusion
A.Summary of key points
B.Final thoughts on the relationship between Scripture and empirical analysis

.

Outline 2

I.Introduction
A.Overview of Stephen Wolfe and David Reece
B.Purpose of the dialogue
II.Reece’s Business Ventures
A.Description of Rees Fund
B.Goals of creating Christian businesses
III.Epistemology
A.Definition and importance of epistemology
B.Different systems of thought regarding knowledge acquisition
IV.The Role of Scripture
A.Scripture as the basis for knowledge and morality
B.The relationship between knowledge and civil power
V.Human Nature and Morality
A.Discussion on man’s inherent ability to discern right from wrong
B.The impact of the Fall on human rationality and morality
VI.Conclusion
A.Summary of key points discussed
B.Reflection on the implications for a Christian worldview

.

Test Your Knowledge

After listening to this discussion you should be able to answer these questions.

Scroll down slowly to hide the answer until you pick your answer.

.

1.What is the primary focus of the dialogue between Wolfe and Reece?

A) Business strategies

B) Epistemology

C) Political theory

D) Historical analysis

Answer: B)

.

2.According to Reece, how is true knowledge obtained?

A) Through personal experiences

B) By following societal norms

C) Via divine revelation in Scripture

D) Through scientific experimentation

Answer: C)

.

3.What does Wolfe argue about human nature apart from revelation?

A) Humans are inherently rational.

B) Humans lack moral principles.

C) Humans can achieve perfect knowledge.

D) Humans are purely emotional beings.

Answer: B)

.

4.How do both speakers view the relationship between knowledge and civil power?

A) They see no connection.

B) Knowledge informs civil power.

C) Civil power is independent of knowledge.

D) Civil power undermines knowledge.

Answer: B)

.

5.What area of study is primarily discussed in the dialogue?

A) Metaphysics

B) Epistemology

C) Ethics

D) Aesthetics

Answer: B)

.

6.According to the dialogue, what does Scripture provide regarding the nature of war?

A) Specific predictions about future wars

B) General principles of sin and motivation

C) Detailed historical accounts of all wars

D) A comprehensive political theory

Answer: B)

.

7.What do Wolf and Reece suggest is necessary for understanding the complexities of modern conflicts?

A) A strict adherence to Scripture

B) Empirical analysis

C) Philosophical reasoning alone

D) Historical narratives only

Answer: B)

.

8.Which philosopher’s argument is referenced in the discussion about human sentiments and moral principles?

A) Immanuel Kant

B) Friedrich Nietzsche

C) David Hume

D) John Locke

Answer: C)

.

9.What is one of the key limitations of Scripture mentioned in the dialogue?

A) It is too complex to understand

B) It does not provide a clear moral framework

C) It cannot predict specific future events

D) It is irrelevant to modern society

Answer: C)

Study Questions

What might they say God’s reasons would be for choosing a pagan Roman Empire rather than the nation of Israel as the time and place for revealing His greatest message to man in Christianity?

Reece and Wolfe might suggest several reasons for God’s choice to reveal His greatest message in Christianity through the context of a pagan Roman Empire rather than solely through the nation of Israel:

1.Universal Reach: The Roman Empire was a vast and diverse entity that encompassed many cultures and peoples. By choosing this setting, God could ensure that the message of Christianity would have a broader reach, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. This aligns with the Christian mission to spread the gospel to all nations, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
2.Fulfillment of Prophecy and Expansion of Covenant: While Israel was the chosen nation in the Old Testament, the New Testament introduces the idea of a new covenant that extends beyond Israel to include Gentiles. By revealing His message in a pagan context, God could demonstrate that His plan for salvation was inclusive and intended for all humanity, fulfilling prophecies that hinted at the inclusion of the nations (e.g., Isaiah 49:6).
3.Contrast with Paganism: The moral and spiritual decay of the pagan Roman Empire provided a stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus. This setting would highlight the transformative power of the Christian message, as it offered hope and redemption in a world filled with sin and idolatry. The contrast would serve to emphasize the need for a savior and the radical nature of Christ’s teachings.
4.Historical Timing: The timing of Christ’s arrival during the height of the Roman Empire allowed for the establishment of a legal and political framework that could support the spread of Christianity. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) facilitated travel and communication, making it easier for the apostles and early Christians to share the gospel widely.
5.Challenge to Religious Authority: By choosing a pagan empire, God could challenge the existing religious authorities and practices, including those of the Jewish leaders who had become entrenched in their traditions. This choice would underscore the idea that true worship and relationship with God were not confined to a specific nation or religious system but were available to all who believe in Christ.
6.Demonstration of Sovereignty: God’s choice to reveal His message in a pagan context could also be seen as a demonstration of His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. It illustrates that God’s plans cannot be limited by human institutions or cultural boundaries, reinforcing the idea that He is the Lord of all creation.

In summary, Reece and Wolfe might argue that God’s decision to reveal His message in the pagan Roman Empire rather than solely through Israel was a strategic move to ensure the universal applicability of the Christian message, to challenge existing norms, and to fulfill His divine plan for humanity.

.

What was wrong with Israel that these conditions could not be met for the spread of Christianity?

Reece and Wolfe might argue that several factors related to Israel’s historical, cultural, and spiritual context could have hindered the spread of Christianity if it had been revealed solely through Israel:

1.Cultural Insularity: Israel, particularly during the time of Jesus, had a strong cultural and religious identity that often led to insularity. The Jewish people were focused on maintaining their distinctiveness and adherence to the Law, which could have limited their openness to a message that called for a broader, more inclusive understanding of God’s plan for humanity.
2.Religious Legalism: The religious leaders in Israel at the time were often characterized by legalism and a strict interpretation of the Law. This focus on rules and rituals could have created barriers to understanding the grace and freedom that Christianity offered. The emphasis on works over faith might have made it difficult for the message of salvation through Christ to be embraced fully.
3.Political Expectations: Many Jews had specific political expectations regarding the Messiah, anticipating a political leader who would liberate them from Roman oppression. This expectation could have led to a rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, as He did not fulfill these political aspirations. If Christianity had been confined to Israel, it might have struggled to gain traction among those who were looking for a different kind of savior.
4.Historical Rejection of Prophets: Throughout their history, the Israelites had a pattern of rejecting prophets and messengers sent by God. This historical context of resistance to divine revelation could suggest that a new message, such as Christianity, might also face significant opposition within Israel, limiting its ability to spread effectively.
5.Spiritual Blindness: Reece and Wolfe might argue that there was a spiritual blindness among many in Israel, as they were not prepared to accept the radical nature of Jesus’ teachings. The idea of a suffering servant and a crucified Messiah was contrary to their expectations, which could have led to a lack of receptivity to the gospel message.
6.Geopolitical Limitations: Israel was a relatively small nation in a tumultuous geopolitical landscape. The Roman Empire, on the other hand, provided a vast network of roads, communication, and trade that facilitated the spread of ideas and beliefs. If Christianity had been confined to Israel, it might not have had the same opportunities for rapid dissemination across diverse cultures and regions.
7.Divine Sovereignty and Plan: Ultimately, Reece and Wolfe might emphasize that God’s choice to reveal Christianity outside of Israel was part of His divine plan. This decision reflects God’s sovereignty and His intention to reach all nations, demonstrating that His message is for everyone, not just a select group.

In summary, the factors that might have hindered the spread of Christianity through Israel include cultural insularity, religious legalism, political expectations, historical rejection of prophets, spiritual blindness, geopolitical limitations, and the overarching divine plan of God to reveal His message to all nations. These conditions could have made it challenging for the transformative message of Christianity to take root and flourish within Israel alone.

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How does the Fall affect human rationality according to Reece’s perspective?

According to Reece’s perspective, the Fall significantly affects human rationality by corrupting the mind and moral understanding of individuals. Before the Fall, Adam possessed a clear and uncorrupted knowledge of God’s law, which was inscribed in his heart, allowing him to discern right from wrong effectively. This state of integrity included a rational understanding of God’s essence and the moral order.

However, after the Fall, human rationality became compromised. While Reece maintains that humans still possess the capacity for rational thought and logic, their definitions of God and moral truths are distorted. The inherent knowledge of God’s attributes remains within them, but it is often misapplied or idolized through false conceptions. As a result, individuals can still engage in reasoning and make choices based on moral categories that stem from the Ten Commandments, but these choices are influenced by their corrupted understanding and pursuit of false gods.

In summary, Reece argues that while the Fall does not eliminate human rationality, it corrupts it, leading to a flawed understanding of morality and truth. Humans retain the ability to reason but often do so in ways that reflect their distorted perceptions rather than an accurate understanding of divine moral law.

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What implications do their discussions have for contemporary Christian thought in business and ethics?

The discussions between Reece and Wolfe have significant implications for contemporary Christian thought in business and ethics, particularly in how Christians approach governance, moral decision-making, and the integration of faith into economic practices.

1. Integration of Faith and Business: Reece’s emphasis on establishing businesses that reflect Christian values suggests a model where faith directly informs economic practices. He advocates for creating “bastions of Christian power” that not only operate profitably but also embody a culture rooted in Biblical principles. This approach encourages Christians to view their work as an extension of their faith, promoting ethical practices that align with Scriptural teachings.

2. Moral Framework for Decision-Making: Both speakers highlight the necessity of a moral framework grounded in Scripture to guide ethical decision-making in business. Reece argues that knowledge of what is good must come from the Bible, implying that contemporary Christian businesses should prioritize Scriptural guidance over secular norms. This perspective challenges Christians to critically assess their business practices and ensure they reflect a commitment to Biblical ethics.

3. Understanding Civil Power: The dialogue addresses the relationship between civil authority and Christian ethics. Reece’s view that civil power should be influenced by Scriptural understanding encourages Christians to engage actively in societal governance, advocating for policies that reflect Christian morality. Wolfe’s recognition of human rationality alongside divine revelation suggests that Christians can also draw from reason and experience when navigating complex ethical dilemmas in business and governance.

4. Response to Cultural Challenges: In a rapidly changing cultural landscape, the discussions encourage Christians to articulate their beliefs clearly and defend their ethical positions. By grounding their arguments in both Scripture and rational thought, they can engage more effectively with secular perspectives, fostering dialogue that respects both faith and reason.

5. Revisiting the Nature of Knowledge: The emphasis on epistemology as foundational to understanding ethics implies that contemporary Christian thought must grapple with how knowledge is defined and acquired. Reece’s assertion that true knowledge is derived from divine revelation challenges Christians to consider how they approach learning and truth in a world increasingly skeptical of absolute truths.

In summary, the implications of Reece’s and Wolfe’s discussions encourage contemporary Christians to integrate their faith into all aspects of life, particularly in business and ethics, by grounding their practices in Scripture while also engaging with rational thought and cultural realities. This holistic approach fosters a more robust Christian witness in the marketplace and society at large.


To see all of the posts in this series click on Reece-Wolfe Dialogue 1.