A healthy solution

Massachusetts health care bill a nice start to fixing a major problem

By passing a bill that dramatically expands coverage for most of the state's uninsured, Massachusetts took the leading role in bridging our nation's ongoing healthcare divide. Our hope is the Massachusetts model, if successfully implemented, will be used by other states in aiding millions nationwide without health insurance.

The bill passed by the state legislature is historical because it has support from both liberal and conservative factions. Both sides have gotten together to fix a pressing problem whose solution has been elusive for decades. The plan uses combinations of financial incentives and penalties to fully extend health insurance by 2007 to the state's uninsured. And no new taxes are needed to fund the bill, which is modeled similar to the mandatory auto insurance model that requires every driver to be insured.

Massachusetts's plan is good social policy because it doesn't cost anything. It's a hodgepodge of existing programs realigned to ensure maximum utility for all. It also doesn't call for an increased governmental role.

However, it's not perfect. The objective of any universal coverage should involve the greatest care at the cheapest price. Until single payers become part of the solution, millions of dollars will still be paid to inefficient health insurers and their rich executives who protect drug companies' profit margins above all else. The Massachusetts plan doesn't address the single carrier solution, but is a new beginning to an old problem, which is a start.

Duke's shame

University's handling of alleged rape controversy first class all the way

The storm surrounding Duke University's lacrosse team is similar to past sex scandals involving athletes, both on the amateur and professional levels. But Duke's reaction certainly wasn't.

In response to rape, sodomy, and assault charges leveled against three members of the perennial championship-caliber lacrosse team by a student stripper from across town, Duke cancelled the remainder lacrosse season and accepted the coach's resignation. The burgeoning scandal guarantees more inflammatory headlines in the near future, but Duke's response thus far has been a refreshing change from the way other big-name schools handle scandal. Schools like Colorado and Cincinnati all but condoned bad behavior by both coaches and players by allowing them to play even with pending police investigations.

UB hasn't had a scandal like Duke's, but we can't help but think back to last year's soccer hazing debacle, which was so poorly handled that it looked like UB was hiding far worse than what actually happened. It's understandable that college athletic programs protect themselves from the media blitz, but UB and other schools should look to Duke, which appeared to take a morally responsible stand by taking away the privilege of playing for an uncooperative team.

We don't think for a second Duke would've responded in the same manner if the high-revenue generating basketball team were involved. Regardless, it's good to see Duke go over the top in disciplining those who potentially committed such a heinous act, as opposed to closing ranks and trudging on like business is usual.