Entry 12:

Some final thoughts:

On medicine: I'm not sure how we got here or where it takes us, but I think the idea that who lives and who dies doesn't depend on wealth, that everyone gets the same treatment, the same chance, if not the same amenities is a powerful statement of our values. It's a goal worth seeking, even if imperfectly. From teaching hospitals to trade unions, the view of quality health care as a right and not a privilege, the willingness to spend economically irrational sums to save lives, is another one of those issues, like the minimum wage I suppose, that makes it clear that economics shapes rather than defines us.

On politics: It's another day full of Clinton stories. What it reflects, more broadly, is the growing case of jitters on the Democratic side, frustration with Gore, the campaign, and the sinking feeling that we may be about to lose an election that we should be able to win.

On travel: Best picture of the day, front page of the Los Angeles Times--the board at LAX. Everything was delayed there yesterday because of a software failure; on the East today, the shuttle is apparently running with one-hour delays. Travel is best accomplished these days in a Zenlike state of total acceptance, but look for more calls for, yes, government regulation of the airlines. It's bad in row 37E.

On the Middle East: How unbelievably sad. Ran into a friend yesterday who said all of her friends' sons in Israel are being called up; everyone is getting ready for more violence. Barak can go no further. And then we get the latest "grave lapse" of judgment. Politics is a whole different sport there.

Have a great day. It's been a pleasure sharing breakfast.