Murders — especially random mass murders — are frightening. And when we’re frightened, we look for explanations that will restore some sense of safety to the world.

Why do the Olympics have the events they have? Why don’t they have swimming obstacle races, croquet, rugby or native mud fighting? The answer is that they once did.

The Affordable Care Act remains in Republican cross hairs and very much in the news. In recent days, several patients have asked me what the law will mean for them. Many of the people I care for are incurably ill and need expensive medical care to stay alive.