As the Affordable Care Act moves toward its goal of including more of some 40 million of our uninsured fellow citizens, I give thanks for this view of the common good. It stands in contrast to the “American exceptionalism” stance that glorifies “ragged individualism” over “seamless community.” How can we claim to have the best medical system in the world when it leaves out so many of us? Until Obamacare, those with mental illness were left out of equal coverage.

A healthy family does its best to care for all of its members, especially those in greatest need and least able to care for themselves. I welcome this step toward health in our country.

Jim GillEast Winthrop