Washington Watch: Week 12

Boston Skyline (LB March 2013)

This week the whole nation mourns over the attack in Boston. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families.

I was in Boston a few weeks ago for the Association of Health Care Journalists annual conference. It was fitting that the conference was held in Boston because the city has some of the best healthcare in the country. 98% of the residents in Massachusetts are covered. In addition, the hospitals in Boston are top-rate. 

I enjoyed the city and even took time to go to the St. Patrick's Day parade where I mingled with residents. I came away with the feeling that this was a big city comprised of many close-knit neighborhoods. The various communities were represented in the parade and it was clear that Bostonians have a closeness that you don't see in other major U.S. cities. They appreciate their history and their traditions -- their faith, their schools, their sports, and their 'green beer on St. Patrick's Day.'  They are empathetic yet tough. They will continue.


In other news....this was Tax Week -- 

Where Does the Money Go?