Lurking -

I'm a big fan of public education, and a product of it (as well as my parents, sibling, husband, child and step-child), so I start from a place as having some faith in government run ventures and the people who run them (I worked for a public university for 18 years). I also do not believe that the market is always the best answer for every question (I am happy that MJFF brings a business model to medical research; fresh perspective is always welcome - but I don't think what they are doing can completely replace what the NIH can accomplish under government regulation).

That said, regarding health care reform, the question now seems to be moot. It was reported yesterday in the New York Times that the compromise being hammered out in the Senate among 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans has dismissed a public option:

"Already, the group of six has tossed aside the idea of a government-run insurance plan that would compete with private insurers, which the president supports but Republicans said was a deal-breaker.

Instead, they are proposing a network of private, nonprofit cooperatives."

read the whole thing here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/28/us...cus.html?fta=y

It will be interesting to see what finally emerges - if anything.