RE “US health overhaul could penalize Mass.’’ (Page A1, Nov. 1): In the opening paragraph, it states that “state officials are working to make sure . . . that Massachusetts isn’t penalized financially for being first.’’
For as long as I can remember Massachusetts has always been “first.’’ For the longest time it was first in taxes and first into recession.
That was bad enough. Now it seems to be first in social change.
Given all the problems that being first causes, one has to ask why Massachusetts is constantly trying to lead the way.
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize gay marriage. That caused all sorts of problems with the federal government and other states.
Massachusetts was the first state to mandate health coverage - look at all the problems now.
Apparently Massachusetts is now the first state (have you heard the radio commercials?) to require something called bioheat.
Given the state’s track record, I expect my heating bills to go up as a result.
I’m tired of being a guinea pig. Let someplace else go first and work out the problems.
Ed Lawrence
Natick 
