(RNS) — After the Paris attacks and mass shooting at San Bernardino, the debates on Islam have predictably intensified, feeding hysteria and Islamophobia.
While the hate rhetoric is alarming, it is important to note that aspects of Muslim theology and jurisprudence constructed during the early years of the Islamic empire influence the wider belief system of extremists. And while most Muslims are not radicalized, they are exposed to extremist views that center on the radical notion of Islamic totalitarianism.
Ongoing market consolidation and higher U.S. health care spending growth rates are identified as reasons for concern in the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission's 2015 cost trends report, which concludes that a low rate of growth in hospital and physician services, a well-functioning Connector Authority website, and stabilized MassHealth enrollment are reasons for optimism.
The report, which is being discussed during a downtown Boston meeting Wednesday, raised red flags around a 6.3 percent premium increase schedule to take effect in January 2016 in the state's merged insurance market.
