The fear and furor largely created by misinformation and political ill will in the  debate about U.S. health care reform has taken such uncivil forms, it is refreshing to learn that the Ontario government in Canada (you know, the place with that blankety-blank public health care system)is considering 21st century legislation regarding infertility. With so many women working and having babies later in life today, infertility issues have distressingly come to the forefront. If the new plan is passed, the government will cover costs for three in vitro attempts for women with infertility problems. In addition, the Ontario government wants to start a central adoption agency that will assist people in finding reputable adoption agencies (ones that don't disappear with your money) and in placing the thousands and thousands of Canadian children who are already crown wards. There are people who desperately want children, and children who desperately need homes. Why not facilitate putting them together?

Good news for the New Year, yes? And here's another whoopee! My grandchild, who loves "Reader's Digest", just pointed out an article in the latest issue (October, 2009, p. 14) about Richard Dawkins new book, "The Greatest Show on Earth." Apparently, all living creatures on this planet are descended from a single ancestor, and they share a genetic code made up of 64 "words." Yup, the genetic code is "universal, all but identical across animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, archaea, and viruses." Of course, there are minor differences too, otherwise we might all end up as viruses or fungi. But since we are human beings, surely we can celebrate our similarities as well as our differences and tolerate one another's views.

I thought the message the White House put on its website (www.whitehouse.gov) today was beautiful. So let me take this opportunity to wish one and all the most joyful of Jewish New Years: Health, happiness, peace, and even prosperity (hopefully)in the year 5770.

L'shana tova and shalom!