Former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis speaks on 'Health Security for Working Americans: A Moral Imperative'

Michael S. Dukakis, former governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, delivered the fourth annual Paul D. Merrill Business Ethics Lecture on April 26th on the topic "Health Security for Working Americans: A Moral Imperative."

Dukakis was introduced by former Maine governor Angus King, who compared Dukakis to former Maine Sen. Edmund Muskie, the Democratic nominee for vice president in 1968 and a presidential candidate in 1972. "The major similarity between them is that they both should have been president," King said.

Following some remarks on the consequences of his failed bid for the presidency in 1988, Dukakis recounted the history of the idea of comprehensive health care in the United States, pointing out that former President Theodore Roosevelt, during a campaign as a third party Bull Moose candidate, raised the idea of universal coverage in the early 20th century. 

Dukakis noted that the issue was also raised by President Calvin Coolidge, and that Presidents Truman, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon had all proposed plans fostering greater universal coverage.

"We have been debating this issue for nearly a century," he said. "I could never understand why this country didn't bring itself to see early that good, affordable healthcare is a birthright."

Dukakis said he has been disturbed by the quality of the rhetoric over health care reform in Congress.

"We have to commit ourselves as a moral and ethical imperative that if you work in this country you and your family have a right to good, affordable health care," he said.

He went on to survey health care systems in other nations, explaining that the free market doesn't work in health care. To keep health care affordable, he said, it has to be regulated and standardized to control costs and eliminate administrative overhead.

He concluded his talk saying he would most like to see the restoration of "a sense of hope and optimism that we can work together to make a difference for the people of this country."

The Paul D. Merrill Lecture

The annual Paul D. Merrill Business Ethics Lecture honors the late Paul D. (P.D.) Merrill, Portland-area business leader and long-time UNE trustee, supporter and friend.

The lecture series, sponsored by the Department of Business and Communications, creates an opportunity for future business leaders from UNE and the broader community to learn about and reflect upon the important role that ethical considerations play in our daily choices, and the impact these choices have on our communities.