1960

Bruce Hasenkamp and Con Gardner are two among many other '60s who also are members of the Stanford Law School class of 1963. In fact, Bruce claims that, in their class at Stanford, Dartmouth alumni outnumbered all but Stanford alums. It struck me in my world of obtuse observations that this hearty group shares the dubious distinction of having attended both the major educational institutions that banned the American Indian as their athletic mascot/symbol.

In recent conversations with both Bruce and Con, I learned they are, coincidentally, both devoting significant professional energies toward controlling the skyrocketing costs of insurance. As executive director of the Hospital Council of Northern California, Bruce finds himself battling the bureaucratic bamboozlers who want hospitals to provide the proverbial "free lunch" foindigents at the expense of insurance companies, hospitals and, ultimately, the rate payers. The California legislature requires hospitals to provide services to the poor but offers no payment in return.

In politically more conservative Colorado, Con serves as chairman of the legislative committee of the local bar association. This group has been making some progress in controlling awards for damages in the area of pain and suffering. Colorado has imposed a cap of $250,000. However, Conoted that the legislators cynically provided a huge loophole in the cap law for those who are deemed permanently disabled because of pain and suffering. As legislation has tightened in Colorado, insurance premiums have not declined or even remained constant. Thus, there is a growing voter resentment toward the insurance companies and away from the legislature, an interesting phenomenon.

While Con spends most of his working time as a trial lawyer in Golden involved in personal injury and divorce suits, he continues to devote a great deal of time to the Jefferson County Library, where he has been a member of its board for 20 years. He spoke glowingly about the county taxpayers' willingness to spend money on new facilities and books. Five buildings are currently under construction.

I sensed that both Bruce and Con are attacking dragons with' the same intensity and devotion they exhibited in Hanover so many years ago. Meanwhile, what are the rest of you doing? I would really appreciate a note or phone call about anything.

Robert B. Boye, 156 Overleigh Road, Bernardsville, NJ 07924