Excerpts from reader commentary on News staffers’ online blog postings last week. Online comments come from registered users, but — unlike reviewed and verified Everybody’s Column letters — can be posted under pen names.

Matters of Opinion: In a response to George Pyle’s blog on health care and The News’ editorial suggesting that insurers should compete, Rick asked:

Good Lord, is there anyone here who has a clue?

A public option of any sort isn’t going to increase competition, it’s going to limit it. And, how efficient do you really think the government is going to be? How can the government be both judge as well as competitor? It can’t. . . .

If you want to increase competition, let insurers sell policies across state lines.

Decrease the number of mandates in order to lower costs. Let people pick which services they want/need.

Repealing the anti-trust exemption won’t do much to open up competition, and could even lead to a reduction in insurers in some markets due to the fact that some small insurers are able to compete because of access to larger companies’ data. . . .

Campus Watch: A blog by Rodney McKissic on a verbal commitment that 6-foot-1 point guard Elijah Carter, from St. Anthony’s in New Jersey, has given to St. Bonaventure drew this comment from bc:

This is a big pick up for Bonnas. They have some good young bigs, turnovers from backcourt have been a huge problem. If this kid is steady . . . Look out!

David, Amherst added: This is very good news, thanks Rodney.

As the Bonnies are playing in Rochester, I can see them at HSBC Arena and drawing well. This could be the start of something big.

Now, if Niagara were to Get Smart and join the A-10, Buffalo versus Philly would be a great sub-plot.

Billboard: Mark Gaughan’s blog about the physical condition of Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, following Edwards’ concussion of 10 days earlier, brought this observation from TheGreek:

Trent is a nice guy, but not a leader. The team needs a leader the way Kelly used to be. The same on defense, where are the leaders?

Nick added:

Everyone blames Edwards for how bad he has been playing this year. It totally isn’t all his fault. Yes he throws a lot of check passes but, sheesh, he needs a better line to give him time.

I bet if [New England Patriots quarterback Tom] Brady was our QB his results wouldn’t be great either because his offensive line is not protecting him. So give him a break.

News: In response to an article by Mary B. Pasciak on the dwindling supply of seasonal flu vaccine, and on the increased interest in vaccinations that has resulted from public concern over the H1N1 virus, mackdog contributed this thought:

This is happening because the factories/laboratories that produce flu vaccines are now making 2 different types of vaccines, instead of just 1.

Due to the timing of the outbreak of H1N1 they were unable to combine the H1N1 vaccine together with the standard seasonal flu vaccine in time for the flu season. Next year this will not happen.

The government is actually not to blame on this one.

Outrages & Insights: James Heaney blogged about the recent visit by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and the distinct absence of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown on a tour of the city’s distressed neighborhoods, in addition to the recent gaffe by County Executive Chris Collins in his characterization of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Chris S. responded to the blog:

Dear Western New York Politicians Who Wonder Why The Youth Are Leaving,

If the economy wasn’t bad enough, check out your own mismanagement.

Sincerely, A Young Professional Eager and About to

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