FACT CHECK: No 'death panel' in health care bill

(Denver Post - Mike Keefe)

FACT CHECK: No 'death panel' in health care bill

Some excerpts:

Q: Does the health care legislation bill promote "mercy killing," or euthanasia?

A: No.

Q: Then what's all the fuss about?

A: A provision in the House bill written by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would allow Medicare to pay doctors for voluntary counseling sessions that address end-of-life issues. The conversations between doctor and patient would include living wills, making a close relative or a trusted friend your health care proxy, learning about hospice as an option for the terminally ill, and information about pain medications for people suffering chronic discomfort.

The sessions would be covered every five years, more frequently if someone is gravely ill.

Q: Is anything required?

Monsignor Charles Fahey, 76, a Catholic priest who is chairman of the board of the National Council on Aging, a nonprofit service and advocacy group, says no.

"We have to make decisions that are deliberative about our health care at every moment," Fahey said. "What I have said is that if I cannot say another prayer, if I cannot give or get another hug, and if I cannot have another martini — then let me go."

Q: Does the bill advocate assisted suicide?

A: No. It would block funds for counseling that presents suicide or assisted suicide as an option.

Q: Who supports the provision?

A: The American Medical Association, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Consumers Union are among the groups supporting the provision. AARP, the seniors' lobby, is taking out print advertisements this week that label as false the claim that the legislation will empower the government to take over life-and-death decisions from individuals.

Q: Should the federal government be getting involved with living wills and end-of-life questions — decisions that are highly personal and really difficult?

A: It already is.

The government requires hospitals to ask adult patients if they have a living will, or "advance directive." If the patient doesn't have one, and wants one, the hospital has to provide assistance. The mandate on hospitals was instituted during a Republican administration, in 1992, under President George H.W. Bush.

I really hate giving her any "air time" at all. However, this fucking asshole is spreading not just "mis-information", she's LYING. SHE'S A LYING PIECE OF SHIT. She's actually a detriment to progress and a shit-smeared hemorrhoid on America's ass. And she should stick to cutting the heads off fish... Or whatever it is that she used to do up there.

And speaking of "fish", Barracudas are attracted to shiny objects... So, it really shouldn't surprise anyone that "Sarah-Barracuda" is a media-whore. She'll say anything (obviously) to get a flash.

And one more thing before I'm done with my rant, that American Flag pin on her lapel? As though that's all it takes to be a good American?? She's no patriot... I'd like to stick that pin straight up her lying-ass. And then, she can go pay a doctor to retrieve it. Maybe she can go to the same doctor that gave her that lobotomy so long ago...

***Britons defend their health care from US criticism***

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