Governor Sarah Palin makes some outrageous comments. Are they true or not?
I am no fan of the healthcare reform bill that the House Democrats are determined to pass, but I do not agree with Sarah Palin’s assessment that the bill is “evil” and that it would create “death panels.” The former Alaska Governor is referring to the provision in the legislation that would mandate “end of life counseling,” which many critics are pointing to as euthanasia or as Palin put it, a “death panel.” I don’t consider that accurate at all and it boggles my mind where that statement came from. If anyone actually thinks the healthcare reform bill would lead to euthanasia, you have got to be nuts. I believe that the bill would do a lot of bad things, but claiming that crosses a line. Critics of the bill need to focus on accurate statements to make their points, as well as proposing their own counter version.
Republicans are in an advantageous position heading into this August recess. Public opinion is growing against the health “reform” bill. People are realizing that there is no way to pay for it, it would lead to higher taxes, and that is would hurt the healthcare industry. In order to win the fight, we need to be critical of the bad points, but cannot make outrageous claims like Sarah Palin did. In addition, the Republicans NEED to propose their own alternative plan, because they cannot be the party of “no” like the Democrats has been in the past.
Showing up to the town hall meetings, contrary to what the media and Democrats are saying, reveal the anger that the American people have. They can shout from roof tops about how it is rigged and organized, but so what? It is not easy coordinating a mass campaign of regular people to show up to an event, so even if they are organized, the people WANT to be there. I actually think a good number of people that show up to the events, show up on their own, because like it or not, people are quite upset with how things are being done in Washington
Take a look at the video at the bottom of this wonderful congressman. Representative David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, held a town hall meeting that discussed a wide range of issues. One man, Dr. Brian Hill stood up and asked Congressman Scott why he would support a healthcare plan that didn’t work like in Massachusetts and if he supported a public option. Well, Scott did not like it and began to shout at the man that he was a part of an organization, wasn’t from his district, and yelled that he would meet with people if they wanted to talk about healthcare. Ironically enough, (my favorite part of this story) is that Dr. Hill was from Congressman Scott’s district, has called his office but has been ignored, and is a Democrat. I think it is time for voters to give Mr. Scott the boot from office. Where does a member of Congress get off at yelling at a voter that he answers to? Did he forget that he works for the voters and has to answer to them? This goes to show that this movement is not isolate to “right wing nuts.” By the time the liberals realize this, it will be too late for them to recover.
Here is the video of Congressman David Scott (D-Ga) attacking a doctor asking a question:
Comments
Thank you for writing something sensible.
Let's rim.
"If anyone actually thinks the healthcare reform bill would lead to euthanasia, you have got to be nuts."
Just so we have this glorious moment on record, I am writing this comment. Pat McMahon has just called Sarah Palin nuts. Thank you for showing us today that your journalism is capable of some honesty. This is probably the first absolutely true and truly non-partisan statements that you have made over the course of these mostly abysmal, overly conservative articles.
Secondly, this statement truly speaks volumes about Sarah Palin. This is such a bizarre statement that it leaves room for only 2 possibilities. 1. She is purposly spreading lies and using scare tactics to hurt the healthcare reform bill. 2. (Most likely) She is so stupid that she actually thinks this euthanasia stuff is in this bill. Pat, i know you are a Palin supporter, but i still to this day, find it unfathomable that many people of our country consider Palin a viable NATIONAL LEVEL politician. USA is dumb.
It's truly sad that a huge number of people support this crazy wench and her radical, nonsensical views. I am completely flabbergasted that people STILL believe she can run a country, let alone a country with so many problems, enemies, etc.
It's also sad that the media is exploiting someone who is truly mentally ill. Palin is a gullible loon, and will believe anything if someone wearing red tells it to her. Pitiful and shameful.
Sarah Palin flies off at the mouth without having all the facts, as usual. I think she wants to be noticed and wants people to know she's still out here but we don't care. It would be nice if once in a while she would do her homework and know what she's talking about instead of sounding like an idiot. Alaska is lucky to be rid of her. Hopefully soon, she will just go away. I want to know more about the healthcare plan but from someone who knows what they're talking about. I want facts, not jibberish!
I've been some what in the middle about Sarah Palin. I'd taken an attitude of wait and see and learn more about her. She made my mind up in a big way with this "death Panel" nonsense. Is she just trying to scare people because she can? This is a very irresponsible statement on her part.
Just so we're all clear, there's no provision in the bill that mandates "end of life counsel". There's a provision in the bill that mandates COVERAGE for end of life counsel if you CHOOSE to have such counsel. These are VASTLY different.
David Scott didn't conduct himself well and he along with many other democrat politicians don't seem to realize that many many of us are against the health bill. So, let him represent his small group of constituents and he'll be out of a job soon enough.
Perhaps not yet can it be considered "evil." But just give it time to metastasize into the leviathan it will absolutely become. It is "evil" in it's unintended consequences that are predictable with 100% certainty.
Pat says; "If anyone thinks the healthcare reform bill would lead to euthanasia, you have got to be nuts." A year ago, I never thought the government would take over GM and Chrysler, and appoint a "Car Czar" over two thirds of the US car manufacturing market, with absolutely no Congressional oversight, or any mechanism for the people of our country to have a voice in any of his decisions.
Because of Sarah Palin and HER evil cohorts, my husbands 97 year old Great Aunt is now under the impression that we all want her dead. She believes her doctors will force her to sign a paper so they can end her life. Our hearts are breaking over this. She is a most special woman and we love her dearly and we have tried to explain what that part of the bill actually means but believe it or not she is convinced of the opposite because of all the negative news coverage. I will also add that she is a strict Roman Catholic.
All of you people are just jealous of Sarah and her beautiful family and the amazing willpower she has. You crazy liberals are so worried that she may actually have a chance to shape up things in Washington. I think Sarah is brilliant for discovering this clause and relaying it to the American people. All you left-wing idiots try to portray her less than spectacular, but she always proves you wrong. I think that Obama should check himself once in a while, because Palin will stand up for what is right and what America needs. America needs a voice for the American people! This healthcare plan stinks! I refuse to pay for some illegal's healthcare, illegals that don't pay taxes and reap the benefits of our land! Enough with the moochers! We must continue to rally town hall meetings, so our voice is heard! We must demand to see proof that Obama is not Kenyan! AMERICA IS NOT A SOCIALIST COUNTRY, IT IS A DEMOCRACY!
She is basing her statements on an article by Betsy McCaughey in the New York Post which quotes directly from articles written by Ezekiel Emanuel, Obama's health policy advisor. There was also a speech on the house floor by Michele Bachmann repeating Dr. Emanuel's quotes.
Palin is correct.
btw, I am not a fan of Palin and I don't consider myself a democrat or republican. The msm isn't reporting the news. Turn off your tv and seek out reputable alternative news sources. Watch c-span to hear what these so-called representatives (criminals) are saying. You must take it upon yourself to be informed because our government is doing everything in its power to keep you uninformed and frightened enough that you sacrifice all of your freedoms and give them all power and authority over your life. Vigilance! Revolution!
and Sarah Altman, America is not a Democracy, it is a Republic.
Readers may be very surprised to know that Obama's infamous provision that GOP leader, Rep John Boehner, called "a slippery slope to euthanesia" was actually a stand alone bi-partisan act which has been absorbed into the current health care reform plan.
One of its original co-authors, Rep Earl Blumenauer, (D) wrote this Open Letter on Huffington Post:
STOP DISTORTING THE TRUTH ABOUT END OF LIFE CARE
Those with no solutions and no answers for how to reform our health care system are hijacking positive, bipartisan efforts that have contributed to a strong bill passed out of two House committees. Republican leadership has abandoned all efforts at passing needed health care reform -- even turning their attacks to legislation that has been actively crafted and supported by both parties.
One of these outrageous examples is my Life Sustaining Treatment Preferences Act.
Cont.....
GOP leadership has been gravely distorting the truth and misrepresenting the facts about this bipartisan effort, and in the process throwing members of their own party under the bus -- those who have reached across the aisle to do something that will help Americans across the nation.
The bill simply provides people with better care as they grapple with the hardest health care issue of all -- their final chapter of life. See the Myths vs. Facts sheet on this. CNN reporter Elizabeth Landau does a great job highlighting the benefits of "doctors and family members having more conversations about end-of-life issues," which my bill addresses.
This bill has bipartisan support (the main cosponsor is a Republican doctor) as well as support from a diverse coalition like AARP, the American College of Physicians, and Catholic health systems. It is an area where -- no matter from a red or blue state -- many have been able to bridge the divide.
Cont...(3)
The bottom line: this is a smart and just thing to do for families going through a tough time. Who wouldn't want to know:
Can I stay in my home or will I need to move to a hospital or nursing home at some point?
What are different treatment options as my health declines?
Will I be in pain and what are the side effects of medication?
These outrageous distortions about "rationing end of life care" are not only personally infuriating, but their attempts to derail health reform endanger millions of people who live without insurance and desperately need access to affordable, high quality health care. As PolitiFact notes, these are "pants on fire" untruths.
...pretty stunning proof that one of the GOP's big campaign attacks against Obama is based on a great big LIE!
With a name like Prudence Wright, I am not surprised you support the fanatical Sarah Palin and her equally crazy views. Instead of telling us to seek out alternative sources, why don't you listen to common sense and logic, you sick individual. Revolution? Wow, and here I though I was living in 2009, not the freaking middle ages. Go back to sewing your mouth shut, you moron.
Sarah is fundamentally correct even if the legislation does not set up "death panels". The government says it is going to cut costs, the laws of suopply and demand dictate that what they are doing will increase costs. They will be increasing demand on the healthcare system - that is irreffutable. So as the proce of healthcare rises, and only a limited amount of health care is available, just like with the financial and auto industries, the government will be FORCED to choose winners and losers. The winners will be the young and productive, who the government has a vested interest in getting back to work. The losers will be the elderly and the mentally and physically handicapped - just like Sarah Palin said! Sure, they won't CALL them death panels, but there is no question that functionally that is what they will be. They will decide who lives and who dies, who suffers and who gets treatment. They may not euthanize outright, but will they be denying treatment to some? "You betcha!"
H.R. 3200 IS THE NAME, DICTATORSHIP IS THE GAME. OBAMA HIMSELF SAID, "SENIORS SHOULD USE HOSPICE MORE." For all you opinionated citizens without a clue what is in the said bill-you know, the one the Obama and the commy buddy from San Fransicko were so anxious to pass before the recess -- See the bill at Thomas.gov and AskHeritage.com read Sect 102[c] prohibiting the sale of private insurance after 2012. Then ask Obama if he's read it?
Simple, unthinking answers to the problems of our day. "Evil death panels" performing euthanasia. This kind of talk is evil the way Hitler's Nazi propaganda was evil. The real problem with Palin is that she lies so smoothly and with such panache that it is hard to know where to start in unraveling those lies. They are not "death panels" and they aren't for the purpose of killing anyone. When you read the bill, you find that there is an OPTION for having consultations on end of life matters, allowing people to make their own decisions on how their final days should be handled, instead of letting hospitals or other authorities decide for them. It's actually the opposite of what Palin claims. That's why her lies are so devious and destructive -- as were the lies of Hitler's propaganda machine.
Too dangerous have kids these days. Doctors today are going to use people as guinea pig experiment, to avoid costy manufacture drugs, and huge lawsuits for injuries and medical mistakes.
I don't know how many rich, middle class can live socialized medicine. I don't think sarah palin can survive drug abuse against her down syndrome baby.
It is amazing how Mr. McMahon's articles attract insane, radical conspiracy theorists. I cannot fathom how some of you people actually believe the crap you write on these blogs.
We already have limits on health care. If your insurance doesn't cover it, you don't get it. If you get diabetes or asthma and try to change insurance, your "pre-existing condition" won't be covered.
And we already have "socialized medicine" -- it's the sneaky form in which your doctor and hospital bills are much higher because people without insurance wait until they are REALLY sick and then get "free" care from the emergency room. This "free" care is the most expensive, least effective kind, and it is paid for -- not by the hospital -- but by increases in fees to paying customers.
Since we already have "limits" and "health care for all," why not find the most effective, least expensive, and -- dare I say -- most charitable [read: Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, etc.] way to help people stay well, recover fast, and die gently?
If Obama's Healthcare plan in so good why won't he go in?? Why won't the guy who drives around with emergency blood in all his cars and a pop-up minigun in his limo go on basic healthcare coverage??? IS SNOBAMA TOO GOOD FOR IT!?!?!?
I also heard this new Mandate will force a certain number of AMericans to undergoe mandatory Sex changes (turning men into women and women to men, etc.). What HAPPENED to the First Amendment????
And the lunacy continues...
Sarah Palin is an evil liar and very selfish. She cares only about her looks, clothes, and money, money, money.
Many rich Americans identify with her with their big cars, big houses and arrogance.
sarah altman - your mother needs to go for counciling ever 5 years....remember - the blue pill or the red pill, just take the pain pill....she gets no hip or near replacements, organ transplants.......counciling is tell her she is being "greedy" making Americans spend thier tax dollars on her....
BBub: It's people like you that are destroying this country, you illegal. SPEAK ENGLISH que pasa! I refuse to pay for your clumsy a*s getting hit by an innocent driver because you jaywalked to the Pollo Tropical! Sarah Palin is the best role model for our country right now! She is an unfair target, because no liberal is as beautiful as she is and has a family with such grace as hers. All of you are jealous of her, and it is terrible that she is denounced as crazy, inept, etc. She knows what America needs, and America knows we need her!
Re Pat Brown.
I completely agree with the first part of your response. However: "Many rich Americans identify with her with their big cars, big houses and arrogance." This I believe is what is wrong with the Liberals in America. It is completely unfair to judge someone as arrogant because they are financially well off. I would hate to live in a country where we all want to have EVERYTHING to be the same (Communists). I love this country and I love big homes and nice cars, but it is a bit childish to assume that equals arrogance. Just because someone has nicer things than you does not necessarily mean they are fundamentally flawed, arrogant, or greedy.
Though i support the Health Care reform act and disagree with several statements in this article i agree that we need an open and serious debate on Health care not deceitful lying which the republicans have been engaging in. There are problems with the bill that should be addressed seriously. Republicans hurt themselves by making these ridicules claims. They may convince the crazies on the far right but the average american is not that stupid. all in all a good article
I like Sara Palin as much as I like Hillary Clinton. They would both make fine presidents. The Republicans know how sinister things get without checks and balances so they remain tough and skeptical. Here in New York ex-Governer Pataki created models of health care called Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus, both of which are affordable by many of the currently uninsured. Everything's going to be OK.
Powerlineblog.com (link to & info from WashingtonPost)
An Honest Look At The House Dems' End-Of-Life Counseling Regime
WaPo rips ObamaCare
"Democratic Politicians and the MSM consider it a given that concerns about the "end-of-life counseling" provision in Section 1233 of a House-drafted version of health care legislation are nothing but the unfounded product of right-wing fear mongering.
But Charles Lane of the Washington Post, certainly no right winger, has taken a careful look at Section 1233 and finds that he too is concerned. Lane argue that the "consultations" provided for in Section 1233, while not mandatory, are not "purely voluntary" either as the Democrats have claimed. Thus, he writes, "Section 1233 lets doctors initiate the chat and gives them an incentive - money - to do so. Indeed, that's an incentive to insist."
As Lane notes, common sense tells us that Section 1233 would place senior citizens in a situation where they will feel pressured...
cont. above
... where they will feel pressuerd to sign end-of-life directives that they would not otherwise sign.
The federal government should not be in the business of skewing end-of-life counsel, and thus, end-of-life decisions.
Lane conccludes:
Ideally, the delicate decisions about how to manage life's end would be made in a setting that is neutral in both appearance and fact. Yes, it's good top have a doctor's perspective but Section 1233 goes beyond facilitating doctor input to preferring it. Indeed, the measure would have an interested part - the government - recruit doctors to sell the elderly on living wills, hospice care and their associated providers, professions and organizations. You don't have to be a right wing wacko to question that approach. As it happens, I have a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. I'm glad I do. I drew them up based on publicly available medical information, in consultation with my family and lawyer...
Continued above
... No authority figure got paid by federal bean-counters to influence me. I have a hunch that I'm not the only one who would rather do it that way."
powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/08/024228.php
Screw ObamaCare.
Like a gothic novel, the GOP wraps themselves into the belief they alone speak to God. They are the oracle and unwashed are evil that must be cleansed from the landscape.
Or perhaps more like another gothic tome, Citizen Kane. For the majority of the country, the GOP is becoming more like Kane, a wealthy baron isolating himself while loosing his humanity in his lust for power and greed. The GOP has been taken over by NEOCONS that unlike the old-guard GOP is not insterested in a srong America with honor and justice, the NEO's are purely wealth driven discarding the trappings of justice and honets discussions, with a motto of "the end justifies the means" the neocons move on, the mdern carpet baggers. Cheers!
I remember, back when i was a left leaning independent, when i saw the Michael Moore Film Sicko and my passsionate reponse afterwards, especially to on case in particular where a woman and her dead husbands story in which their insurance company denied him treatment that could have cured his cancer. I remember how EVIL if felt the people on this board were. Flash foward to 2009 and while my opinions of Michael Moore and Democrats have changed drastically. I don't like most of you or Obama. And if there is a breath taking liar in the political arena I suggest you clean your own house first. Unlike most people my sensabilities don't change just because of the letter behind a persons name if I thought a hospital/ insurance company panal telling a young man with a wife and small child that he can't have a life saving surgery, I darn well feel the same if it is a panal set up by the federal government. It's your pseudointellect and lack of insight that makes you easily led and fooled.
after reading all of these comments it is clear that this bill is written in such a way that it can be interpreted in many ways and that is what makes it dangerous any person in power can choose the way it will be used once it has been passed into law and we are giving other people too much control over descions that should be left entirely to a person or there fammily and I wasn't paid to say this and I am not with either pollitical party but I want to be in charge of my health choices.
Thank you
Listen: Does anyone know that this reform bill is 1000 pages long, & that the congress don't even know what the bill states. The american people know nothing about this bill. The congress & president just want to take care of us because we can't. ( a lie) Slow down.... the government is taking over everything right before our eyes because they know that a lot don't keep up with news. The problem is congress, clean house & start over again. usa is freedom ) no its not, we are all slaves of the government.
I love how all you crazies keep saying that the government is taking over and will screw up everything and will be a 'big brother' and so on. I seem to recall something called an election in November of last year, where people had the choice who they thought would be the best person for the job. Yet everyone is so keen on saying we didn't want this, we don't agree with it, etc.
You people had your chance and you blew it.
Anita,
Real smooth using the typical left-wing playbook tactic of engaging in name-calling (like calling people crazies). But then again, when you do that, people can see that you want to try & marginalize them, so the name calling is used. But we are not going to just shut up and let any more lies be spewed our way.
Poll after poll shows that 50-52% DO NOT like how the president is handling this issue & 39-41% do. Obama won then, but polls show that he isn't winning now & people are tired of his BIG spending spree.
Dems started out pushing for their so-called "health care reform," then it morphed into "insurance company reform." Now the Dems are viciously attacking people, with Pelosi saying that there are nazi sympathizers showing up at town hall meetings, other Dems calling little old ladies and old men "unruly mobs" and "un-American" because they are worried about exactly what Charles Lane of the Washington Post wrote about. Older Americans know what is in the bill!
Ray:
I have yet to see any proposals from the Republicans side. All I have seen is "no" to everything in sight.
And unless you're blind Ray, I don't see how you can call these meetings civil. They are anything but.
And as far as name calling, we all know that Republican pundits and people who identify themselves as Republicans are completely innocent and have virgin mouths...
As I read these I am amazed at the passion I find. One question I would pose, why is it that when the president was elected it was "the American people have spoken", but now the American people are speaking in the lack of support for the bill and it is a conspiracy. The American people have spoken and continue to speak that this Health Care Reform Act is not the right direction.
WAKE UP! This country's health care system is terrible and is in desperate need of reform. The American people need to suck it up and pay higher taxes. It is because we can't bear to sacrifice one or two luxuries that vast numbers of AMERICANS can't go to the doctor when they get sick. Do only white collar workers deserve health care? You are committing murder by denying this.
If you are worried about the cost, why would you want to keep a system that gives all the profit to private insurance companies instead of funding an unsustainable medicare?
It's astonishing that anone at all, regardless of political affiliation, would take seriously ex-Gov. Palin's embarrassingly idiotic rantings. I also find it hard to believe that Gingrich is apparently too lazy or too illiterate to READ THE BILL !!! I personally read all of the several thousand pages of the "HIPAA" legislation and its rules, and will probably ACTUALLY READ this one too. Unlike many too lazy to do the work.
And here is proof that Sarah Palin is a liar:
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_end_of_life_q_a
Good points here. Yes, why are Republicans, if theyre really concered about Joe Public's health, dont propose an alternative? Why, because theyre only concered about having to pay more in taxes.
Why are the "American People" so upset about a bill, when Obama ran on the issue of Health Care for All?
Sarah Palin lost - why would anyone listen to her. She just wants face time on TV. Just look back at the SNL skits of her.
I would rather PAY for a health care system instead of a war in Iraq/Afganistan that was started by the previous administration for selfish reasons.
And how can anyone believe a for-profit healthcare industry is going to have my best interest at heart. They keep cutting my benefits and I keep paying more. My family lineage dates back to slavery and my full-blooded sister cant afford the healthcare offered by her employer. She doesnt get ANY healthcare, but helps this company make a profit?? So, to the Congressman or doctor who thinks healthcare rains from the sky...
that is EX-Gov Palin. Remember, she quit!
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