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Palin Paints Picture of 'Obama Death Panel' Giving Thumbs Down to Trig
August 07, 2009 9:30 PM
When we last heard from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin she was -- not without some justification -- beseeching some members of the media to "quit making things up."
But in a post on her Facebook Page today, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee seemed to take some liberties of her own.
In a column titled "Statement on the Current Health Care Debate," Palin wrote that as "Americans delve into the disturbing details of the nationalized health care plan that the current administration is rushing through Congress, our collective jaw is dropping, and we’re saying not just no, but hell no!"
She questions Democratic promises that the health care reform plans will reduce the cost of health care, invoking economist Thomas Sowell, saying the only way to cut costs is to refuse treatment.
"And who will suffer the most when they ration care?" Palin asks. "The sick, the elderly, and the disabled, of course. The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama’s 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their 'level of productivity in society,' whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil."
One can question whether there will by necessity be any rationing decisions that will need to come as a part of health care reform (and, in fact, we have) but pictures of government bureaucrats forcing euthanasia upon seniors -- and, now, children with Down syndrome -- because they're not productive members of society are not part of any reasonable debate on the facts of the matter. (And frankly, I agreed with Palin previously, when she was asking members of the media to keep her children out of any public debate.)
Asked specifically what the former governor was referring to when painting a picture of an Obama "death panel" giving her parents or son Trig a thumbs up or down based on their productivity, Palin spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton responded in an email: "From HR3200 p. 425 see 'Advance Care Planning Consultation'."
That's a curious reading of page 425 of the House Democrats' bill, which refers to “advance care planning consultation,” defined as a senior and a medical practitioner discussing “advance care planning, if…the individual involved has not had such a consultation within the last 5 years.”
This includes an “explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to,” an “explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses,” and an “explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.”
It directs the medical provider to give the patients “a list of national and State-specific resources to assist consumers and their families with advance care planning,” and an explanation “of the continuum of end-of-life services and supports available, including palliative care and hospice, and benefits for such services and supports that are available under this title,” as well as “an explanation of orders regarding life sustaining treatment or similar orders.”
Factcheck.org disputes this interpretation, saying “accepted definition of end-of-life planning means thinking ahead about the care you would like to receive at the end of your life -- which may include the choice to reject extraordinary measures of life support, or the choice to embrace them….the bill would not make these sessions mandatory.”
Likewise, Politfact suggests that this interpretation was "Pants-on-Fire" untrue.
Palin refers in her statement to Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., who in a speech on the floor of the House, Palin said, described the "Orwellian thinking of the president’s health care advisor, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, the brother of the White House chief of staff. ... I commend her for being a voice for the most precious members of our society, our children and our seniors."
Bachmann's speech was based on an op-ed article in the New York Post, titled “Deadly Doctors,” by the former lieutenant governor of New York, Betsy McCaughey, that took a number of leaps of fact when discussing the academic writings of Ezekiel J. Emanuel, health-policy adviser at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget and a member of Federal Council on Comparative Effectiveness Research.
We vetted the factuality of McCaughey's op-ed HERE.
The Heritage Foundation's Thomas Sowell wrote a column, "Utopia Versus Freedom," in which he warned readers to "not be surprised when life-and-death decisions about you or your family are taken out of your hands — and out of the hands of your doctor — and transferred to bureaucrats in Washington."
In another column, "Care Versus Control," he went further, asking, "Are decisions made by doctors who have treated the same patient for years to be over-ruled by bureaucrats sitting in front of computer screens in Washington, following guidelines drawn up with the idea of 'bringing down the cost of medical care'? The idea is even more absurd than the idea that you can add millions of people to a government medical care plan without increasing the costs. It is also more dangerous."
Having looked at other countries' health care plans for his book, "Applied Economics," Sowell wrote that "the actual consequences of government-controlled medical care is not a pretty picture, however inspiring the rhetoric that accompanies it. ... Many people do not understand that it is not just a question of whether government bureaucrats will agree to pay for particular medical treatments. The same government-control mindset that decides what should and should not be paid for can also decide that the medical technology or pharmaceutical drugs that they control should not be for sale to those who are willing to pay their own money."
Sowell's are more reasonable arguments, though they don't exactly emphasize that health care insurance company bureaucrats already are making such decisions. In any case, nowhere does he raise the specter of an Obama "death panel."
The White House had no comment.
-jpt
August 7, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (1056)
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I have insurance at a cost of over $10 thousand a year, I only made $30 thousand, My premium shot up after I turned 60 & have a few pre-existing conditions
Posted by: Allen Wills | Aug 14, 2009 11:31:43 AM
Seniors and babyboomers have long memories when it comes around to voting all the acorns in his group will not be able to combat what his healthcare horror story contained in the 1,018 healthcare proposel. Maybe you all could read what Obamas chief health advisor says, he doesn't believe a child is a fully developed human being untill they are two years old or so, Thats how they feel about abortion also fetus can be destroyed because not really a life yet this is a very dangerous area. Don't have to believe me do some research.
Posted by: domino | Aug 14, 2009 9:29:32 AM
The current USA medical system is dictated by insurance companies, following formulas and deciding who does & does not received medical care. The insurance companies should be totally out of the medical care system -until then we are all spending money just to keep those companies in business and not taking care of people who require medical aid.
Posted by: Janice | Aug 13, 2009 6:04:28 PM
Sad to say but we spend about 70 cents of every healthcare dollar during the last 6 months of life. Doesn't leave a lot left over for prenatal care, childhood vaccinations, and other preventative care when it would really make a difference.
We could better allocate funds if we spent the money to prevent illness rather than letting folks go without care until they are so sick that it costs a packet to watch them die.
Try something new folks. Remember that the biggest mud-slingers against change already have great healthcare on your nickel. I don't ask for much -- just the same coverage we give elected officials and government workers.
Posted by: Ellen | Aug 13, 2009 3:19:15 PM
Your all losing track of the real issue, when gov. controls your health care they control you and your family. Wake up, it's about freedom and we are slowly losing it piece by piece. Socialism is rearing its ugly head and we are counting pennies.
Posted by: p lericos | Aug 13, 2009 1:20:18 PM
It truly amazes me how we can be so gullible and afraid of trying something new. We have been taken advantage of by Wall Street, Insurance Companies, Pharmecuticals and people like Sarah Palin. Oh by the way she is not the first nor will she be the last to use fear of someone or something to advance an political or financial agenda.We claim to be Americans and are fighting for what America stands for, if thats what we are really about then lets do something for all Americans. Support the health care reform, banking reform and politcal reform so that we can have an America that if governed by the people for the people.
Posted by: michael | Aug 13, 2009 12:40:35 PM
Charlotte, Do you think we should serve our seniors up on a platter so you can be insured. there are many insurance companies here in USA go to them like most of Americans have been doing for many years.
Posted by: domino | Aug 12, 2009 9:42:28 PM
I am uninsurable because of pre existing conditions after I have worked over 35 years. What a nightmare. I have been waiting for the public option & those idiots are LYING! They have insurance. If they didn't they would be the first ones for it.
Posted by: Charlotte | Aug 12, 2009 7:36:17 PM
"...but pictures of government bureaucrats forcing euthanasia upon seniors -- and, now, children with Down syndrome -- because they're not productive members of society are not part of any reasonable debate on the facts of the matter."
Well, it should be. If I have to watch one more decrepit Memaw dribble soup down her whiskery chin I'm gonna flip my wig. I paid for that plate and wrinkled pensioners is what's ruining my full Steak Kountry Buffet experience. Wut wut!!!!
Posted by: doggetdownfromthere | Aug 12, 2009 5:03:16 PM
for all the mccain people out there that be at these small town hall meeting talking and fighting about the new health care reform!all of you need to know what;s the hell ther are fighting about all of you need to learn the new h.c.r! mccain you should step in and put a stop to all of this fighting at these town hall meeting and lets get american people back rollin thank you american this will. robinson
Posted by: WILLIAM ROBINSON | Aug 12, 2009 3:15:18 PM
I meant to add I do care for you all no matter who you support.
Posted by: domino | Aug 12, 2009 2:14:58 PM
We really don't know if Palin's doing. What the majority of Americans are trying to do is make sure our goverment is not going to be changed into another form of goverment. I vote for whoever does the right things for Americans and believe me I do my homework. As far as Pelosi goes she does speak for Obama to me they are like a two headed monster.
Posted by: domino | Aug 12, 2009 2:12:14 PM
for all of you socialism people out there hear me out : there is no death panel provision in this bill . the goverment will not take over the health care, nor is there any plan to phase out private health care.there is a lots of stupid people out there thats need learn how to read and lisen! the new reform health care will "help" us not hurt us . i voted for obama and i will stick with him to the end!obama is doing a good job as a president so americans don;t fall for the fear mongering and scare tactics.
Posted by: WILLIAM ROBINSON | Aug 12, 2009 2:10:11 PM
ok ! domino sorry about that! but we all know that pelosi is not runing for president but palin is . so that why she should keep her mouth closes and get a real job. top that domino thank you
Posted by: WILLIAM ROBINSON | Aug 12, 2009 12:45:44 PM
From Palin - what else did you expect? It is extremely unfortunate as the comments are further polarizing our nation, but this is what ill informed want-to-bees do. They care nothing about truth yet hide behind the cloak of christianity - giving real christians a bad name.
Palin has a taste of the big times and she will do absolutely anything to capitalize on her new fame, but let her keep talking. Many people I know who thought she was about something have taken a second, third and forth look and have come to the conclusion that she is all about nothing. A pretty package with nothing of worth inside. Each time she opens mouth she inserts foot. You go girl!
If the media were at all smart, they would honor her wish and keep her out the limelight. That's what she wanted -so she said. She does not add anything positive to the debate so why give her the coverage? That is a NO BRAINER! Wink! Wink!
Posted by: Just Me | Aug 12, 2009 12:44:17 PM
You know... If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten... Time for a change folks. It's not going to happen overnight. Our government is and always will be the best in the world. Let's get started and fix what's broken and then tweak it for a few administrations. Let's see what come of it. Relax. Stress will kill you faster than anything else.
Posted by: Capt. Paul | Aug 12, 2009 9:51:35 AM
panterutza
Many of us do know and we are trying not to be swept into socialism and beyond. Many of us are trying to sound the alert. Our elders in the front lines are taking all the flack for speaking up against it, hopefully others will realize before its to late and give a hand before this monster gets in motion.. I love my country and am exercising my right under the First Amendment, "Freedom of Speech.
Posted by: domino | Aug 11, 2009 11:26:16 PM
Wink
Are you talking about the goverments CDC ethical distribution of vaccine for example H1N1 flu.
Posted by: domino | Aug 11, 2009 11:07:46 PM
As a person who has lived in communism (pardon, actually was socialism thriving towards communism) I am appauled how gulible and uninformed the majority of americans are...The universal system in the countries that have it is a system of bribes and nepotism. There is no fairness in it as there is no fairness in the social assistance plans that the young and strong are taking advantage of (=promoting laziness and irresponsibility) when the old and frail have their benefits cut. What is the scariest of all is that Europe is moving rampantly towards capitalism while US is moving rampantly towards socialism and then, my friends you will realize quickly the missinformation and manipulation that is the canvas of so many socialist countries, but it will be too late as it was with so many countries that wanted to divert from it and it was not possible. I think the Russians won the Cold War because americans are hating USA while Russians love their Mother Russia! The victory was in the manipulation of the mind which occured in the americans and not in the Russians! Cheers!
Posted by: panterutza | Aug 11, 2009 10:17:35 PM
Domino- did you read the article? Its about decisions required during a pandemic, not everyday medical care. Please read it.
Posted by: winkwink | Aug 11, 2009 8:12:49 PM
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