Sarah Palin's belief that the House health-care reform bill would create "death panels" might be particularly extreme, but she's hardly the only person to wildly misunderstand the section of the bill ordering Medicare to cover voluntary end-of-life counseling sessions between doctors and their patients. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins - via Publish2 (Politics)
Great thinking on Klein's part to go to Johnny Isakson, the Republican Senator from Georgia. Timely interview, one of many completely refuting Sarah Palin's insane claim that Obama "death panels" will determine the fate of the terminally sick and elderly.
I have no idea. I understand — and you have to check this out — I just had a phone call where someone said Sarah Palin’s web site had talked about the ... More »
Informative interview with Republican Senator Johnny Isakson about his support for a section of the heath care reform bill that covers Medicare coverage for end-of-life planning sessions. This article provides good factual information and helpful context to debunk some of the myths propagated by opponents of health care reform - such as the so-called "death panels."
It's a true pleasure to hear a Republican voice of reason counter some of the misinformation that is spreading about health care reform. Today, we're comparing sparring opinions about this controversial issue on the NewsTrust blog - add your 2 cents as well: http://blog.newstrust.net/2009/08/sparring-healthcare.html
Palin strikes again with great help from the anti health care lobby. I am always amazed at the damage that is born from ignorance.
a good interview which allows the senator's own interpretation/statements on his amendment to the health care bill. i would have liked the story to go further to include, for example excerpts from states' end-of life forms, and to further clarify such planning with physicians.
This is, without a doubt, quality journalism. Mr. Klein lets the authority on the subject do the talking and asks the pertinent questions that get to the heart of why there's such hysteria on this subject. Please send a copy of this piece to Lee Siegel ("Obama's Euthanasia Mistake) and Sarah Palin.
I consider this interview by Ezra Klein standard journalism. Basically, Ezra Klein and senator Isakson appear to agree on the discussed topic, so there is no dispute but the attempt to explain the planned voluntary counseling session on end-of-life options.
I would like to learn more about the Medicare End-of-Life Planning Act mentioned. How about those end of life directives in U.S. states? Will the Medicare Planning Act really ensure greater flexibility, and will there be no danger of just shortening the lives of terminally ill? I do understand the wish to help the suffering to decide their fate, but I would not accept the financial argument for their death.
This is very definitely quality journalism because the author goes right to a primary source and addresses questions directly. There is no obfuscation or real opportunity to cloud issues and twist facts here. The fact that he interviews a Republican at the center of the debate (where real debate is allowed) makes the article that much more credible.
Anyone with a brain and a willingness to use it had to know that there is nothing but smoke, mirrors, and pure garbage behind 90% of the flak that has been generated by the far right and the insurance giants to justify keeping a system that funnels billions directly to stockholders and middlemen. Of course, if Sarah Palin said it, I know it has to be a myth or a lie because she trucks only in falsehoods and rightwing propaganda. Olbermann hit the nail on her head and he is 100% ... More »
Don't blow this out of proportion. Sarah meant "youth in Asia". a reference to her new career in messianic evangelism.
Excellent reporting! He dug to the bottom of the controversy, using an authoritative source who cannot be accused of being an Obama partisan.
As the oldest of my siblings, I had to lead an agonizing conference as we decided whether to pursue our mother's wishes or her doctor's conflicting recommendation for extraordinary medical procedures. Counseling while Mom was still healthy, and a directive to guide us all, would have been kinder to everyone -- especially her. It saddens and angers me to see the fear-mongering by Palin and Grassley.
Puts to rest the latest crank Palin is peddling. But the real question is where this guy has been for the Republicans. Are they disenchanted with people who have actually read the bill?
It is he asks questions framed by the "other side". He asks the same thing several ways to highlight the information, he makes sure the reader understands that this gentleman is a Republican.
It's kind of crazy. I spoke to a neighbor today who right away espoused all the "Obamacare" talking points but the deeper we got into the discussion the more we agreed about how broken the Health industry is and that it does need reform. It also scares me the way "guns" are showing up at these demonstrations and meetings. If there's a body count attached to all this it will be a real tragedy.
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