Death Panels. Government access to your bank account. No vision care until you lose sight in one eye. The list of untruths goes on and on. Out of all the information being disseminated regarding healthcare reform, far too much has been half-truths, distortions, and outright lies. And what about the actions of attendees at town hall meetings held by legislators this summer? If their anger is any indication, a lot of citizens believe what they have heard. This is a tragedy.
These lies and distortions do nothing to advance the effort. This is not a constructive conversation by respectful participants working toward a greater good. These are ugly, chicken-hearted, sniper-type attacks. Those who continually travel in the realm of lies and falsehoods usually have only two goals in mind: (1) to disrupt the effort at any cost, and (2) to keep their names in the spotlight. Contrary to what these individuals want you to believe, they do not have the concerns and well-being of ordinary Americans at heart.
I urge you to look past the sensationalized headlines and obnoxious talking heads. You will need to work a little harder, dig a little deeper and be a lot more diligent to uncover the truth; but it is out there. On the websites of almost every major media outlet you will find “fact checks” regarding healthcare reform. Search out a more objective view of the issues at hand. Or read the proposed legislation and make up your own mind. If you contact your legislators, do it respectfully and while you are at it make a point to really listen to their answers. If you raise your concerns respectfully, you will get a respectful response in return.
That’s the point; if you listen to those who twist the truth, then you are not in control of your own opinion. It’s like the old computing axiom: garbage in–garbage out. This is an important issue. The decisions made now could affect the healthcare your children and grandchildren receive in the future. Do you want the decisions made by a roomful of people yelling and screaming lies or through a respectful, constructive dialogue with people from varying backgrounds and experiences? I will choose Democracy over mob rule any day.
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Keep your healthcare costs tax exempt. Visit savemyflexplan.org to learn more about this issue and express your concerns to your congressional Representatives.
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