Rep. Weiner (D, NY) shreds Betsy "Death Panels" McCaughey

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

[Joseph & Ana 0]

Well if Mr. Weiner says it, it must be true.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Well if Mr. Weiner says it, it must be true.

Betsy McCaughey is the person that invented the "death panels" line of attack which other prominent GOP right wingers (Palin, Boehner) later picked up despite the fact that this claim has no substance whatsoever. It's been debunked. It's a flat out lie. And that needs to be pointed out. The audience certainly seemed to appreciate Mr. Weiner's remarks on that issue.

[Joseph & Ana 0]

Its not a flat out lie. "End of life counseling" is exactly what they say it is. Obama said "we are partners with God" on this issue.

So coining a phrase doesn't delegitimize the facts. Though, I know wording and phrases and "who coined what" is extremely important to the libs.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Weiner...

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Its not a flat out lie.

Yes, it is.

The fact remains that the bill wouldn’t require patients to receive [end-of-life planning] counseling sessions, nor would it require a doctor to offer one. Rather, it modifies Section 1861(s)2 of the Social Security Act, defining what services Medicare will pay for. So if a patient receives a counseling session from a doctor or health care practitioner, he or she doesn’t have to pay for it – Medicare will. As we pointed out in our earlier story, Medicare will also pay for prosthetic limbs, but that doesn’t mean that every recipient gets those, too.

None of the health care reform measures under consideration will implement any "death panels" anywhere. The measures will improve the access to and the quality of the health care provided to Americans and hopefully address the out-of-control cost increases the current system has created.

You can slice that any way you want to, but to claim that there will be death panels is a flat out lie. Period.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

McCaughey has a history of reading a bill and then lying about the content. She did that back when Clinton was trying to reform health care. On one hand, she's saying people need to actually read the bill, but then takes the position of authority by telling others what the bill says....and the opponents of the bill lap it up like its gospel. True irony right there.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Its not a flat out lie.

Yes, it is.

The fact remains that the bill wouldn't require patients to receive [end-of-life planning] counseling sessions, nor would it require a doctor to offer one. Rather, it modifies Section 1861(s)2 of the Social Security Act, defining what services Medicare will pay for. So if a patient receives a counseling session from a doctor or health care practitioner, he or she doesn't have to pay for it – Medicare will. As we pointed out in our earlier story, Medicare will also pay for prosthetic limbs, but that doesn't mean that every recipient gets those, too.

None of the health care reform measures under consideration will implement any "death panels" anywhere. The measures will improve the access to and the quality of the health care provided to Americans and hopefully address the out-of-control cost increases the current system has created.

You can slice that any way you want to, but to claim that there will be death panels is a flat out lie. Period.

Joseph hasn't actually read the bill himself. He's just comfortable parroting the Right Wing propaganda because what's most important to him is to see Obama fail...so his Republicans can come storming back into Washington in 2010 and set things right once and for all.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Joseph hasn't actually read the bill himself. He's just comfortable parroting the Right Wing propaganda because what's most important to him is to see Obama fail...so his Republicans can come storming back into Washington in 2010 and set things right once and for all.

you haven't read it either. actually you can't read it. pelosi & reid don't want anyone to read it.....i wonder why.

[Joseph & Ana 0]

I've read most of key parts. But I don't find it necessary to hash through 1000 pages. I have better things to do with my time. It was made 1000 pages on purpose.

End of life counseling IS in there, whether you want to lie about it or not. At least i'm honest in saying I haven't read all 1000 pages like you lie about. You didn't read a 1000 page bill.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I've read most of key parts. But I don't find it necessary to hash through 1000 pages. I have better things to do with my time. It was made 1000 pages on purpose.

End of life counseling IS in there, whether you want to lie about it or not. At least i'm honest in saying I haven't read all 1000 pages like you lie about. You didn't read a 1000 page bill.

I agree...everyday citizens shouldn't feel a need to read through these bills that drafted by lawyers....that's why we have elected representatives to represent us.

The problem is that you'll take McCaughey's spin on the bill as gospel simply because it helps support your opposition to the health care reform. Had she made any positive commentary on the bill, you would have thrown her under the bus as another liberal spin doctor.

Edited October 7, 2009 by Col. 'Bat' Guano

[Peikko 1,575]

How does 'end of life couselling' become some negative thing in your head Joe? Do you not have any elderly relatives?

[Joseph & Ana 0]

I've read most of key parts. But I don't find it necessary to hash through 1000 pages. I have better things to do with my time. It was made 1000 pages on purpose.

End of life counseling IS in there, whether you want to lie about it or not. At least i'm honest in saying I haven't read all 1000 pages like you lie about. You didn't read a 1000 page bill.

I agree...everyday citizens shouldn't feel a need to read through these bills that drafted by lawyers....that's why we have elected representatives to represent us.

The problem is that you'll take McCaughey's spin on the bill as gospel simply because it helps support your opposition to the health care reform. Had she made any positive commentary on the bill, you would have thrown her under the bus as another liberal spin doctor.

I didn't even know she said anything (i have never paid attention to her) until this post. The bottom line is that when someone refers to death panels (no matter who coined the effing phrase) it is referring to "end of life counseling" and Obama's own words "we are partners with God" on end of life issues. Sorry, but he is supposedly the inspiration for this legislation now, and it worries people when things like this are talked about. Is end of life counseling in the bill or not? Just tell the truth. Don't dodge the issue.

How does 'end of life couselling' become some negative thing in your head Joe? Do you not have any elderly relatives?

I have many elderly relatives. Just how is your hero Obama going to be a partner with God on the issue? hmm?

You claim to not be an Obama supporter but you tow the line for him on a daily basis.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I've read most of key parts. But I don't find it necessary to hash through 1000 pages. I have better things to do with my time. It was made 1000 pages on purpose.

End of life counseling IS in there, whether you want to lie about it or not. At least i'm honest in saying I haven't read all 1000 pages like you lie about. You didn't read a 1000 page bill.

I agree...everyday citizens shouldn't feel a need to read through these bills that drafted by lawyers....that's why we have elected representatives to represent us.

The problem is that you'll take McCaughey's spin on the bill as gospel simply because it helps support your opposition to the health care reform. Had she made any positive commentary on the bill, you would have thrown her under the bus as another liberal spin doctor.

I didn't even know she said anything (i have never paid attention to her) until this post. The bottom line is that when someone refers to death panels (no matter who coined the effing phrase) it is referring to "end of life counseling" and Obama's own words "we are partners with God" on end of life issues. Sorry, but he is supposedly the inspiration for this legislation now, and it worries people when things like this are talked about. Is end of life counseling in the bill or not? Just tell the truth. Don't dodge the issue.

Joseph, you're playing the spin game and you know it. For a literal person such as yourself, it seems quite disingenuous to make up words that aren't there. Isn't that what you Rignt Wingers accuse Liberals of doing when it comes to the laws and the Constitution? Don't abandon your principals just because it works in favor to your opposition.

[Peikko 1,575]

What are you talking about? I guess you don't even know so I can't expect a sensible response.