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An Honest Look At The House Dems' End-Of-Life Counseling Regime (WaPo Rips ObamaCare
PowerLine ^ | 8/8/09 | Paul

Posted on 08/10/2009 11:34:27 AM PDT by Laissez-faire capitalist

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 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 argues 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 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 counseling, and thus end-of-life decisions. Lane concludes:

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 to have a doctor's perspective but section 1233 goes beyond facilitating it to preferring it. Indeed, the measure would have an interested party -- the government -- recruit doctors to sell the elderly on living wills, hospice care, and their asscoiated providers, professions and organizations. You don't have to be a right-wing wacko to question that.

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 a lawyer. No authority figure got paid by federal bean-counters to influence me. I have a hunch I'm not the only one who would rather do it that way.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Front Page News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 111th; bho44; bhohealthcare; congress; democrats; healthcare; killgranny; obamacare; palin; readthebill; section1233; socialism; socializedmedicine; wapo; washingtonpost

1 posted on 08/10/2009 11:34:29 AM PDT by Laissez-faire capitalist
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To: All

What say you?


2 posted on 08/10/2009 11:37:03 AM PDT by Laissez-faire capitalist (Keep working! Welfare cases and their liberal enablers are counting on you!)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

WHY YOU SELFISH GREEDY OLD FOOL! HOW DARE YOU CONTINUE TO SUCK THE LIFESBLOOD FROM YOUR CHILDREN AND SOCIETY! YOU OLD VAMPIRE. YOU’VE HAD YOUR TIME — SIGN THE DNR!!! SIGN IT! SIGN IT YOU GREEDY GREEDY PIG!


3 posted on 08/10/2009 11:40:59 AM PDT by ichabod1 (I am rolling over in my grave and I am not even dead yet (GOP Poet))
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist
Ill old folks, and in some cases those that are not ill, are very suggestible. If one needs "evidence" the probate law books are full of undue influence cases. In addition, from what I've seen and heard today's medical students are being conditioned to compassionately kill the terminally ill and the elderly. (Murder is excused as long as one utters the word "love" and/or "compassion" as a basis for the act of homicide.)

It is murder to intentionally shorten the life of any human. Underneath the fine words of "love" and "compassion" lurks the vanity and malice of a criminal mind.

4 posted on 08/10/2009 11:48:34 AM PDT by AEMILIUS PAULUS (It is a shame that when these people give a riot)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

I’ll be reporting you and the WaPo to flag@whitehouse.gov for thoughtcrime shortly....


5 posted on 08/10/2009 11:49:40 AM PDT by bamahead (Avoid self-righteousness like the devil- nothing is so self-blinding. -- B.H. Liddell Hart)
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To: ichabod1
YOU OLD VAMPIRE. YOU’VE HAD YOUR TIME — SIGN THE DNR!!! SIGN IT! SIGN IT YOU GREEDY GREEDY PIG!

"He's right, Daddy! Think of us and your grandchildren! Not only are you sucking their life's blood to support you on Obamacare, but you're burning up my their inheritance that could pay for my vacation home their educations! JUST SIGN THE DAMNED PAPER!"

6 posted on 08/10/2009 11:52:33 AM PDT by ApplegateRanch (The mob got President Barabbas; America got shafted)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

I would tell them one thing. At the end of my life, if you pass the government health bill, I will come back and haunt you for the rest of your life.


7 posted on 08/10/2009 11:53:37 AM PDT by RC2
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

Liberals talk endlessly about the cost of care for the elderly in the final year of their life.

The reason it costs so much is because people with insurance and Medicare are charged inflated prices to make up for those who don’t pay - illegals and those who don’t have insurance.

If everyone was pulling their own weight the cost of health care would be lower. We wouldn’t have to subsidize the deadbeats.


8 posted on 08/10/2009 11:56:00 AM PDT by ladyjane
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

Same problem with beginning of life issues. Some premie baby’s have very expensive starts to life.

Will this panel decide who gets it and which child does not?


9 posted on 08/10/2009 11:58:40 AM PDT by edcoil (If I had 1 cent for every dollar the government saved, Bill Gates and I would be friends.)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

Soylent Green “Going Home”


10 posted on 08/10/2009 12:01:21 PM PDT by sickoflibs (Socialist Conservatives: "'Big government is free because tax cuts pay for it'")
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To: ichabod1

Has Ted Kennedy had his end of life counseling session?
He should lead by example and refuse anymore costly drugs, procedures etc.

Practice what you preach Teddy...........


11 posted on 08/10/2009 12:02:23 PM PDT by Josa
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To: edcoil
Will this panel decide who gets it and which child does not?

Yes.

12 posted on 08/10/2009 12:03:27 PM PDT by Shelayne (Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and IS TO COME!)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist; All
To all you aging baby-boomers (of which I am one), Obama and his evil minions realize that the only way to effectively reduce/eliminate the trillions upon trillions of unfunded debt the government has assumed in past promises of expanded Medicare and Medicaid healthcare services, is to accelerate the demise of the segment of the populace that have become or will soon become eligible to start receiving those healthcare services that will end up breaking the government bank.

As far as they are concerned you are the problem and it is your duty to fall on your own sword and remove yourself prematurely from this life so as to benefit the overall good of the society.

Afterall, you are retired or close to retirement, and because of your age and increasing health problems, you are or soon will be a net taker (rather than provider) of healthcare service funds. It is your patriotic duty to not become a burden upon this already overextended and more productive and valuable younger generation.

The Obamacare Team will be happy to help you plan your swift and easy exit from this life. Please schedule your appointment at your earliest opportunity to avoid the rush. If you cannot or will not, an appointment will be made for you. Thank you, and godspeed on your new journey. - the Obamacare Team

13 posted on 08/10/2009 12:09:09 PM PDT by OB1kNOb (CITIZENS OF LIBERTY! RISE UP AND DEFEAT THE EVIL BEAST, OBAMUNISM!)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

“As Lane notes, common sense tells us that Section 1233 would place senior citizens in a situation where they will feel pressured to sign end-of-life directives that they would not otherwise sign.”
+++++++++++++

Trumpet 1233 far and wide to all elderly.


14 posted on 08/10/2009 12:10:57 PM PDT by SeattleBruce (God, Family, Church, Country & the Tea Party! Take America Back! (Objective media? Try TRAITORS.))
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To: Josa

Has Ted Kennedy had his end of life counseling session?
++++++++++++++

There are a number of other dim bulbs, that don’t pass muster...time for your counseling sessions...Only your EOL will be 2010.

LIKE IT NOW?? You MORONS...


15 posted on 08/10/2009 12:13:09 PM PDT by SeattleBruce (God, Family, Church, Country & the Tea Party! Take America Back! (Objective media? Try TRAITORS.))
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To: ladyjane

If everyone was pulling their own weight the cost of health care would be lower. We wouldn’t have to subsidize the deadbersats.

And if government got out of the health care business cost would plummet. 50% of the cost of health care is due to government mandates on service, reporting and care.
Now the fox demands that he should own the henhouse.


16 posted on 08/10/2009 12:14:49 PM PDT by Amos the Prophet (Take heart, my beloved. It will grow darker still but the dawn will be made all the more glorious.)
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To: Amos the Prophet

What he does not point out is that the first counseling is at age 65 and every five year,,MORE OFTEN IF THE HEALTH HAS A PROBLEM.

In other words, if you are sick they will counsel you so very much that you cannot avoid just throwing in the towel.


17 posted on 08/10/2009 12:18:50 PM PDT by cajungirl (no)
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To: SeattleBruce

Has Ted Kennedy had his end of life counseling session?

You must understand, this plan is not for the rulers. They have their own plan and it is magnificent, just as they are magnificent. This plan is for the goernment’s slaves, you and me.


18 posted on 08/10/2009 12:20:05 PM PDT by Amos the Prophet (Take heart, my beloved. It will grow darker still but the dawn will be made all the more glorious.)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist
More
19 posted on 08/10/2009 12:21:41 PM PDT by pabianice
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist


"Bring out yer dead."
20 posted on 08/10/2009 12:39:51 PM PDT by eCSMaster
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To: Amos the Prophet

They have their own plan and it is magnificent, just as they are magnificent. This plan is for the government’s slaves, you and me.
+++++++++++

Oh yeah, I forgot for a moment. Let’ me prostrate myself again, face down on the ground before the one(s)..


21 posted on 08/10/2009 12:41:32 PM PDT by SeattleBruce (God, Family, Church, Country & the Tea Party! Take America Back! (Objective media? Try TRAITORS.))
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To: cajungirl

In other words, if you are sick they will counsel you so very much that you cannot avoid just throwing in the towel.
++++++++++++

And God help you if you don’t have someone around to help you withstand that sort of barrage.


22 posted on 08/10/2009 12:43:24 PM PDT by SeattleBruce (God, Family, Church, Country & the Tea Party! Take America Back! (Objective media? Try TRAITORS.))
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To: edcoil

Probably! The NIH in the UK won’t allow any treatment for a baby born before the 26th week. I know several kids who were born before that who are fine strong people now.


23 posted on 08/10/2009 12:43:27 PM PDT by chris_bdba
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

The oath that every doctor takes says:

FIRST DO NO HARM..........

How does this square with NObamacare??

I see a mass resignation of medical people in the near future.


24 posted on 08/10/2009 12:55:25 PM PDT by ridesthemiles
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To: bamahead

Might as well report me as well. Oh never mind I’ll do it to save you time.


25 posted on 08/10/2009 12:57:58 PM PDT by kronic
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

(sarcasm alert)

Just like with abortion, the Democrats intend to make end-of-life for our elderly “safe, legal, and rare”.


26 posted on 08/10/2009 1:19:17 PM PDT by rrstar96 (Strength and Honor!)
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

End of life counseling is the pin-headed democrat/socialist/communist solution to ending the medicare/medicaid budget deficit.
I wonder how many of these Obamacare supporters in congress would be so willing to vote for this reprehensible program if they knew that a senior, denied life-saving healthcare, was going to take one of them (that voted for it) on his final journey.
Elections have consequences. This is what happens when you elect a COMMUNIST to the White House. It’s only a matter of time before “Red Square” replaces the South Lawn.


27 posted on 08/10/2009 1:35:20 PM PDT by derSchurfer (When the Rule of Law is ignored good citizens will take the law into their own hands.)
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To: edcoil

Same problem with beginning of life issues. Some premie baby’s have very expensive starts to life.

Will this panel decide who gets it and which child does not?
___________________
Zeke Emanuel already answered that. He said 21 year old is more valuable to society because we have already spent money on education, etc. and they can contribute. Babies, toddlers, elderly, disables, they aren’t as important. These people are sick. They don’t deserve to walk the streets of America.


28 posted on 08/10/2009 1:53:57 PM PDT by mojitojoe (All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for the people to remain silent.)
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To: derSchurfer

You grossly underestimate our military officers, LEO’s and the American people. Officers are sworn to uphold the Constitution, not obey some pinko Commander in Chief.


29 posted on 08/10/2009 1:56:06 PM PDT by mojitojoe (All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for the people to remain silent.)
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To: ichabod1

I am 65, if any government ghoul thinks my life should end I invite him to step up and see whose life ends first, mine or his. I figure if I put him down first I deserve to live.
I will even offer him a choice of weapons.


30 posted on 08/10/2009 2:00:25 PM PDT by RipSawyer (Change has come to America and all hope is gone.)
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To: ichabod1

On second thought I WON’T offer him a choice of weapons, anybody who presumes to tell me when my life should end can damned well take his chances.


31 posted on 08/10/2009 2:11:47 PM PDT by RipSawyer (Change has come to America and all hope is gone.)
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To: SeattleBruce

I know, thinking of the older people I know and how good they are. Most if told they are bankrupting their grandchildren will willingly die.


32 posted on 08/10/2009 2:42:46 PM PDT by cajungirl (no)
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To: cajungirl

I know, thinking of the older people I know and how good they are. Most if told they are bankrupting their grandchildren will willingly die.
++++++++++++

This is just EVIL...and so we labor on against this tide.


33 posted on 08/10/2009 2:53:21 PM PDT by SeattleBruce (God, Family, Church, Country & the Tea Party! Take America Back! (Objective media? Try TRAITORS.))
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To: Laissez-faire capitalist

I say the government needs to keep their faces and laws out of my health care. Do away with all government health care and we would see lower prices. Also if we would dump illegals from the ER we would see a drop in the cost of ER visits.


34 posted on 08/10/2009 3:44:14 PM PDT by calex59
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To: AEMILIUS PAULUS
It is murder to intentionally shorten the life of any human.

Mass murder is genocide. That is what is being proposed. How many old folks will fall for these suggestions. . . lots. It's not just the old folks, but the unborn and disabled that will be targeted by this bill.

35 posted on 08/10/2009 8:14:37 PM PDT by mia
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To: cajungirl

This is heart breaking. I’m 66 and very fearful. My husband and I have worked our whole life for our family and friends. This bill is frightening.


36 posted on 08/10/2009 8:17:53 PM PDT by mia
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