Few issues in recent memory have sparked as much citizen input and outrage as medical-care reform.
We are not surprised at citizen activism. It is expected, encouraged, in a free society. What is shocking is the vitriolic response to the issue. At times, it borders on violent.
Americans have every right to question what's going on in Congress, but we are amazed at some of the notions accepted as true.
The formation of so-called "death panels" is an example. Supposedly, this government group will decide if people — mainly the aged and hopelessly infirm — should no longer receive medical care. The feds, as the story goes, could pull the plug at will and in effect induce forced euthanasia.
Americans would never allow it.
Yet, even though nobody can point to any public official who embraces mandatory, government-dictated euthanasia, many Americans think such a plan exists in Congress.
The idea is preposterous.
Make no mistake, Americans should be involved in the shaping of public policy. Everyone should be concerned about legislation that will overhaul our health-care system and insurance structure.
There are some suggestions about health-care reform we find repugnant. Some ideas are attractive. Getting at the truth isn't easy with deliberate misconceptions dominating public debate.
Tactics aimed solely at discrediting a political party at any cost, even to the extent of spreading unfounded rumors and outright lies, should be shunned.
People should ascertain the truth for themselves and not rely on those whose primary objective is an audience.
There are legitimate questions. Shrill, panic-laden outbursts are not answers.
This is still a government of the people,. Rank socialism, undue government interference, loss of rights or anything that smacks of martial law will not be tolerated.
There are inequities in health care. Our message to Congress and the president is fix it. We must hold those in elected office answerable. We will know if they're lying, and we won't need political hacks to tell us.
The complete transcript of President Obama's meeting in New Hampshire is at www.hickoryrecord.com, Let's Talk Politics, on the Opinion drop-down menu.
We offer it as a yardstick on his reform vision.
Agree or not, he and Congress should be held accountable. We should not be led astray with false promises of equitable reform any more than we should be duped by fear-mongers who put politics first and people second.
We must trust ourselves to discern the truth from the words and acts of lawmakers and in the legislation itself. We are capable of deciding independently and then, if necessary, acting as one.
Let no politician, no friend, no enemy, no intellectual and no rabble-rouser come between us and the facts.
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