Figure Who Helped Kill Health Care With Distortions Last Time Rides Again

[jefferson_dem]

Figure Who Helped Kill Health Care With Distortions Last Time Rides Again

I don’t know why people aren’t making more of this. As you’ve heard, some Republican leaders and conservatives have been attacking the Dem health care plan with a rather vivid claim: It could lead to “government-encouraged euthanasia” for the elderly.

The leading hawker of this claim is one Betsy McCaughey, who points to a provision buried in the health care bill that would require Medicare to cover “end-of-life consultations.” McCaughey is usually described as a former New York lieutenant governor and “conservative health expert.”

But those with long memories will recall that Betsy McCaughey was widely credited with helping kill health care reform in the 1990s — with equally lurid and questionable claims. McCaughey published a high-profile New Republic article hammering Bill Clinton’s health care plan that was widely panned for distortions and for ripping key facts out of context. The article quite literally made her famous and was wielded by reform opponents for months.

The current “euthanasia” claim by McCaughey and other conservatives was debunked yesterday by Talking Points Memo and Politico. But it’s likely to live on and will continue to be cited by Republican leaders and conservatives.

In this context, McCaughey’s previous, er, contributions to the health care debate are important. People have noted her history here and there. But now that her latest “euthanasia” claim is gaining so much traction, it’s far more relevant and deserves some real attention from the big news orgs. Maybe a stand-alone article or two on who this woman is, what she’s done, and what she’s up to now?

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/republican-party/figure-who-helped-kill-health-care-with-distortions-last-time-rides-again/

[deminks]

1. Kicked and recommended. Put some light where the sun doesn't shine.

[Laelth]

2. The President addressed this issue in the town hall meeting yesterday.

He handled it brilliantly. He explained that the provision allows medicare to pay for living will legal assistance (consultation). It's a great idea.

That the Republicans are making up lies and pushing distortions, however, shouldn't surprise anyone. What's irritating is that our "liberal media" refuses to call them on it.

:dem:

-Laelth