What irks me is all the misconception about Living Will and DNR counseling. It is horrible for any EMS responders, medical personnel, and the family to have no directive when someone is dying. Do they want to be at home without drastic, invasive, measures being taken to save them no matter what.? Or do they want every possible step taken to prolong their life?
It is wrenching to have that decision passed to you or to have what you know your loved one wanted overruled by medical protocol because they never got it in writing. We have seen it time and time again.

Health care reform is a complicated issue, but one that has needed to be dealt with for a long time. If not now, when? No matter what they do it will not be perfect, but I hope they do get the ball rolling. The current system has great flaws as well.

As Bill P says: “Real reform deserves thoughtful and honest public debate and a well informed Congress truly willing to listen to all sides.”
As well as citizens willing to research what things really mean and what is really needed, rather than hair trigger reaction to the latest talking head on either side.

Thanks for taking a bold stand to inform your readership about legitimate concerns regarding healthcare reform.

I recently retired from almost 30 years in the healthcare delivery business. I agree with you that the current system, including Medicare, is not sustainable. Patient expectations far outweigh resources and reduction in services will happen regardless of which political party is in control.

Medicare and Medicaid, both government designed and run healthcare plans begin with laudable goals. Today’s cost far outstrip any projections when these programs began in the 60′s. Congress has had ample time to “fix” these systems but has failed. Why should the American People believe that a government run program to replace private insurance would be any different?

Real reform deserves thoughtful and honest public debate and a well informed Congress truly willing to listen to all sides.

I attended a local League of Women Voters healthcare discussion which was billed as non partisan. The League’s primary speaker started out by stating that the only acceptable system was a single payor plan and the group would not take any question which opposed Obama’s program.

Speaking of which – will the real Karen S please stand up! I read your readership’s comments to your last post with much interest. I was particularly drawn to Karen S’s response as it looked well researched – well almost too well researched given “her” length of response and timing to your blog.

So I Googled several sections of her comments and found it almost word for word in the DecomatricUnderground.com. Please see: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389×6196585

This Administration and it’s party is manipulating and shaping public opinion rather than reflecting the public view.

America – Wake Up