SEIU

 

Petition to Republicans in Congress

Stop LYING to the American People

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) recentl gave a speech on the House floor, charging that the current health care reform bill in Congress would "put seniors in a position of being put to death by their government." This kind of fear-mongering is shameful. Republican lawmakers should disavow these kinds of remarks. 

 

It didn't take long for Fox News to jump into the fray.

Oh, but it gets better. The conservative media has gone "all in" when it comes to the distortions, half-truths and scare-tactics aimed at frightening Americans about health care reform.

Dear Republican Members of Congress:

Republicans members in Congress should disavow Rep. Foxx's remarks that the current health care bill in Congress would, basically, kill our elderly. This claim is patently false - the clause in question would provide counseling over issues like drafting a will - and is simply meant to scare people.

These recent assertions represent a new low for Republican opponents of reform. Stop these scare-tactics, so that we can return to an open, honest debate over the issues.

Sincerely,
[your name]

* denotes required field


Media Matters' fact-check on Foxx's speech:

The Democratic Legislation Actually Provides Professional Guidance For Seniors' Difficult Decisions - NOT To Encourage Euthanasia Like other Republicans before her, Rep. Foxx is basing her statement on a clause in the House bill guaranteeing seniors free counseling to help them with complex decisions.

"Advance Care Planning Consultation" Would Provide Seniors With Professional Advice On Will Preparation, Power Of Attorney, And Other Complicated Issues. PolitiFact.com reported: "Indeed, Sec. 1233 of the bill, labeled 'Advance Care Planning Consultation' details how the bill would, for the first time, require Medicare to cover the cost of end-of-life counseling sessions. According to the bill, 'such consultation shall include the following: An explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to; an explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses; an explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.'" [PolitiFact.com, 7/16/09]


 

 
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