Frightened people believe health lies

Listening to a radio caller insist that proposed health legislation would have him killed upset me. He'd read this on the Internet and nothing could change his mind; he opposed any change.

So the lie machine that sold the Iraq war still works. Have people like Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, pretend he's an honest legislative broker, then have him scare people by boasting how he's not going to let them “pull the plug on grandma”! Who needs truth when frightened people will believe anything?

This shameful propaganda tactic is being used again by Republicans to protect the status quo. It offers nothing to solve problems or improve our country - it only makes people negative and oppose needed change.

When insurance industry profit depends on excluding people and not paying benefits, why should it be trusted more than a government we elect? Only a public option will stop industry profiteering. And what is immoral about end-of-life counseling? Patients should know that costly surgeries to extend their life also may leave them bedridden and incoherent for their remaining days.

We desperately need rational discussions on improving health care. Please, ignore the obstructionists and support President Barack Obama's effort to fix this mess now.

Rob Johnson

Cedar Rapids