It turns out that the idea for these voluntary end-of-life issues consultations came from a conservative Republican senator.
I was not aware until a couple of days ago that the senator whose efforts led to inclusion in the health reform bills of Medicare coverage for the voluntary consultations (which has brought fears of “death panels” and euthanasia) was Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). As you might guess, he has a somewhat surprised reaction to the brouhaha.
Here’s a link to a good interview with Senator Isakson about this issue, published today.
How did this become a question of euthanasia?
I have no idea. I understand — and you have to check this out — I just had a phone call where someone said Sarah Palin’s web site had talked about the House bill having death panels on it where people would be euthanized. How someone could take an end of life directive or a living will as that is nuts. You’re putting the authority in the individual rather than the government. I don’t know how that got so mixed up.
You’re saying that this is not a question of government. It’s for individuals.
It empowers you to be able to make decisions at a difficult time rather than having the government making them for you.
For a less serious take on this most serious issue (we all need comic relief sometime), click here.
