A Veteran’s Repsonse to AARP

Mark was sharing with me about the email he got from AARP and he said I could show it to you and also his response. heh heh Thank you Mark. ~ Wild Thing

This is the email he got from AARP:
From: Barry Jackson, AARP
To: XXXXXXXXX
Sent: Wed, Aug 5, 2009 4:01 pm
Subject: MUST READ: Don’t believe them
Dear XXXXXXXX,
If your inbox is anything like mine, you’re getting a lot of emails about how SCARY health reform is. From allegations about rationing care to wild reports of government-sponsored euthanasia, the rumors just keep getting crazier.
And I’ve had enough. Enough of the fear-mongering. Enough of the myths and unfounded rumors. Enough of the interest groups twisting the truth to stop health reform.
I’m fighting back – and I’m asking for your help!
Below I’ve debunked some of the common myths going around. Will you forward this email to your friends and help get the truth out about reform?
The truth is real reform is at risk because opponents are using scare tactics and slogans to gin up fear and misunderstandings. Don’t let that happen.
Sincerely,
Barry Jackson
AARP Online Advocacy Manager
P.S. Let’s make sure everyone gets the truth. After you’ve forwarded the message below, please share these myths and facts on Facebook if you have an account, or post them on other networking sites. If you’re active on Twitter, please tweet the truth now.

FACT #1: Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.
Your services will not be ended, nor will your benefits be cut. AARP’s position on this could not be clearer. And we have sent this message loud and clear to Congress. While the current proposals include savings in Medicare by cutting out fraud, abuse, waste, and inefficiency, we’re standing up and making sure benefits for Medicare recipients are not only fully protected, but are improved.1
FACT #2: No legislation currently in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.
Our staff has read all of the legislation circulating in Congress and there are no provisions in these bills that would ration care for our members. None. If any ever did, we would vigorously fi ght to stop that legislation.2
FACT #3: There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.
The rumors out there are flat out lies. Right now Medicare does not cover counseling for end-of-life care. The portion of the bill in question would simply provide coverage for optional end-of-life consultations with doctors, so that the patient can be aware of all of the treatment options on the table. It is not mandatory and it has nothing to do with euthanasia.3
FACT #4: We have not endorsed President Obama’s plan.
In fact, we haven’t endorsed any plan. We are supporting reform of our health care system, something that AARP has pushed for many years. We’re working closely with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to lower health care costs and to ensure quality affordable coverage for older Americans – and we want reform legislation passed and signed by the president this year.4
So what is AARP fighting for in health reform?
Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices.
Find out more and take action at HealthActionNow.org.

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Here is Mark’s response: ( Mark’s response in BOLD)

Barry Jackson:
This is a formal letter to inform you we my wife and I ARE not renewing our subscription to AARP because of AARP’s misrepresentation of the truth and facts from the House Health Care bill.
FACT #1: Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.
Your government plans right up front to cut Medicare Benefits by 10%, amounting to $310 Billion dollars, then add another 50 Millions citizens to the Health Care system. So Barry, How will the Benefits remain the same. This is creative accounting at its best.
FACT #2: No legislation currently in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.
Right here Barry, P.29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill- Rationing would result. With the addition of 50 Million new patients and no increase in Doctors, Nurses, etc, …how would you do it. Page 29 line 9, 5000 dollars per individual 10,000 per family if you have an extended illness guess what that’s rationing.
FACT #3: There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.
pg 425 lines 4-12 HC bill-Government mandates Advance Care planning consultations, Senior end of life planning.
Pglines 17-19 Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durabvle powers of attorney …Mandatory
pg 425 lines 22-25(lines 1-3) Government provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in how to die.
Pg 427 lines 15-24 Government mandates for orders for end of life. The Government has a say in how your life ends
Your facts don’t quite jive with the REAL FACTS written down in the House of Representatives Bill. Which is what I quoted from.
These are answers to you NON facts about the Health Care bill. I would suggest you read the actual bill before you spread anymore Misinformation.
Mark XXXXXXXXX

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Wild Thing’s comment…….
Excellent response and I like putting in his face the page numbers etc.. heh heh He can’t come back and say it is all made up when the proof is right there what the Bill says.

….Thank you Mark for sending this to me.
Mark
3rd Mar.Div. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment
1/9 Marines aka The Walking Dead
VN 66-67