Health Care "Debate:" the VA's "Death Book" UPDATE

Just when I thought I wouldn't have the opportunity to attend a town hall "discussion" on health care, one was held on my Facebook page.

My previous Civitas post was centered on FoxNews misrepresentation the VA's pamphlet "Your Life/Your Choice." I was literally thinking while writing it, "Anyone not ensconced in partisan vitriol will appreciate this video."

Well, the following exchange took place:

- "The far-left and Obama are losing their minds because the common folks are actually paying attention and READING...this VA euthanasia propoganda[sic]."

Me: "I actually think it is good when people read proposed and passed legislation. I also think it is good when people have SUBSTANTIVE discussion about issues: name-calling, disregard for intellectual rigor, misleading hyperbole, and obfuscation have no role in meaningful civic participation."

- "Dude, in your above post, the terms you used could be used to describe Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barney Frank. Swastika's, Angry Mobs, Brownshirts, anyone?"

Partisans read my comments and may think that I am referring to republicans. Fortunately for my peace of mind, I was referring to anyone in the public sphere who promulgates vacuous rhetoric.

Civitas will be back soon.

UPDATE (Aug 27, 2009): Public Errata

The author of my first quote thought my use of ellipsis removed context from his statement. In the spirit of full disclosure and an attempt to give someone every opportunity to express themselves, I have included his full quotation below. The redacted portion is identified as bold text.

"The far-left and Obama are losing their minds because the common folks are actually paying attention and READING what's in "Obamacare." They know more about what [is] in that bill than Obama and Congress. Now, they are also taking the time to read this VA euthanasia propoganda[sic]."