To the editor,

Greg Davids’ 2009 Health Care Survey (Caledonia Argus, August 26, 2009) provides some insight into why we Americans keep failing to make decisions for the common good.  More a push poll than an attempt to learn about the needs of constituents, it demonstrates how legislators often prefer to manipulate public opinion than to inform it.
When Greg asks if we support proposed federal language “requiring mandatory end-of-life counseling”, most will answer “No!”  But ask it in a more honest way and the response will be markedly different. 
None of us wants unreasonable “life-saving” treatment forced upon us.  Democrats have proposed that Medicare pay for us to discuss end-of-life care with our doctors before we lose the ability to do so.  We live in a time when courts have ordered doctors to keep patients alive indefinitely, whether in the interest of a child, a spouse, or the state.  This proposal encourages each of us to establish directives so that if we become  incapacitated, there is no question about our wishes.
Of course this will be voluntary; but talk-radio troublemakers want us to believe that the government will soon force us into “ending our lives in society’s best interest.”  Does Greg really believe this?
Greg asks, “What do you consider most important?”, and gives two options, government-run health care, or the freedom to choose doctors and clinics.  These answers lead us to think that these are mutually exclusive--that we can have one but not the other.
Many of Greg’s constituents are members of  Minnesota Care, where members can choose their hospitals, clinics, and doctors. And because of its size, Minnesota Care is able to negotiate very conservative payments to health care providers, keeping costs low. 
Perhaps Mr. Davids’ most disconcerting question mixes two exaggerated claims that are making the rounds on talk radio:  “Do you support proposed federal language that would cut Medicare by $500 billion in order to provide health coverage to illegal aliens?”
The “cut” comes from a proposal to save $500 billion by paying clinics and hospitals a reduced fee for some medical services. But unscrupulous people have twisted the language, claiming that benefits will be lowered by $500 billion. AARP, the nation’s leading organization representing Medicare users, knows better: “None of the health care reform proposals being considered by Congress would cut Medicare benefits or increase your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare services.”
The second half of Mr. Davids’ question comes from a sensational claim by Steve King, an Iowa congressman who claims 5,600,000 illegal aliens “may” be covered by the Dems’ proposals.  The bill says very explicitly that it will not cover illegal aliens:  “H.R. 3200: Sec 246 ˜ NO FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS.  Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.”
Where is the truth in all this?  No one knows, because our legislators can’t get beyond their partisan posturing, self-righteousness and willingness to bend the truth.
 
Joel Lidstrom
Caledonia, MN

To the Editor:

This was the best fair we have had since Tip Top. Respectful workers, neat and clean, wonderful midway. I appreciated the voluneer drivers and use of the golf carts to help get people around.
Great job, Fair Board!

Mary & Leo Dolle
Caledonia, Minn.

To the Editor:

After reading State Representative Greg David’s health care questionnaire all I could do was shake my head in disbelief. I had hoped that Rep. Davids would take the high road in the health care reform debate.
The fear and deception that Rep. Davids exhibited in his questionnaire is nothing short of inexcusable. District 31B [Fillmore and Houston counties] deserve better from its state representative. The misrepresentation of issues by politicians is the underline reason this country seems unable to diagnose problems, to have reasoned conversations, to negotiate compromises, to work for the common good of everyone.
What Minnesota and the nation needs most are public servants who are diplomatic. Men and woman who are willing and able to work with one another, to have civil debate, and who are able to negotiate in good faith. This is how our country works best. I would suggest Representative Davids that you rewrite your questionnaire, and this time; only the facts, the facts.

Steve Kemp
 Spring Grove, Minn.

To the Editor:

Rep. Greg Davids, our recent health care survey had me thinking, because it does a disservice to the debate by fueling the fears of the public rather than helping to educate us. It does us a disservice to include questions within your survey that are misleading and have little to do with factual discussion on health care.
Question 4: “Do you support federal language that would cut Medicare by $500 billion in order to provide health care to illegal aliens?” This question makes it seem that the current bills in the United States Congress are in fact considering just that scenario. House Bill HR 3200, Section 246 entitled,“NO FEDERAL PAYMENT FOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS,” specifically states, “Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States.”
This section specifically debunks what is asked in your survey. The $500 billion figure comes from the Congressional Budget Office where over the next 10 years money will be trimmed from the Medicare budget. This has nothing to do with current or future benefits for people on Medicare, benefits are not being cut.
Question 5 of your survey: “Do you support proposed federal language requiring you to receive mandatory end-of-life counseling?” This is misleading, because nowhere in the bill does it state that the counseling is mandatory. Advance care planning is optional counseling that prepares people to handle situations that may occur near the end of their lives, like creating a living will.
Representative Davids I am glad that you remain in touch with your constituents and seek our feedback but, suppose you ask questions that will help to educate us.
Please don’t insult our intelligence with questions that are based in false hysteria, we’re smarter than that.

Jacob Grippen
La Crescent, Minn.