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This last week has seen the debate on health care reform turn a little bit ugly. There is an unsubstantiated rumor propagated by the far right that a provision in the House’s version of the health care reform legislation that would, according to those spreading the rumor, have committees deciding when older citizens should die. This “Death Panel” rumor comes out of a provision in legislation being considered in the House that would allow Medicare to cover end of life counseling. This counseling is to aid an individual in making informed decisions about how they wish to live their final days. The counseling is absolutely not about having people receive counseling on assisted suicide, or what Sarah Palin seems to suggest it is, committee ordained murder. However the point of this argumenation isn’t to debate fact, it’s to confuse people into opposing the legislation for fictional reasons.

In a healthy democracy, which sadly I’d say we have one on the mend but not healthy, this kind of argumentation would be swept away by legislators and government officials of every political persuasion because confusion and lies don’t aid us as a nation and shouldn’t guide our decision making. Our decision making should be a collaborative process that involves everyone. As much as I disagree with Iowa’s Republican Senator Chuck Grassley I’ve been impressed by his willingness to stay involved in the process of health care reform legislation in the Senate. As such, I believed that Senator Grassley would be just the kind of legislator to have no tolerance for this kind of tactic.

I unfortunately was wrong. See video below.

I almost went to this very town hall meeting but didn’t because I realized the crowds would be huge. (Adel’s, captured in part here, was moved outside because the library couldn’t accommodate the 500+ people that attended.) As you can see Senator Grassley is either misinformed himself or has decided to propagate this rumor, either of which I’m greatly upset by. The Senator was reportedly challenged later on the matter by an individual wishing for him to admit that there is no such provision in the house bill and he dodged the question. All of this culminated in me deciding that I needed to write a letter to the Senator which you can find below.

Senator Grassley,

I’m writing to you today absolutely appalled at your behavior at your recent town hall meetings. I’m a progressive democrat but have always felt that you, along with Senator Harkin, do a good job representing all of Iowa. I think Iowa would be poorly represented by two Democrats, or two Republicans, and I, like most Iowans I believe, feel that one Democrat and one Republican is a good balance for our Senate delegation. As such I’ve never voted against you, that however I believe is likely to change.

Sir, I’m absolutely appalled at your, and other members of the Republican Party’s behavior on this mater of “death committees.” You know better than most Iowans about legislation, this and the law that may come out of it, and know very well that the measure in the House’s bill has nothing to do with counseling people to suicide, it’s about counseling them on death and the end of their lives.

With all due respect sir, do you have plans set up for the unfortunate time that you pass away? If you don’t have plans, and didn’t know how to set them up wouldn’t you like your health coverage aid you in paying for this crucial advice? I think every Iowan deserves to live, and die, with dignity and in a manner they see fit and accordance with our laws. If an Iowan doesn’t understand the services that hospice provides, or doesn’t realize that there is a life changing medial breakthrough on the horizon I would hope they could get the advice they need on the matter. I would hope that you, as our Senator, would support our ability to receive this advice and counseling on this very important matter.

Showing complete disregard for these needs of your constituents isn’t what appalls me most however Senator. What makes me absolutely furious about your actions is that you propagate this lie. Sir, your position in our republic is to represent us in Washington and to inform us on those proceedings so we can be more capable and better informed citizens. If our elected officials are incapable of informing us factually of what is happening in Washington then they are incapable of serving their post.

Senator, I was once honored to be able to say that you and Senator Harkin are both my representatives in the Senate. I hope the day returns that I am able to say that again.

A concerned citizen, upset constituent, and appalled voter,

Trevin Ward

If anyone else wishes to contact Senator Grassley, or any other Congressman, on the matter you are welcome to use ann and all of my letter.