In case you're wondering what "deathpanels" would be like, there have been such panels operating in Texas for over 10 years.
I suppose these, being Republican death panels, have been largely overlooked by people opposed to the Affordable Care Act.
McClatchy:
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/03/26/143108/commentary-texas-already-has-health.html
A Houston man's life was ended last week.
A leukemia patient identified only as Willie was denied nourishment and died, according to Texas Right to Life. Since 1999, Texas has given hospital "ethics panels" the authority to end care even if the patient or family wants to continue.
It's called the Texas Futile Care Law. The Texas Senate bill passed in 1999.
Back then, the Senate's presiding officer was Lt. Gov. Rick Perry. Yes, the governor who says, "I always stand by the side of life."
Willie went to the hospital a few weeks ago with chest pains, according to Texas Right to Life's Elizabeth Graham. Doctors found pneumonia and leukemia, Graham wrote. After Willie underwent surgery and chemotherapy, his family asked about another hospital or hospice care. Though he had plenty of insurance, no other facility would accept him. After the legally required 10 days, the hospital ended nourishment.
He was "dehydrated and starved to death completely against the family's desire," Graham wrote.This is the problem with a two party system such as we have: one party will implement something seriously out-of-whack, then the other party will use it as a campaign ploy, but if and when elected, they will abide by it or extend it.
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