Here is an excerpt from a recent speech by Senator Murray of Washington State:
“There’s a lot of concern out there. And there’s a lot of bad information going around. The latest outrageous claim about reform is that it would hurt America’s seniors.
“And, Mr. President, I am here today to tell our seniors and their families – that claim is false.
“Let me make this perfectly clear. We are not proposing to cut Medicare benefits or do anything to negatively affect the health of those receiving Medicare.
“Mr. President, when you hear rumors about how reform will affect seniors, consider the source.
“Just listen to some of these inflammatory quotes. A Republican member of the House of Representatives said, “Let me tell you here and now it is socialized medicine.”
“Another Republican congressman said, “we cannot stand idly by now, as the Nation is urged to embark on an ill-conceived adventure in government medicine, the end of which no one can see, and from which the patient is certain to be the ultimate sufferer.”
“Well, Mr. President, these aren’t quotes about the current health insurance reform effort.
“These statements were made in 1965 – when Republicans were opposing the establishment of Medicare. And their position hasn’t changed. Republicans have voted against Medicare almost 60 times in the last 10 years. And now, all of a sudden, Republicans are claiming that Democrats support cutting Medicare benefits?
“This is why, last Sunday, the New York Times said that Republicans are `obscuring and twisting the facts and spreading unwarranted fear.’ And scoring cheap political points doesn’t do anything to help all Americans get affordable, quality health insurance.
“Our families – and especially our seniors – deserve better.”