OPINION
51
Pelosi, Hoyer: Health Reform Haters Ignore Facts
After a century, it's time to get this done
By Matt Cantor
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Posted Aug 10, 09 1:22 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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The debate over universal health care has lasted almost a century, and once again, an overhaul faces tough odds. This time, not only are opponents trying to “misrepresent” legislation—many others have been crashing meetings and making “civil dialogue” on the issue impossible, write Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer in USA Today. “Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American,” the House leaders argue.
“These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views—but of the facts themselves,” they write. The facts are these: reform “will mean more patient choice,” “affordable coverage for all,” and more preventive care. “We are confident that our principles of affordable, quality health care will stand up to any and all critics,” the Democrats note. “America is closer than ever to this century-deferred goal. This fall, at long last, we must reach it."