CNN Story - Example Of Corporate Media's Promulgation of False Equivalency - Raises "Death Panels"

The following example shows why journalism is a dying art, and how the media can help perpetuate fears and smears by not independently verifying claims made regarding healthcare, and instead simply listing them as point and counterpoint. Notice how the CNN article portrays the allegation of "death panels" as a legitimate policy being discussed:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/22/obama.health.care/index.html

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Obama emphasized that, contrary to the assertions of many, illegal immigrants will not get health insurance under a reform plan.

"That idea has never even been on the table," he said.

He said the charge that funding for abortions would be mandated is false, as is the notion that federal "death panels" would be established to discourage care for the sick and elderly.

The health-care bill advanced in the House of Representatives would include coverage of end-of-life counseling for Medicare beneficiaries who want it. The provision was recently dropped, however, by Senate negotiators.

Obama asserted that his plan would not lead to "a government takeover of health care," and said the proposed public option is just "one idea among many to provide more competition and choice."

"If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor," he said. "If you like your private health insurance plan, you can keep your plan. Period."

Republican Rep. Tom Price of Georgia had a different take. Watch Rep. Price outline his opinions »

"The plan being promoted by the White House would give Washington the power to make highly personal medical decisions on behalf of patients -- on behalf of you," Price, a former physician, said in the weekly GOP address.

Obama "has also said that he thinks the government should compete with your current health care plan.

"But we all know that when the government is setting the rules and is backed by tax dollars, it will destroy -- not compete -- with the private sector. The reality is, whether or not you get to keep your plan, or your doctor, is very much in question under the president's proposal," Price said.

Price also argued that under Obama's plan "every health care plan will have to meet a new federal definition for coverage -- one that your current plan might not match, even if you like it."

Price urged a "bipartisan solution that puts patients in charge" and rejects "a government-centered approach."

The latest charges and countercharges came after another week of highly publicized arguments among congressional Democrats over the political viability of a public health option.

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