Rationality put on hold

Your news article of Aug. 11 about medical reform correctly notes that, contrary to the conspiracy theories spun by Republicans such as Sarah Palin and Rep. Virginia Foxx, nothing in any of the draft reform bills establishes a panel that could order the euthanasia of the sick or elderly.

However, on the same day right-wing columnist Cal Thomas devotes a whole column (“Reform would usurp God”) implying that the passage of health reform could lead to “snuffing out” and “getting rid of granny” without citing the slightest shred of evidence.

According to Thomas such a result flows naturally from the mindset of the “secular left,” which apparently includes anyone who believes in the theory of evolution! Thomas doesn’t come right out and say that anything in the draft bills would lead to this result, but this is a distinction probably lost on those whom the column might incite to disrupt a town hall meeting or threaten a congressman.

Your editorial of the same day points out that there are many legitimate questions about the cost and scope of medical reform. However, your decision to publish Thomas’ unsubstantiated tripe does not further a healthy and informed debate of these issues.

Donald D. Lamp

Spokane