Facts Or Propaganda?

To the Editor:

While I wholeheartedly support the idea that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I find it disturbing when misinformed opinion attempts to pass itself off as fact.

In last week’s edition of The Bee, the letter to the editor entitled “The Democrats’ Attack On The Catholic Church” [Letter Hive, 2/3/12] contains virtually nothing that is fact.  Perhaps letters to the editor should be proofread for comments that are outright lies and request that the writer of such comments please restrict themselves to actual facts rather than attempting to sway the public with boldfaced lies and propaganda.

The author of said letter states “If anyone needed any more evidence of the vile, despicable, bigoted nature of the current Democratic Party one need look no further than the recent edict by the US Department of Health and Human Services that forces Catholic employers to offer health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion inducing drugs, and contraception.”

Is this letter about the actual “edict” or just another excuse for a conservative to jump on any opportunity to criticize the Democratic Party?  Was utilizing words like “vile,” “despicable,” and “bigoted,” to describe the Democratic Party really necessary?  How does that type of name calling fit into an adult conversation?  Is there any attempt here to engage in a real discussion?  Can we not get past childhood playground name-calling and instead maintain a mature exchange of opinion?  And yes, I say opinion — but please, make an attempt to base your opinion on fact.

Here are the facts: The proposal (not “edict”) is meant to strike a balance between respecting religious beliefs and increasing access to important preventive services. This proposal does not require an individual to do anything against their conscience.  No one is being forced to do anything the do not want to.

The new guidelines require most private health plans to cover preventive services, including contraception, for women without charging a co-pay, coinsurance, or deductible. This in no way forces anyone to use contraceptives.

These guidelines were recommended by the nonpartisan, independent Institute of Medicine. The Obama (Democratic) administration also released a proposed regulation that allows nonprofit, religious employers that offer insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraception services.

And finally — and I can’t possibly see how anyone can be against this — this proposal on preventive health services will ensure that women with health insurance coverage will have access to the full range of recommended preventive services.  This is a stance that I have to believe all educated people would be in support of. 

Let us not go back to the dark ages before women’s rights.  These guidelines provide millions and millions of Americans, American women, the access to preventive services through this health care reform bill.

Robert Rabinowitz

Alpine Circle, Sandy Hook                                         February 3, 2012