I’ve often wished I could make a living publishing a blog/factsheet/newspaper/whatever that gave facts about newsworthy items. Just the facts–no opinions, no speculation, no gossip, no features, and no agenda. Pure news.

Of course, I’d starve.

Today’s Huffington Post contains an interesting article about health care myths vs. health care facts. A poll was taken with 805 people, and the responses were interesting.

1. 45 percent said it’s likely the government will decide when to stop care for the elderly.

2. 55 percent expect the overhaul will give coverage to illegal immigrants.

3. 54 percent said the overhaul will lead to a government takeover of health care.

4. 50 percent expect taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for abortions.

#1, 2, and 3 are flat wrong; there is nothing in any provision offered to Congress that would bring them about. Those with political agenda (Hello, Ms. Palin!) took certain provisions and warped them out of recognition. For instance, the entire “death panel” bullshit came about because most proposals would fund end-of-life counseling and living will creation, to be used by those who want it.

#4 is only partially correct; abortions would be allowed under some versions of the proposed bill, but they would be paid for by beneficiary premiums instead of government funding. Under current proposals, public funding for abortions would continue to be prohibited just as it is now.

There’s a concept in the information technology world called FUD–Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. It’s despicable when it’s used in marketing and sales; it should be an offense punishable by, say, lifetime lack of health care insurance, when it’s used to gain notoriety and/or political advantage.