Sarah Palin is right. “Death Panels,” do exist. But she won’t admit that these panels are put in place and controlled by America’s health care insurance industries. Like every American institution, these industries have been collectively undermined by unbridled love and lust for money. Most Americans are naive on this subject. We are unaware that lies fuel the current debate on health care. Health care insurance industries often fund these lies. They are aided by self serving politicians and media talking heads. if we “follow the money.” This truth will be revealed. Sadly we are not interested in doing this. We find it easier to indulge in mindless pursuits like sports, and American Idol.

In the time it takes to read this letter, health care insurers will deny thousands of insured Americans life saving medical treatment. It will not matter that their premiums are paid. Insurance executives will decide that treating them is to expensive. Their decisions will only consider their industries bottom line.

Increasingly that bottom line is outrageous and excessive profit. The mansions, yachts and toys enjoyed by insurance executives and share holders totals billions. They are the fruits of greed. Every hour, every minute, every second, thousands of American families are victimized by it.

In July, my father-in-law died in Canada at age 95. Over the course of several years before his death he had been in failing health. He had several heart operations. For a long time he received professional health care visits at home. Finally he was placed in a very nice nursing home. The Canadian Health Care System provided him years of excellent care and service. At no cost to him. He was not required to go bankrupt to receive this care. He was not made to forfeit the nice home that he worked all of his life to pay for. In the end his family and estate were not left with medical bills to pay. Such a fortunate outcome is not possible under America’s present health care system.

Denial of medical treatment for America’s insured drives them into bankruptcy. It also hastens their deaths. No matter. When they are dead, insurers quickly take them off their books. And forget about them. We all need to be proactive on this issue. We can start by following the money. Investigation will reveal some shocking facts. Dear reader do you have insurance? Are you covered? Are you sure? You may be the next victim of a greedy and callous health care insurance provider. Whatever you think of Obama he has placed the issue of health care on America’s mind. As a former Republican I support his efforts. So should we all.

W. Mack Rose, Valdosta

US Army Retired