This week, readers sent us comments about the health care law and a donation we received.
In the FactCheck Mailbag, we feature some of the e-mail we receive. Readers can send comments to editor@factcheck.org. Letters may be edited for length.
Health Care Coverage
Thanks for pointing out the claims and counterclaims by both parties that cloud reality on the health care law ["A Budget-Busting Law?," Jan. 19], but I take exception to part of your analysis. Although the 21% reduction in Medicare reimbursement for physicians is not part of the bill, it is part of the OMB fiscal calculus. With that reimbursement being rescinded annually, the cost for 10 years is estimated at $250 billion, which wipes out the so-called savings. For all its volume, the bill also leaves much unsaid and up to political appointees and action by Congress in the future, which creates an unsettling feeling in the wake of the history of both to make cogent and rational decisions based on politics.
Lee Henderson
Ithaca, N.Y.
I’ve been a bit critical of you in the past when a bit of bias leaked through — so I need to tell you this is the best "factcheck" I’ve read yet, balanced and honest about the "spin" on both sides!!!
Charles "Buddy" Whatley
Ochlocknee, Ga.
Reason to Give
An old retired newsman here … proud of your work, but I found it somewhat puzzling that advanced searches on the usual search engines provide no returns whatsoever for Rajkumar Anketell, Hackensack, N.J. I am delighted that this individual donated $5,000 to support your continued operation, and would also like to know who this person is and a bit of his background and perhaps some idea of why he tops the list of individual donors.
Thank you,
Larry M. Ray
Gulfport, Miss.
Mr. Anketell responds: Wow, I had no idea people had the time to look into stuff like this.
I am a product of the Vietnam War and have always tried to give back to the country that gave me so much!
I am saddened by where politics is going these days. It seems the vast majority of people don’t want to search for the truth in politics and I believe that you folks can provide that service. Hopefully, contributions like mine will help you expand your service and send the lie mongers back to where they came from!
I think, if every person who does contribute to Fact Check just passed along your reports once in awhile to friends, you will eventually get the exposure and I am sure the financial support. Maybe even ask us to introduce friends and like minded people to your site.
Raj Anketell
Hackensack, N.J.