It's time to set the record straight on the myths, half-truths and out and out lies in the health care debate.

Let's address some of these outrageous claims. We shouldn't allow this intentional effort to distort the facts.

The United States does not have the best health care. The infant mortality rate is a disgrace, and many people leave the United States to go elsewhere for medical treatment.

There aren't "death panels." This is an advanced care provision for people wanting to make end-of-life decisions. This is patient-driven and not mandatory.

Being informed is just being intelligent. La Crosse, Wis., has had these consultations for several years.

Medicare began in 1965. There is nothing in the plan about taking away Medicare. There is a need to rid Medicare of the waste or it may go away.

There are several private entities in this country that are government run.

There have been more than 12 million people over the past three years who have been denied insurance coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions.

We need to be civil to each other and get facts straight. We shouldn't be drowning out others with opposing views. This is a democracy, isn't it?

Let's stop the spread of erroneous information.

We need to be united and use common sense and agree that the United States certainly needs reform of the high cost of insurance and health care.

Allene Gregory

Bloomington