Wasn't it Sarah Palin who first used the phrase of "death panel"? Chances are she had some speech writer draft it for her, though. No, I am not going to be Palin bashing (right now, it is just too easy).

Truly, private insurance companies now decide who will get treatment and who won't. They will decide if a Skid Row (is that still a term) bum gets a liver transplant or if the available matching liver will go to someone like Mickey Mantle.

Definitely, all people should have a joint discussion (when faced with a serious illness or operation) with their family and doctors to decide what kind of measures should be taken to either prolong life on a machine or to go out with dignity. Quality of life counts. Would you rather be hooked to medical machines and comatose for 10 years or have life ended? What choice would you advocate for a loved family member? It is a personal choice. I advocate the inclusion of such a discussion in any healthcare law. The doctors and hospitals abide with the family decision.