Lori Roman: Government-run health care killed my father

(By Lori Roman, Washington Examiner) - "I recommend that you seriously consider a "do not resuscitate" order, said the seemingly nice man in the white coat. "He has diminishing quality of life. And, if he has an infection or illness, we can provide comfort care for him."

This was my first introduction to government-controlled "health care." The man he was suggesting unworthy of penicillin or CPR was my happy, loving father, a man who lit up the room with his smile and kind words, despite his dementia. A man who served his country in WWII and lived an honorable life. A man who was otherwise healthy and active.

The doctor then suggested that my father possibly brought on the dementia by drinking, thereby, I suppose, justifying that no further treatment should be wasted on him. I looked at the doctor in horror. Yes, the Irishman with the twinkle in his eye enjoyed a few beers, but did that make him less valuable as a person?