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"Figures don't lie, but liars figure" reflects Mark Twain's sage advice to all of us.

Keeping such wisdom in mind makes sense because - while it applies in all arenas of our lives - perhaps, Mr. Twain was referring to politicians.

"Figures don't lie, but liars figure" means that the 'numbers' themselves do not lie; but that people who wish to lie can manipulate their calculations, or those of others, so that the 'numbers' are misleading; and can be used to support their claims, assertions or legislation.

Let's apply Twain's principle to the health care charade now being performed by actors on stage in the U.S. Congress. Doing so identifies the scripted spin, inconsistencies, and manipulations written into the current production emanating from Washington's 'Theater of the Absurd'.

First, some data -- sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau -- to share with you a 'foundation of facts'. In turn, that will provide you with a context in which you can objectively and fairly apply Twain's principle to elements of the legislation introduced last week by the majority in the U.S. House. (Note: We have opted to cite official Census Bureau data because there continues to be debates, by some, over exactly how many Americans are uninsured.)

The Census Bureau estimates there are "more than 47 million people, or 15.8 percent of the U.S. population, without health insurance during 2006". While that number is almost certainly higher now - given the additional time and in light of rising unemployment - the bureau estimated that, at the time: "70% were in between employment"; "10% were homeless or chronically unemployed"; and, the rest - "20% - were designated as Illegal's" living here in the United States.

If not understated, that means illegal immigrants represent, at least, 1 in 5 of the uninsured living the United States.

Buried within the legislation is new law that quietly "expands Medicaid health care... to all non-elderly with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level". Thus, the clear intent of the provision is to cover as many - if not yet all - individuals here illegally. That explodes further the cost burdens on citizen taxpayers.

Here's another breakout perspective of the same 47 million people without health insurance:

The Census Bureau reports that "33% lived in households earning over $50,000 and elect not to buy (insurance)"; that "26% are aged 18-35 years and deliberately don't buy"; and, the remaining "34% are children -- eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP -- but not enrolled".

Those data facts provided by the Census Bureau give the lie to those consciously manipulating the figures and their message to the masses.

The 1,018-page health-care bill rushed through the U.S. House at President Obama's behest, while yet again beating the drum of crisis, is another example of the reckless disregard for the individual freedom and personal choice decisions of America's citizens.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimate "showed that even if the price tag holds to $1 trillion, more than 80 percent of the costs will hit in the last five years". The implication is that "after 2019, taxpayers could be hit with a rising tidal wave of health care expenses" if Mr. Obama gets his way. Despite the effect on citizens -- and future generations -- the President is hell-bent in shifting health care coverage from the private to public sector"; and, is pushing legislators to hurry.

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