Letter of the Day: Bachmann rally sent a message: No health care reform needed

It would appear that U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and the Republicans who wish to kill health care reform may not be really against death panels. Unfortunately the Republican death panels would include insurance companies and exclude patients and their families from discussing the possibility of limiting treatment at the end of life. The Republican plan appears to be to withhold treatment from people who can't afford insurance and people with preexisting conditions. Perhaps Bachmann would willingly give up her insurance coverage so that medical providers could see her in the emergency room where emergency treatment is offered but follow-up care denied because you can't afford primary care at a doctor's office. The decline to death would be most likely slow and agonizing. I can't believe the depth of Bachmann's compassion. SCOTT ELKERTON, BUFFALO