By LIVESCIENCE STAFF - LIVESCIENCE.COM
Added: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 UTC

Thanks to Lucas for the link
http://www.livescience.com/environment/090824-healthcare-myths.html
I send this one because of their use of the word "belief," which points to a similarity between this phenomenon and belief in fantastical creatures like gods. Look how many times the article talks about right wing americans "believing" in "myths." This is worth posting for RDers to pick over. Something bad is happening in people's minds and in our culture. We need to figure it out.

- Lucas

More than 50 percent of Americans believe a public insurance option will increase health care costs, according to a new survey on assertions the White House has called myths.

The national survey, conducted from Aug. 14 – 18, involved a random sample of 600 Americans aged 18 and older living in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. Respondents indicated whether or not they believed 19 claims about health care reform, each of which is considered a myth by the White House.

The results could speak to the current partisan debate on a proposed health care overhaul. While overall the majority of Americans said they believe many of the assertions, more Republicans and Independents than Democrats stood by the claims.

"It's perhaps not surprising that more Republicans believe these things than Democrats," said study scientist Dr. Aaron Carroll, director of Indiana University's Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research. "What is surprising is just how many Republicans – and Independents – believe them. If the White House hopes to convince the majority of Americans that they are misinformed about health care reform, there is much work to be done."
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http://www.livescience.com/environment/090824-healthcare-myths.html

TAGGED: COMMENTARY, IRRATIONALITY