In a Teletown Hall Meeting Thursday, Heath Shuler finally gave the public a stance on the Healthcare Bill. He stated the bill would not help the federal government financially, would not reduce the cost of healthcare, and did not make people healthier. The Gannett news report claims that of the twenty-four callers who asked questions, those in favor were reading spoon-fed talking points widely disseminated by special interest groups.

On the downside, Shuler indicated he would favor a government seizure of the medical industry, provided it would encourage preventive practices. The Teletown Hall setting effectively silenced “angry mobsters” who for historical reasons do not want to turn personal life-and-death decisions over to politicized protocols of a centralized bureau.