Monday, August 31, 2009
Health Care Rally September 2 at the Porter County Courthouse
From 6:30-8:30 health care supporters are gathering at the Porter County Courthouse. more info
Monday, August 3, 2009
DANWI Meeting
The August monthly meeting of the Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana wasn't unique due to a town hall style meeting with Congressman Pete Visclosky. A crowd of over 300 Porter County residents that arrived dawning bright orange shirts supporting health care reform, NWI Patriot gear, or waving signs supporting or protesting the health care reform in the House created the buzz that was about the Westchester Library at 6:00 Monday night. Although discussions were heated and protesters were vocal outside, the meeting went as smoothly as could be expected from such a charged atmosphere.
The night began with an eventful start, after a short explanation by DANWI describing why a crowd of "tea baggers" had come to disrupt a town hall meeting, the initial question of the evening came from an elderly that wanted to explain what tea bagging meant which, thankfully, was cut short by an official with DANWI who promptly announced another DANWI member who finally announce U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky.
The majority of questions came from the NWI Patriots who were upset that Congressman Visclosky hadn't read the proposed health care bill even though it just been released Friday. A CPA asked how the proposed programs would be funded so the Congressman pointed out that the CBO had put the cost at under the 1 trillion mark but no specifics were discussed. In addition Visclosky used his parents, at ages 92 and 87, as examples of Medicare benefits as well as the downfall which involves the multiple and complex plans that seniors are forced to choose from. When asked if he believes health care is a right or a privilege, he answered that he believes health care is a right which was met by boos and applause and then he went into examples of Health care that isn't health insurance related like OSHA and putting in sidewalks in South Haven since 3 children have been run over and killed on those very roads.
An excellent point made by a resident is that many union workers, such as steel workers, won't retire due to the lack of health care and preexisting conditions. If there were a public option and no preexisting condition discrimination, more of these workers could retire, allowing for a younger generation to be employed and therefore contributing to society.
Overall, everyone survived. No punches were thrown and the Congressman did an excellent job in responding to concerns and clarifying misconceptions that were revealed by the crowd.
The night began with an eventful start, after a short explanation by DANWI describing why a crowd of "tea baggers" had come to disrupt a town hall meeting, the initial question of the evening came from an elderly that wanted to explain what tea bagging meant which, thankfully, was cut short by an official with DANWI who promptly announced another DANWI member who finally announce U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky.
The majority of questions came from the NWI Patriots who were upset that Congressman Visclosky hadn't read the proposed health care bill even though it just been released Friday. A CPA asked how the proposed programs would be funded so the Congressman pointed out that the CBO had put the cost at under the 1 trillion mark but no specifics were discussed. In addition Visclosky used his parents, at ages 92 and 87, as examples of Medicare benefits as well as the downfall which involves the multiple and complex plans that seniors are forced to choose from. When asked if he believes health care is a right or a privilege, he answered that he believes health care is a right which was met by boos and applause and then he went into examples of Health care that isn't health insurance related like OSHA and putting in sidewalks in South Haven since 3 children have been run over and killed on those very roads.
An excellent point made by a resident is that many union workers, such as steel workers, won't retire due to the lack of health care and preexisting conditions. If there were a public option and no preexisting condition discrimination, more of these workers could retire, allowing for a younger generation to be employed and therefore contributing to society.
Overall, everyone survived. No punches were thrown and the Congressman did an excellent job in responding to concerns and clarifying misconceptions that were revealed by the crowd.
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