Report on Health Care Forum in Harrison AR

First of all, no protests. They DID let MoveOn have an information table by one of the doors, and they used my summary of the bill as a handout, which I thought was rather nice. No rioting or anything--but then our Congressman is on record opposing the bill.

Just for fun I took notes. The main objection to the bill from Boozman is that it doesn't address tort reform. He's a DO, and gives the impression that those evil lawyers are the only problem with health care.

He never out and out lied--but he did skate awfully close, such as when he told the audience that tax rates on wealthy Americans would rise 5%--not mentioning that that was for millionaires who have had tax break after tax break the past 8 years. He also gave the impression that the bill would do away with choice of private health insurance altogether.

A brave British lady spoke up and stood up to him about National Health and how it worked. Boozman's answer was that we have 4 MRI units in Northwest Arkansas, and there are only 4 units in all of Canada (how that related to the UK he didn't bother to say). I'd love to hear from some Canadian DUers about this.

When a paid shill for the insurance company got up and started speaking, saying that the bill would put all insurance plans in one group and those who spent extra money would not get the plans they wanted--and the crowd was buying it--I got up and left.

A few brave souls did applaud when single payer was mentioned, etc, and one lady asked why we couldn't all be on Medicare, but by and large the crowd was very very right wing. Many wore tee shirts with Bible verses on them, and when one man said, "Health care is NOT a right, it is a privilege, they cheered with very mean looks directed at those of use who sat on our hands.

I've come to the conclusion that there is an anti-Christ--it is embodied in the so-called Christians who are so mean-spirited and compassionless that they assume anyone on Medicaid or without insurance is a bum who doesn't "deserve" good health care. No wonder Canadians, Britons, and Europeans look at us and shake their heads.

Anyway, I'm planning another nice letter to the Congressmen, pointing out, with citations from the bill, where he "strayed from the facts." Any information you can give me on the Canadian MRI situation will be greatly appreciated.

:dem:

-Laelth