Local Tea Party Weighs in on Health Care Reform

The “Say No To Government Health Care” rally last Friday was sponsored by the Roanoke Tea Party.  It was held at Cave Spring Corners, at the intersection of Rt. 419 and Brambleton Avenue in SW Roanoke County. Pictured: Congressman Bob Goodlatte talks with the protesters, thanking them for taking a stand for smaller government. 
The “Say No To Government Health Care” rally last Friday was sponsored by the Roanoke Tea Party. It was held at Cave Spring Corners, at the intersection of Rt. 419 and Brambleton Avenue in SW Roanoke County. Pictured: Congressman Bob Goodlatte talks with the protesters, thanking them for taking a stand for smaller government.

The Grim Reaper waved his staff at the “Say No to Government Health Care” rally and led the Roanoke Tea Party on October 30 at the intersection of 419 and Brambleton, near the Walgreen’s drugstore in southwest Roanoke County.   The anonymous, costumed man stated that, “America is choosing death and evil over God and freedom.”

The “evil” spoken of focused on the health care plan proposed by Democratic leaders in Congress and unveiled on October 29.  Typical comments during the Tea Party event included: “We are protesting because of what the government is doing to us…it is a disaster,” and “thank goodness we still have our freedom to speak.”  All those quoted chose to remain anonymous.

Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who attended the event, said there is a better way to change the health care plan: “True health care reform must start by making health care affordable and accessible for all Americans.”

The group of people numbered around 50-60 protesters, many holding signs displaying their opposition “to the takeover of so many of our venues by the government,” as stated by a protester.  One man handed out House Resolution Number 61, the tenth amendment legislation honoring state sovereignty of the U.S. Constitution.  He also encouraged newcomers to contact their delegates.

Health care reform was a major topic during the 2008 election.  Supporters of the new health care plan want a government insurance option.  The most recent 2000 page bill, if passed, will increase federal spending and the national debt, according to opponents.

“If the Democrats win [on Tuesday] it’s all over,” said Goodlatte at the Tea Party demonstration, concerning the election and health care reform. He may feel a little better after Republicans swept the statewide elections in Virginia.

Proposed solutions stated in a flier handed out by the 2nd Tuesday Constitution Group, included mandates to “follow the Constitution, reassert states’ control over state issues, preserve The Bill of Rights, limit immigration, cut federal spending, abolish the federal reserve system, and reduce the size of the military.”

Again and again the recurring view amongst the Tea Party health care protestors was, “it is Socialism.”  Said Jeri Ethridge: “The government is not supposed to rule the people,  the people are supposed to rule.  That is what freedom is about.”  NRA supporters were also a part of the crowd.  The Roanoke Tea Party group waved their signs during rush hour, receiving honks from many passing cars.

By Alice Shook
[email protected]

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Related Articles