Thousands of people from points all over the United States gathered in Upper Senate Park in Washington, D.C. Tuesday to protest the massive healthcare proposal before Congress. Chants of “Kill the Bill” were heard all the way to the Nation’s Capitol, according to several Senators who could hear the crowd from their offices.
Sponsored by Americans For Prosperity, Tea Party Patriots, Catholic Families for America, the Hispanic Leadership Fund and 13 other organizations, the event was dubbed the “Code Red Rally,” with all participants being asked to wear something red.
Speakers included Tim Phillips, president of Americans For Prosperity, talk show host Laura Ingraham, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) who said, “60% of healthcare is in government hands now — the Veterans Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, and it is not working. The government just wants to control our lives.”
The primary focus for protestors was the proposed government-run healthcare bill, which is projected to cost trillions of dollars, and possibly limit care for the elderly.
Bill Saunders of Troutville rode a bus from Roanoke so his voice could be heard. He said, “I have Medicare Advantage and I don’t want to lose it. It is vital to my well-being and that is why I am protesting ‘Obamacare.’”
There were three chartered buses that departed from Roanoke to attend the rally. Riders included a Santa Claus, members of the Constitution Party, home schoolers and many others, all wanting to have their say about the bill.
Cami and Stan Galloway from Bridgewater brought their two home-schooled children with them. Cami said the whole family came because they wanted to make a stand against the healthcare bill and they hoped to persuade their Senators to listen to their constituents and oppose the bill. “We brought the boys because this is an educational and learning experience and it will teach them to stand up for what they believe is right,” she said.
Connie Haggard of Staunton represented 20 people who could not attend. “I have never done anything like this before, but I feel I have to take a stand now. We need to turn back to a simpler, moral lifestyle,” she explained. Many in the crowd echoed her sentiments with their homemade signs proclaiming slogans such as “Socialism Isn’t Cool,” “Congress is a Predator” and “Hands Off My Healthcare.”
After the rally was over, many people headed over to the Capitol to try and visit their Senators. Both Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb were not in their offices; however they left guest books for people to sign and leave messages. Senator Warner’s chief of staff was available to speak with constituents. Lines went down one hall and then another as hundreds tried to sign the books.
Crowd estimates were between 8,000 and 10,000 people.
By Carla Bream [email protected]
