The 300 seats of Brown Country Library's central auditorium were filled to capacity Aug. 3, forcing people to spill out into the lobby and hallways to listen in on U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Wis., - although it seemed not much listening was happening. Much like other House Democrats speaking within their districts, attempts to speak out on the national health care reform plan are being vocally opposed by those who claim the government's hand is getting too heavy over the health care system. "We have Social Security - bankrupt, Medicare - bankrupt, Medicaid … I don't want the government managing my health care," Pat Duchteau of Green Bay said. "They are not capable of it." Kagen's speech was centered on favoring a health care plan that promotes a competitive system of insurance providers and consumer choice. Although Kagen voiced his frustration of the crowd's attitude multiple times during his speech, he said he understands their need to be heard. "You can talk, but I can't listen to 100 people at the same time," he said. "This is not a shouting contest. This should be a discussion." While accusations and questions continued to create uproar within the auditorium, the crowd outside of it were disappointed they could not hear the specifics of the speech, but voiced their opinions nonetheless. Chants of 'vote Kagen out' developed and though a few tried communicating in favor of the reform, they were hastily drowned out by the overwhelming opposition who made sure their presence did not go unnoticed. Though it proved to be difficult for those in favor of the plan Sept. 2, there is certainly headway being made on that other side of the fence. About 450 supporters of the reform rallied with Kagen in Green Bay Aug. 26 as he told the crowd he would not vote in favor of a bill that allows pre-existing conditions bar citizens from their insurance coverage. Kagen went on to contend that corporations are too focused on monetary earnings, and it is the primary issue that must change to fix the problems within this system. Under the most recent form of the bill, he said 98 percent of small businesses and 99 percent of homes would pay no additional taxes in response to lower health care costs -saving the general population money in the long run. Debates on the bill continue to be hashed out as the weeks go on, and although Kagen's ears may still be ringing from his visit to Green Bay, his crusade for the health care reform is still charging full steam ahead.
Tempers run rampant against health care reform
Published: Thursday, September 3, 2009
Updated: Monday, August 30, 2010 17:08
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