Bakersfield crowd speaks its mind on heated issue
Last Updated Thursday, Aug 27 2009 01:26 PM
Dozens of people at Wednesday's town hall meeting in Bakersfield asked questions or made statements about the main topic. Here's a sampling.
"Why are you and other members of Congress not more actively debating the constitutionality of this bill?" -- Lance Reed
"I depend on the government for my life ... You people who are healthy think, oh we have the world's greatest health care system." -- Billy L. Olson, who said if he had to depend on the free market health care system to manage his multiple sclerosis, he would be dead.
"Let's put it before the people." -- Rep. Kevin McCarthy, in calling for less haste and more transparency in the reform effort.
"Did I dodge rockets in that jungle so some socialist can come steal from the greatest generation ever?" -- Ralph Robles, a Vietnam veteran
"There are a lot of crucial facts that are being washed over. What's going on here?" -- CSUB student Carlos Courtneay, 18, who said he is worried that the government is holding back important information from the public
"We spent the past three weeks in Greece and Germany. The health care systems in those countries work and the people we talked with are very satisfied." -- Evan Bell outside the Icardo Center
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Felix Adamo / The Californian While some got alittle more emotional than others at the health care townhall meeting, people were respectful of other's views.
Felix Adamo / The Californian There were still seats available at Kevin McCarthy's townhall meeting but he had to be pleased at the turnout at CSUB's Icardo Center.
Felix Adamo / The Californian Susan Coakley-Adams cheers after Vietnam veteran Jesus Revilla,right, gave his views on the controversial health care reform bill at the townhall meeting at CSUB.
Felix Adamo / The Californian Since signs were not allowed inside the Icardo Center on the campus of CSUB, a few, including Ann Gallon lined the sidewalk outside with their signs.
Felix Adamo / The Californian Congressman Kevin McCarthy answers one of many questions presented to him at his health care townhall meeting at the Icardo Center on the CSUB campus.
Californian staff writer
Some were clearly angry at what they see as a Democratic-controlled Congress trying to steamroll the American public with a hastily designed health care reform bill. Others said they were scared or concerned or just plain frustrated.
A mostly partisan crowd of close to 3,000 people attended the town hall meeting at Cal State Bakersfield's Icardo Center Wednesday evening hosted by Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield. Dozens had the chance to comment as several volunteers in bright orange T-shirts provided wireless microphones to every corner of the gymnasium.
But McCarthy was clearly the star as he fielded questions or explained his position as he stood atop a raised platform set up on the floor of the center. Nearly everyone in the cavernous building gave him a standing ovation when he was introduced by CSUB President Horace Mitchell.
"Tonight we're going to listen to one another," McCarthy told the crowd. "We're going to be respectful of one another." Aside from a few boos, civility was the rule.
Backpacks, large packages and picket signs were prohibited inside the gym. And a large electronic traffic sign at the university entrance said "No weapons allowed."
Interest in the event was so high, the venue was changed twice to accommodate the thousands of area residents who wanted to attend.
"This is going to be one of the top-10 town halls" in the nation because of its robust turnout, McCarthy said to more cheers from the crowd.
The congressman said he believes the nation does need a reform of its health-care system, but he was clear about his opposition to HR 3200, the Democratic-backed bill that has received the most attention so far. He also railed against the spiking budget deficit caused in large part by the Obama administration's economic stimulus spending.
When McCarthy opened the floor to individuals in the crowd, hands shot up all across the gym -- and stayed up throughout the two-hour event.
Dr. Les Burson, a Bakersfield physician, made the first comments. He said medical care providers give away millions of dollars in free care and treatment every year, yet are not allowed to write off those losses.
Bakersfield resident Paul Mimeault raised the question of constitutionality.
"Can you tell me where in the Constitution it says the federal government is responsible for health care?" he asked to more cheers.
One man asked McCarthy, "Can you stop this?" in reference to what many said is Congress' undue haste to pass some sort of reform bill.
"You know what?" McCarthy answered. "You're stopping it right now."
The questions and comments continued, with all but one or two expressing opposition to the Democrats' bill.
One speaker said members of Congress should not remain protected in an ideal government-provided health-insurance plan when average Americans must often struggle to find and pay for adequate coverage.
And area resident Sandy Worley said she actually read the bill and found it almost incomprehensible.
Reform should "solve the problem, not exacerbate it," she said.
McCarthy was thronged by a small group of well-wishers after the event.
At least one person brought a copy of HR 3200, and waited as McCarthy autographed it.
The Bakersfield Police Department said there were no problems at the event other than a woman who thought her car had been stolen.
It turned out she'd forgotten where she parked.
