Concerns of Americans over proposed health care reform come into focus as town hall meetings take place across America. Fear and doubt are causing emotions to boil over as public support has turned, with 44% in strong opposition versus 26% strongly in favor, according to the Rasmussen Report.
“Intensity has been stronger among opponents of the plan since the debate began.” Support has dropped to 42%, down five points from two weeks ago and eight points from six weeks ago. Opposition is up nine points from June to 53%. In addition, Rasmussen reported that 51% of Americans say they fear the government more than they fear insurance companies.
American Citizens’ Questions On Health Care Reform
The questions of town hall attendees express doubt and fear regarding what the proposed health care reform plan will mean for their futures, including coverage for senior citizens, how the U.S. government will be able to finance health care insurance for each and every American, how health care will differ from what is already available, how decisions on care will be made and whether or not tax dollars will be used to fund abortions.
Shouts and Scuffles as Emotion Boils Over
NBC ran video of a town hall meeting with U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat, where a fistfight broke out in the auditorium as people shouted over one another and told McCaskill that they did not trust her.
McCaskill said that Americans’ reactions to health care reform are subject existing societal pressures, a sentiment echoed by U.S. Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania, according to CBS News.
"I think there is a mood in America of anger. With so many people unemployed and so much bickering in Washington, people are disgusted with the partisanship and with the fear of losing their health care, it all boils over," said Spector.
President Obama Speaks to New Hampshire
In a campaign-style speech, President Obama made an appeal for help in overcoming what he called "wild misrepresentations" about the program by special-interest groups, reported The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The President addressed “the rumor” of “death panels” determined to eliminate the elderly, saying it came from a House provision allowing Medicare to reimburse people for consultations received about end-of-life care, such as hospices. The intention, he said, was to give people information to help them handle such situations.
AARP’s Endorsement Premature
When the President assured a woman regarding Medicare coverage, he said, "AARP would not be endorsing a bill if it was undermining Medicare, OK?"
AARP chief operating officer Tom Nelson issued a clarification following the Portsmouth Town Hall.
"While the President was correct that AARP will not endorse a health care reform bill that would reduce Medicare benefits, indications that we have endorsed any of the major health care reform bills currently under consideration in Congress are inaccurate," Nelson’s statement read.
Linda DeMerle - Linda DeMerle is an exhibited artist, poet, advocate and freelance writer in a wide range of publications. She has studied Art, ...
