march on washington

Guest Post from Adam who made it down to D.C. On Thursday (pictures below).

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After taking the day off to visit my senators and congressman yesterday, I am left, probably more worried than I was during the drive to the Capitol. Following a chilly drive to the metro station from my home in Lancaster, PA, we boarded the train and headed downtown. Emerging from the tunnel, we were greeted by the sight of a small crowd beginning to form in front of the western steps of the Capitol Building. By eleven or so, we had made our way into the middle of the rapidly expanding mass of people, signs, cameras, and t shirts emblazoned with slogans. Cardboard signs with phrases like: “Don’t Tread On Me,” “Nobama Care!” and “We want the same healthcare Teddy had!” were scattered throughout. One man, wearing a white lab coat carried a tall sign proclaiming “One more doctor against H.R. 3962.” A woman creatively wore a hospital gown, open in the back and held a sign reading “Obamacare is like a hospital gown–You think you’re covered, but you’re not!” Just after noon, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann addressed the crowd, obviously pleased that such a large group was able to be there on such short notice. As she spoke, chants of “Kill the Bill!” erupted several times. To my surprise, and delight, about twenty Representatives came from within the Capitol, and spoke briefly. Unfortunately, no one represented Pennsylvania.

When we had heard the comments of those Representatives opposed to the bill, we decided to make our way to the Senate office buildings to speak with Bob Casey. However, when we arrived at his office, we were met only by a small group of people, attempting to make some impression of their anger on the secretaries. They informed us that Casey was in session. A short walk brought us similar results at Senator Specter’s office. Although I knew our House representative strongly opposed the Bill, we decided to visit him briefly to thank him for supporting our feelings. We were quickly shown into his office, a group of about fifteen people already crammed into the study. He noted how we conservatives should be thankful to the “Blue Dog” Democrats for the time we have to read, and understand the Bill. It was this group of about 52 fiscally conservative Democrats in the House that initially voted against the Healthcare Reform Bill, H.R. 3200 in July, granting us more time to make our thoughts known to our Representatives and Senators.

Leaving the building, I wasn’t really sure if I felt safer or more afraid for the future of our healthcare system. As someone who has spent time as both the recipient, and the provider of healthcare services, I agree that the current system is flawed. I have too often seen the red tape strung by health insurance companies and Medicare, obstructing the relationship between patient and physician. However, I think anyone who has ever spent time waiting in line at the local DMV or post office, can agree that the federal government is not the one to try to “heal” this relationship. Although it is a comfort to know that some of our elected officials, such as Michele Bachmann, and Joe Pitts, are as opposed to this Bill, I think more action is required on our part to express our thoughts to those who we have chosen to represent us.