Two Nationalized Healthcare Protest Experiences

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Asheville, North Carolina

We first assembled in front of Shuler’s Asheville office and on the intersection of Biltmore and Choctaw with our protest signs.  A group of about 40 people (rough guesstimate – I was in the front) entered the Congressman’s lobby where we were met by his assistant.  

It is important to note here that we were not “storming the Bastille.”  We were not carrying pitchforks, nor did we arrive unannounced.  Our group called ahead well over a week in advance and requested that someone from Shuler’s office receive our petitions and comments.  We were informed that they would not accept our petitions and that Shuler would not be there, but that someone would receive us.

Shuler’ assistant stood in the entry to the offices and stated that the Congressman “has no comment.”  He said that he would be willing to talk to one or two of us.  Several people spontaneously made comments to be relayed the Congressman.  This is not a euphemism for “shouted ugly things at the assistant.”  In fairness, the people were frustrated at being stonewalled and they were at times blunt, but the comments were mostly well considered and very, very sensible.  

A woman from Canada spoke of her experience in that healthcare system, as did a man from Germany.  People demanded that Shuler read the bill before voting on it.  Someone pointed out that it is hypocritical for Congress to push a healthcare plan from which they themselves are exempt.  When asked when Shuler would be in Asheville, the assistant repeated several times that we were each welcome to call the Washington DC office to request an appointment with the scheduler.  He refused to make the call on our behalf.  He also left the lobby before our gathering was finished asking him questions.  

After our “meeting” with our “Representative’s” representative, we gathered on the intersection for the remainder of the protest.

All in all, it was a good event.  Many people were there.  Many passersby expressed their support.  Our Congressman will hear of our visit.

Item of note:  The only representative of the Asheville area print media present was from the Daily Planet.  To my knowledge, neither the Asheville Citizen-Times, the Mountain Xpress, nor the Tribune papers sent reporters.  If I am incorrect in this, please call it to my attention.

WLOS was there and interviewed me and possibly others.  The exchange with the Shuler staffer was also recorded.  This video did not make the 6 o’clock news.  Perhaps it will be on at 11 o’clock…?  

UPDATE:  It was on at 11, and it was truly shameful how one-sided a report they gave.  Very disappointing given the amount of footage the videographer from WLOS shot and the lengthy interview that I gave him.  

All of which prompts the question: If 250 people gather in the name of health freedom and AC-T, MtnXpress, and Tribune reporters aren’t there to cover it, are the Asheville Citizen-Times, the Mountain Xpress, and the Tribune Papers still fishwrap?

Apparently we were lucky.  At least they let us in…

St. Louis, Missouri

Special thanks to the staffer who gave the protesters the single finger salute.  This is possibly the most honest expression of McCaskill’s true feelings these constituents will ever receive.

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Filed under Activism, Barack Obama, Bias, Constitutional Rights, Democrat Party, Economy, Health Care, Mainstream Media, NC Issues, Tea Parties, U.S. House