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Fifth District Divided on Hoyer's Healthcare Support
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Fifth District Divided on Hoyer's Healthcare Support
WALDORF - 9/2/2009
By Carrie Griffin Munn
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House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer brought healthcare reform discussion to his constituents Tuesday night when he held a town hall meeting at North Point High School in Waldorf. Hoyer, a vocal supporter of healthcare reform, was greeted with simultaneous applause and boos from the crowd of 1,482 citizens. Many in attendance sported buttons, stickers and t shirts showing their support for or disapproval of the proposed reforms in the America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). James J. Xinis, President and CEO of Calvert Memorial Hospital addressed the crowd, asking everyone to adhere to the rules in an effort to keep the meeting "non-partisan and neutral," treating each other "fairly and respectfully."
The congressman said, "I've never had a town meeting as large as this." Hoyer reminded the crowd how healthcare reform has been a vital political issue for decades, quoting from Presidents Truman, Nixon and J.F.K. It's a problem he says is "growing more pressing every year."
Hoyer detailed how the bill can provide "security and stability for the middle class" by eliminating caps, ending discrimination for pre-existing conditions, and creating a national health insurance exchange to compete with the skyrocketing costs of private insurance. He also explained the plan to strengthen Medicare and make healthcare more feasible for small businesses.
Deputies of Charles County escorted two citizens out after an altercation broke out in the stands.
Several other speakers joined Hoyer on stage. Dr. Zaneb Beams, a pediatrician with offices in Laurel and Columbia, said, "Doctors support healthcare reform." Retired Lt. Col. George Forrest addressed the veterans, telling them, "You are protected under this bill."
The crowd was repeatedly reminded of the rules and police officers stayed busy quieting disruptions and dissuading any out-of-line behavior. The crowd began pointing at their watches, waving the red tickets they were given for their chance to speak and shouting, "We want questions!" Many left early, visibly aggravated.
Many called to the microphone shared personal accounts of how inadequate and expensive healthcare hits close to home while others asked very specific questions about eligibility, costs and accountability. The first citizen called to speak, April Burke of Mechanicsville stated, "We want government out of our business!" The crowd wildly reacted. Outbursts of "Don't get sick!" and "Dissolve the fed!" were shouted.
Sharon Eagle, reminding Hoyer of a problem within his district, said, "We have no doctors in Southern Maryland!" This shortage, the congressman agreed was a "critical issue" which he suggested would be quelled by the bill's initiative to create more doctors and healthcare professionals through scholarships and training.
Many applauded when Dick Sweetman of Dunkirk said, "I'm for healthcare reform, but I'm not for government run healthcare." Sweetman continued that while there is talk of keeping the insurance companies honest, he is "concerned who [will ] keep the government honest?"
The crowd also showed support when United Healthcare Workers East representative, Ana Rosado said, "Healthcare is a right, not a privilege!"
The bill is still under immense scrutiny, with both sides of the divided crowd left with questions and concerns. Those not given an opportunity to speak were given a chance to submit their queries in writing at the event, which Hoyer said he would try to respond to.
Hoyer bluntly said, "I support the public option" and expressed that the reform, "Does not put government between you and your doctor." He also stated he expects to be very involved in healthcare reform work sessions and decisions in the next eight to ten weeks.
To learn more about what the proposed reforms mean to you, visit http://www.healthreform.gov/.
To direct your questions or concerns to the Fifth District Representative, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) visit http://www.hoyer.house.gov/contact/.
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