The health care debate that rages at the White House, in Congress and on the national news came to historic Coupeville Thursday night.
The Whidbey Island League of Women Voters hosted a town hall-style meeting on health care reform, with panelists that included Congressman Rick Larsen.
Protesters stood by as crowds packed into the Coupeville Rec Hall. The building reached capacity moments before the forum, and many were forced to stand outside or peer in windows. A sound speaker was placed next to the doorway.
While some were seeking information on the Democrats’ plan for the health care bill, others hoped to voice their opposition.
People carried signs that read “Health care! Not wealth care!” and “Not buyin’ what you’re selling.”
Political tension arose even before the meeting began, when a man confronted Doug Thurber for his T-shirt, “Obomba sucks.”
“He hit me on the arm and said, ‘You’re the one that sucks,’” Thurber said.
Divided public feelings carried inside, as the eight-member panel described their stance on health care. Crowd members applauded state Rep. Barbara Bailey for opposing the federal health care bill, but Dolly Lister of Small Miracles was booed after speaking highly of the Canadian health care system.
When the question, “Is health care a right?” came up, audience members grew agitated with Larsen’s answer, which they felt wasn’t direct enough.
“If you won’t answer the question, I’m out of here,” a man said, as he exited the building.
Similar to reports from other town meetings across the country, some protesters shouted “free speech” to defend the disruptions.
Opponents also disrupted a meeting earlier that day in Oak Harbor, when Larsen was discussing veterans issues. They drowned out speeches by guest panelists to make time for the congressman to answer health care questions.
However, organizers in Coupeville were able to quell further outbursts that night and a deputy was later stationed by the door. Moderator Mendy McLean-Stone stopped the forum at several points to remind the audience to be respectful.
“If you would like to hear the questions, stand quietly,” she said at one point, asking the audience to rise to their feet.
As the forum continued, Larsen explained parts of the current bill, stating that Tricare and Medicaid would not be impacted. He added that a 50 percent tax credit would be given to small businesses to help pay for premiums.
“You don’t have to worry about drug companies loving this bill,” he said.
Bailey argued that anytime the government reaches into the private sector, it does a lousy job. She said President Barack Obama indicated there would be no tax on the middle class, but this may not be the case.
“If it’s not working how it’s prescribed to work, the only other option is to raise taxes,” Bailey said.
With people in Island County and across the U.S. struggling with high health care costs, the panelists all agreed that the status quo is unacceptable.
“The current system needs some reform,” Larsen said. “Discrimination needs to stop for those by gender, age and pre-existing condition.”
