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Suburban Snapshot talks health care in Philly

PHILADELPHIA—With a venue like the Broad Street Ministry, Wednesday night’s health care forum with Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) was definitely an event to attend.

The line wrapped around the Center City corner here, across from the Kimmel Center on Broad Street. Protesters and supporters alike were numerous outside, with signs held high for La Rouche PAC, ACORN, Health Insurance Reform Now and Planned Parenthood.

There were also handful of members from the Loyal Opposition, a Philadelphia Republican group, as well as some folks from Republican Pat Toomey’s Senate campaign.

I thought the protesters were well-organized and well-funded, with volunteers giving out stickers and signs.

The crowd, which started gathering outside the church as early as 4 p.m., got a bit testy when some of the more official politicos wanted a say. All the major Philadelphia media outlets were there, and as I was walking up and down the street, notepad in hand, I said hello to some friends who were working the event for their respective television stations.

About 30 minutes after I got there, Sestak came out and greeted the crowd.

Suburban Snapshot had a few minutes to chat with the Congressman.

“There is lots of anxiety in our country right now, especially with the economic situation,” Sestak told me. “First and foremost, I am a public servant, and I want to help my constituents and my country.”

He said he had indeed read the 1,000-plus page legislation being floated in the House.

One observation: With the overwhelming number of protesters here, if they were so passionate about this issue, why were they smiling like Cheshire Cats? That did not sit well with me. It was almost like they were automatons and told to be noisy and shout, “People not Profits.”

Inside, the church that holds 800 was packed to capacity. The pastor of the ministry greeted everyone, and then turned the microphone over to Congressman Sestak. Questions were asked by people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and races. The many questions ran the gamut from mental health, preventive care, single-payer possibilities, elder abuse, homeless care and much more.

One memorable moment occured when Colin Hanna, president of Let Freedom Ring, a 501 (c) (3) organization, asked the Congressman about the “Responsible Healthcare Reform Pledge,” which his organization is asking all members of Congress to sign. It commits them to not approve a bill until they have actually read it.

Sestak said he would have to give it a look, but would consider it.

This blogger couldn’t stay for the whole event, but I was impressed with the organization and the apparent—at least when I was there—civility, especially compared with the town hall meetings Senator Arlen Specter and many other members of Congress have held this August recess.

August 12, 2009 at 11:43 pm

--Beth Hegedus

Tags: Joe Sestak

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