July 17, 2009

Rally for health care marches Downtown

Ryan Gleason of C4C gives the group last-minute instructions

Some three dozen people rallied today for universal health care. The group, organized by Community for Change, walked from the Gateway campus to Monument Square, where their visual message competed for attention with the sounds of Lake Effect and the construction work under way on Sixth Street.

Participants in the rally said they were interested in health care reform, but they didn't necessarily agree with President Obama's plan to revamp the current system. Scott Jarvela, of Racine, said he felt Congress was moving too fast. "Slow down, fellas," was his message on national leaders trying to expand health care coverage to most Americans.

But Jarvela said the need for reform is real. While his job provides him solid benefits, his mother struggles month-to-month to pay for the prescription drugs she needs. Her Social Security payments barely provide enough to cover her living expenses plus the $150 to $200 she pays for prescription drug coverage.

Jarvela said he came out to the rally because it was described as nonpartisan. He simply hoped to learn more about the issue and get a gauge on where people stand.


Jeff Pellerin, of Racine, started work when he was 14 years old and never let up until a bad back and battered hands forced him to retire. He's on disability, but has to wait until August 2010 before he's eligible for government-assisted health care. Until then, he's scratching by on Social Security and hoping he lives long enough to get to a doctor.

"It's been a struggle," said Pellerin, who can feel something wrong inside of his body, but doesn't know what it is. Without insurance he can't afford to see a doctor, yet his Social Security payments (built up from working since he was a teenager) are too high for him to qualify for health coverage now.

What frustrates Pellerin is he did everything right. He worked hard all of his life, made decent money as a truck driver with the Teamsters, and his reward is a life on the edge. Pellerin even turned down a life living on disability. He was in a car crash that left his hands as burned stumps with fingers that don't bend. Doctors told him he'd never work, but Pellerin ignored them and got a job anyway. Now, as his body gives out, he's left to wait for a catastrophe.

"It's gonna cost more to leave me untreated," Pellerin said. "They're going to wheel me into the ER someday and spend a hundred times more to treat me."

Channel 58 news out of Milwaukee covered the rally.

Pellerin shared his story with Paulette Garin, the former Congressional candidate who's made health care reform her signature issue. Garin supports a single-payer system that would, essentially, wipe out the current insurance industry and replace it with a government-run health care system that would guarantee everyone automatic coverage for life, even if they change or lose a job.

"It's the only way," said Garin, who is the state coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America.

Garin was critical of Obama's plan, saying not enough is known about the "public option" for health care. (The "public option" would create a government-run insurance company that would be available to all Americans and compete with private insurance companies.) Garin said as companies continue to cut costs and look for efficiencies they'll drop health insurance and force employees to sign up for a government program that is, at least now, ill-defined.

Friday's rally was a precursor to the Health Care Forum that Community for Change is organizing from 1-4 p.m. on July 26 at the Masonic Center, 1012 Main St., in Racine. The nonpartisan event is open to the public. Participants will be able to share their stories about the health care system and learn more about the national debate on the issue.

Meanwhile, Lake Effect serenaded the music lovers

During the rally on Monument Square, Community for Change set up a table to promote its July 26 forum. A representative from Downtown Racine Corp ordered them to move the table, saying DRC had paid to lease the square for its Music on the Monument series. It was a somewhat surprising request because Community for Change had been on the square the previous two Fridays without being asked to move, and the table clearly wasn't interfering with the music. Here's a further explanation from Community of Change's Ryan Gleason about what happened (as left in the comments):
A person from the DRC approached me at the Square and informed me they had Monument Square reserved and that we would have to leave.

We were situated on the opposite end of the square from where the music was taking place. After the notification we immediately packed up without disagreement or incident. The music was not blocked and there was no shouting or unruly behavior.

As the DRC had paid to reserve the square, I have no issue with their decision or the way they went about it. In fact, many of us stayed to enjoy the music and get lunch, which was the intention anyway. We were well out of view of the music and spectators, but the DRC reserves the right to make the call since they paid.

The participants were well behaved and promoted an agenda of asking our lawmakers to reform our health care system. I'm very pleased to get this nonpartisan message out there and of the people that chose to participate. Both parties have different solutions to get us there, but the main point is that we have to get there. That was the message.

43 comments:

  1. Wow. If you had a job, you could have health care.

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  2. All 30? wow. Thinking that the Obama backers need to do a better job.
    The Racine Tea party had tons more and they did not get the coverage nor the free press that this march did. Why might that be....

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  3. The problem you are trying to solve will not be solved with forcing the feds to cover health care.

    They will do a crap job of it to be strait to the point.

    Cancers, obesity, disease, these things take talent to handle. We cannot do them for nickles and dimes.

    We need to sort out the things that are causing these issues for Americans.

    Treat the cause don't just throw money and poor planning into unusual solution one after another.

    Our food supply is poisoning us. The drugs they are over prescribing us are killing us. You trade one ailment for 5 others, which also then have to medicate.

    We need a "get healthy plan" with strict regs on toxins in our food, water and Rx drugs. Physical exercise needs to be a part of the plan.

    My two cents.

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  4. Bankrupt the whole country so we can all have health care! Start the rationing now! Out with private coverage!

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  5. 12:44

    You are right I think. Far easier to demand the government take care of us for our own acts.
    The obesity we face as a nation if not ourselves causes heart issues and Diabetes (putting down his 4th sodia) actions we chose to do yet want others to pay for.
    We eat garbage we feed our kids garbage wand wounder why we are sick.
    Smoke and drink poison and wounder why we are sick.
    We force the poor into ghettos with run down housing and unsted of helping them provide there own good food force yet more low income housing on them. (Thanks He who can not be named at City of Racine Dept of Development) the savings we would find with better eating habits teaching better eating and basic heath + the lower crime better educational outcomes this would bring great benefits.
    But its easier to say Obama save me! then to fix ourselves and help others to do the same.

    Now Racine got a start on all of this with Eat Right Racine and RUGN taking the first steps.
    I think both these group are doing great things and could use our help.

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  6. WHOOPS! I left early to post these pictures -- before DRC kicked the health care rally off Monument Square! Not sure why ... but Dustin was there and will update this story shortly.


    WTF??? That is public space! How dare the DRC do that! How in fact could they do that? Please tell us more!!!!
    I may not like what you are trying to do by by the All Mighty Living God I and others have fought and some have died for your right to say it.
    Next time I will march with you if only to be sure the DRC does not pull this again.
    For Shame DRC for SHAME

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  7. Don't taze me, bro!

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  8. What a joke - I'm sure this rally will make coverage all the way to Washington. Who knows, maybe they'll pass the legislation today when they see how many people (30)marching. I'd kick you out of monument square also, quit blocking the entertainment with those insipid signs.

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  9. 1:34

    They had a right to be there. It is public space, not space owned by the DRC.
    Just posted the event on facebook and soon twitter, asking every to call the DRC at 262.634.6002 and ask them why.

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  10. "wow, if you had a job...." - seriously? check the unemployment rate my friend. i hope you don't lose YOUR job, find yourself without health care....this is a complex problem but to say only those that are employed "deserve" health care is craziness. you should probably ask the small business owners how easy it is on them to provide it to those "have a job". lastly, i think we can thank the private sector insurance companies for screwing this entire country on this subject - oh, and the pharmaceutical companies

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  11. They have no rights if they were disturbing the music and those listening.

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  12. Does anyone believe that this group was shouting down the music?
    What is truly amazing is that Colt is fighting for this groups rights

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  13. Who knows what this knuclehead group would do.

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  14. And Colt - nice touch, speaking in the 3rd person, you are a joke also.

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  15. I think we should get the names of all of the people involved in this disruption. How disrespectful to RUIN a FAMILY FOCUSED event like Music on the Monument! These people should be ASHAMED of themselves! Don't they have something more constructive to do? Maybe they could all chip in a pay for an airplane banner :)

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  16. DRC leases the square for the music event - this means they can determine who comes to the even. This is no different than if they had an unruly patron listening to the music and could ask that person to leave. I agree with the message the protest brings, I do not agree with it being done at a downtown even which is supposed to free of political influence. The music event is meant to be enjoyed bhy everyone and not to be used a s forum for a group to scab onto for their own agenda.

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  17. Anon 2:03 - Exactly!

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  18. A person from the DRC approached me at the Square and informed me they had Monument Square reserved and that we would have to leave.

    We were situated on the opposite end of the square from where the music was taking place. After the notification we immediately packed up without disagreement or incident. The music was not blocked and there was no shouting or unruly behavior.

    As the DRC had paid to reserve the square, I have no issue with their decision or the way they went about it. In fact, many of us stayed to enjoy the music and get lunch, which was the intention anyway. We were well out of view of the music and spectators, but the DRC reserves the right to make the call since they paid.

    The participants were well behaved and promoted an agenda of asking our lawmakers to reform our health care system. I'm very pleased to get this nonpartisan message out there and of the people that chose to participate. Both parties have different solutions to get us there, but the main point is that we have to get there. That was the message.

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  19. How often do these people get off their asses to do anything but to whine? One, everyone has access to healthcare. Two, why should I pay for their healthcare when I'm having trouble paying for my own? Three, they can quit smoking, drinking, over-eating, and get skinny and that will save us all money. Instead, they suck down more pills, sit and eat, suck some more pills down, bitch, more pills...you see the pattern.

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  20. This is weird, people commenting without really understanding what the gathering was all about. The U.S. spends more on health care than any other nation in the World and causes this country to be uncompetitive in the global market. We need to address the problem, cut the waste,and reduce cost. Doing nothing is not the answer. Whether it is a Republican or Democratic solution is not important. What is important is that something be done.

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  21. And Ryan you showed that like good sheep you will give up your rights to anyone with power.
    You run your group anyway you want but walking down with a few signs was not hurting the DRC/music. The DRC IMHO being called out as the Fascist that I and others believe they are have once again shot themselfs in the foot.
    Far better to have invited you to sit down and hear the music vs telling you to leave, IMHO.
    Gee does anyone rember what happened to the market the DRC tried to have on the Square?

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  22. Anon 3:14 - so what was done with a few measly people walking down the street with signs - absolutely nothing.

    And Colt - why have you given up on talking in the 3rd person. And the DRC did not shoot themselves in the foot except in the opinion of a few of you losers.

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  23. Anon 3:27 your one of those who think nothing should be done, sticking your head in the sand is not a solution and everything has to begin somewhere and this was just a start.

    And I cannot believe I am agreeing with Colt again, I was there for the music and did not see a conflict. Whats up!

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  24. 3:27

    On the DRC payroll too?
    Yes, yelling at a group of elders marching peacefully disturbing none is great for the DRC! Same logic perhaps the DRC should have attack dogs go after the folks coming to town this weekend.
    IMHO Colt knows fascism when he sees it

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  25. Colt - no not part of DRC but they certainly do more for the city than your constant whining - fascism - Colt does not have a clue.

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  26. Anon 3:27 - so I'll ask my question again, what was done. What was accomplished - nothing other than maybe some excercise and I'm certainly not against that.

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  27. That last post was to Anon 3:37.

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  28. DRC paid, so they can make the decision. I was not given a reason other than the fact that they had the area reserved. If you want a further explanation, you'd have to ask them. Call me a sheep but I did not feel it appropriate to argue with a paying client.

    I can tell you that many of us stayed to enjoy the music and spend money with the area merchants for lunch. Our setup was on the opposite side of the Square, well out of sight from the music and spectators.

    I know some said this could not be nonpartisan but I'm very happy that it in fact was. You can see that from the diversity of comments in the article. There are many points of view on solutions, timing, coverage and cost. As those details are being worked out, we can all acknowledge the problem and call for reform. That is what today was all about.

    Some will say this accomplished nothing but I disagree. What was proven today is that reasonable people with differing opinions but a common goal can come together. It also serves to tell the public that there are differing opinions, even within a party. People think for themselves and don't necessarily walk lock step as is so often charged. That was on display, as well as the willingness to learn and have an honest conversation. That alone is an important accomplishment.

    We have the ability to set the example, and slowly transform the way we engage each other on important issues even if our own politicians won't. An open mind and willingness to listen is our key to change things for the better.

    When you engage Community for Change, you will get a fair shake. We said this was nonpartisan and kept our word. I'm proud of that accomplishment, but more proud of the brave people that took us up on the offer.

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  29. @ Anon 1:59

    ZING!

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  30. All it showed was the about 30 people could walk a half a mile.

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  31. What happen to the engagement of diversity of race. Why can't when these types of functions happen that minority participation cannot be garnered. It shows that once again Racine is Racine, and the decisions are once again in the mastered hands!! Go figure!! Go Racine!!! Go Community for Change,can I join??? Please let me join??

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  32. There was diversity of opinions, age and a variety of economic backgrounds from the participants. Racine is Racine and some people only show up when they get paid. No street money this time either fellas.

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  33. Wow! One of the 3 stooges wants to know where the diversity of race was, how unusual! They'll sacrifice the needs of their own community to look like players, they complain and moan, but don't deliver squat. What have they done for you or Racine lately besides bitch?

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  34. I am interested in what they actually want. I was picturing substandard health care clinics on every corner. What is this really about?

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  35. Pete - After all the free pub the Post provided and all other organizing efforts did you think to ask Gleason if he was satisfied with the crowd C4C was able to turn out?

    Are you counting you and Dustin as part of the "rally" or part of the "media".

    How did you come up with your crowd estimate? Did you use an aerial photo to determine the area occupied by the event goers, or did you just use your fingers and toes?

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  36. Anon 5:38: Fingers and toes. Anytime you want to audit my socks, feel free.

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  37. Early bird Pete-Would you please address the other two questions from 5:38?

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  38. Getting back to the point of healthcare. Even the budget office for the Congress says the healthcare plans they are so eager to pass will bankrupt the US. In typical government fashion the president and congress is trying to fix a problem that at worse affects less than 20% of the legal US population. Why not explore a plan that addresses the needs of the under 20% rather than break the system for everyone? I am totally confused as to how our elected officials can even think about going ahead with a massive plan that even their own budget people say will create a financial disaster for the US. The information isn’t coming from either political fringe but this comes from the government bean counters. Isn’t it time for everyone in Washington to slow down and figure out what the US can actually afford and put some priorities together rather than just keep passing every bill that is proposed until the government collapses?

    I vote for some common sense.

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  39. I cannot agree more. We need a plan to get our houses in order. We are drowning in debt. We need to get a plan in place to produce products and get jobs and money flowing back into the US.

    Then go shopping. health care, trains, milk, bread, wine.

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  40. You wanted change. Here it is.

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  41. This little stroll did not change a damn thing.

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  42. lOOKS LIKE ASTROTURFERS TO ME.

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