At noon today, approximately 150 people rallied at the State Capitol, calling for a "robust" public option to be included in the final health care reform Bill.
The rally was organized by the new Keizer/Salem branch of Move On. This action was the first action organized by local Move-On activists, the branch being barely six weeks old. This event is of importance in that it proves that a grassroots movement for change is possible in Salem, Oregon.
As a speaker at this event I'm a bit biased. All the same, there were two "themes" that seemed to float through this crowd.
"Theme" number one was a sense that any health care legislation which does not provide universal coverage, that doesn't do away with health insecurity for everyone and all people is a seriously flawed and totally inadequate legislation. "Theme" number two was a sort of collective reality check. There was a strong sense that the current health care job in Washington D.C. is going terribly wrong, and that if we don't organize, hit the street, have our voices heard, there will be no health care reform.
Move-On did request that rally speakers be furnished from the staffs of Senators Wyden and Merkely, and Representative Kurt Schrader. All three politicians declined the invitation. On the other hand, fascist readio commentator, Bill Post's threat to disrupt the event with his tea-bagger goon squads never materialized either.
I suspect Move-On will develop more of a local presence with further actions as the issues progress.
By the way, Channel 8 said "almost 100"; I counted 150... For what it's worth.
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