Hundreds in St. Louis weigh in on heathcare reform

By Leisa Zigman

KSDK -- Healthcare reform took center stage Monday night in St. Louis. Senator Claire McCaskill's staff expected a few dozen people to show up at Monday's healthcare question and answer forum but more than 500 people shouted, pleaded and argued their points.

So many people wanted their voices heard organizers had to move the meeting from a small room inside Forest Park Community College to the school's cafeteria.

Between boos and angry shouts from the audience, Michelle Sherod, District Director for Sen. McCaskill, said, "Senator McCaskill does support a public option, she thinks it will enhance competition and keep prices down."

It was democracy in action, with petitions and posters, and passionate protests against health care reform.

"Why the rush to push this thing through?" John Bubb said. "I don't want a doctor appointed by the government to determine when I can live and when I can die. It's time to end this."

Resident Doug Ivari added, "They want to cover illegal aliens. I think that is patently wrong. The other thing is they want to cover is abortions. We're looking at eugenics, not health care."

After an hour the pro-healthcare reform group went. They were significantly fewer in numbers but just as passionate.

"There needs to be a public insurance option we can go too something that holds the insurance companies accountable because they are gouging me every day for worse and worse care," said resident Richard Von Glahn.

Those with preexisting conditions argued no one would insure them, while others said healthcare was a right but not a privilege.

McCaskill was still in session in Washington D.C. and unable to attend the forum. She will hold two town hall meetings August 11, one in Jefferson County and the other in North County. Some at the forum Monday night suggested she get a bigger room for these events.