Thursday, Jul. 30, 2009

Edwardsville rally urges Congress to act on health care

EDWARDSVILLE -- About 15 people attended a rally Wednesday in Edwardsville to urge Congress to act swiftly on health-care legislation.

The event was organized by United Congregations of Metro East, Steelworkers Organization for Active Retirees and Campaign for Better Health Care, an Illinois coalition comprised heavily of labor unions and community organizations.

Larry Evans, of United Congregations of Metro East, said Congress should pass legislation before leaving for recess. He called the U.S. health-care system "the worst system in the industrial world."

"We need health-care reform in America," he said. "It's a grassroots movement. It's not going to stop."

When asked if he wants the government running health care, Evans said: "The problem with government is not that it is inherently evil. The problem with government is that it is a department of corporate America."

As for the argument that health care could end up being rationed by the government, Evans said it's already being rationed by corporate accountants.

Dorothy Asbury, of Steelworkers Organization for Active Retirees, said she's not worried about rationing of health care. Opponents argue that some legislative proposals could lead to rationed health care for the elderly.

"I am hopeful that President Obama would not do that," Asbury said.

Asbury said she trusts the federal government with health care because "I have enough faith in President Obama that he would choose smart people, more intelligent people."

The federal government runs Medicare, Asbury said, and "not one person" complains about Medicare benefits.

When asked whether she thinks government is doing a good job preserving Medicare for the next generations of beneficiaries, she said, "that I cannot answer."

Evans criticized U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, saying he does not believe that a health-care overhaul is urgent.

Shimkus spokesman Steve Tomaszewski said Wednesday the congressman "understands the need to address the issue of uninsured Americans. Rushing through a vote does not mean the best result is reached. In addition, the Democrats are in control of both the House and Senate and determine the voting schedule."

Tomaszewski added that Democrats are "negotiating amongst themselves behind closed doors to get just enough votes to pass a bill, not to get the most votes possible. The congressman does not support a public option government-run health-care system and will oppose any legislation that includes such."

Contact reporter Brian Brueggemann at bbrueggemann@bnd.com or 692-9481.