AUGUST 12, 2009: Congressman Schiff Brings Health Care “Town Hall” To Alhambra

Last night in Alhambra, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank/Glendale) hosted a “town hall” meeting on health care.  The event was originally supposed to take place in the Community Room inside the Alhambra Civic Center Public Library which would have reportedly held about 200-300.  Due to the at least 2,000 in attendance the event was moved outside to the other side of the street.

The town hall was moderated by NBC4’s Dr. Bruce Hensel.  On the discussion panel: Dr. Benjamin Chu from Kaiser, Dr. Richard Brown from the UCLA Center for Health Policy and Research, Leeba Lessin from CareMore Health Plan and Jerry Flanagan, a “Health Care Advocate”.

We’ve all watched on the daily rotation of news town hall’s from across the country where citizens address their lawmakers on the current health care bill.  Last night in Alhambra was a different story.  I went with 2 friends to see it first hand.  To say it was an eye opener would be an understatement.  In the 2 hours the panel spoke, maybe 2 questions were taken off cards from the audience.  There were no microphones for those with questions.  No open dialogue between elected official and constituents.  This was not a “town hall” but a sales meeting.  Schiff was not there to listen, he was their for you to listen if you are not in favor of national health care.  

On July 27 the Glendale News-Press published an op-ed written by Schiff detailing his support for “comprehensive health care reform with a robust public option”, which as of yesterday was removed from the Congressman’s own website.  Clearly Schiff is an avid supporter of H.R. 3200.  Why the need for the dog and pony show?

It sure gave labor unions a chance to show up in full force, who just happened to congregate across the street in the exact spot where the town hall would take place.  I guess they got the memo before hand.  

Countless politicians and talking heads have said the anger at these town hall’s are manufactured by well organized Astro Turffed-right wing conspiracy-TEA baggers.  Yet they fail to mention it is the side in favor of the bill that is well organized.  Just look at the pictures from President Obama’s town hall yesterday in New Hampshire and pictures from last night in Alhambra.  Supporters of the plan in both town hall’s in different states are wearing the SAME button’s distributed by the SEIU and holding the SAME signs given out by various union’s including the SEIU and the AFL-CIO.  Where is the outrage and name calling with the union’s organizing their members?  Does that make them raciest and un-american?  

We asked one gentleman holding a AFL-CIO/CA School Employee union sign if he was with a union, he told us “yes” and that he was a union rep for the CA School Employee union.  We asked if he was being paid to attend he told us he was “paid a salary”.  We again asked if he was paid to be there, he said “it’s part of my job”.  I am not posting this man’s picture.  If you watch footage from the event you will see him with his union sign.  This is information he seemed proud to share. This information could have been obtained by any member of the media willing to do their job instead of flinging Astro-Turf allegations at those opposed to the health care bill. Just ask anyone carrying the union/special interest signs or wearing the union/special interest button’s if their in a union, the majority we asked said yes and the one’s that weren’t said they were given them by someone passing them out.

Last night I heard from a lot of people who think health care is a “right” and if you don’t think so you must be “rich”.  When challenged none admitted to reading the bill or even knowing what’s in it.  They didn’t seem to care how much “free” health care would cost and weren’t concerned with the possibility that our current quality of care could deteriorate.   On blogs and in news reports about last night in Alhambra both sides of the issue will tell you they “won” at the town hall.  The real victory will come when the bill goes to the floor of the House and Senate for a vote.  Which side will come out victorious?  Only time will tell. 

Does your elected official know where you stand on H.R. 3200?