Calling Out North Carolina Democrats and Rallying Faithful for Health Care

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As the House vote on health care reform approaches, a coalition of grassroots groups -- with some political and union support -- gathered in center city on Saturday, to urge passage of the bill.

American flags were all over in the crowd of about 200. So were signs that read "Health Insurance Reform NOW." Big insurance was the enemy, accused by speakers of haviing the real "death panels." Members of Congress who vote against the bill only care about "big corporations and big banks," said the Rev. Kojo Nantambu, president of the Charlotte NAACP.

Called out by name were North Carolina Democratic Reps. Mike McIntyre and Larry Kissell; both have said they will vote against the reform measure . Rep. Heath Shuler is also a "no" vote. Democratic supporters of the bill from North Carolina have included U.S. Reps. Mel Watt, G.K. Butterfield, Brad Miller and David Price. U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat, announced late Friday that he plans to vote "yes." In an interview with the Charlotte Observer, he said he waited until he got the numbers from the Congressional Budget Office and could read the bill. "It isn't perfect,"Etheridge said. "But it's better than where we are." He said he likes that it lowers the deficit, does away with denials for pre-existing conditions, and is paid for.

For Robbie Akhere, who helped organize Saturday's rally, the issue is personal. The former sociology professor worked as an adjunct at Central Piedmont Community College, without health benefits. She has formed her own company to help women in the Caribbean and other areas. "I pray that I don't get sick," she said, "and go to the emergency room when I do."

Dr. Daniel Neuspiel held a sign showing his support for health-care reform. "The current system excludes millions of patients," said the Charlotte pediatrician. "It's unfair and unjust."He said there would be fewer emergencies if patients had preventative care.

In an Elon University poll, conducted March 14–17, 78 percent of North Carolinians said the current U.S. health care system is in need of reform. Support is unchanged from October 2009, when the Elon poll asked residents the same question. When asked whether the federal government should offer a public insurance plan option, more than half -- 53 percent -- of North Carolinians support it, while 37 percent oppose it.