News - Local

Published: Thursday, Sep. 03, 2009

Health care townhall meeting in Paso Robles filled with mixed emotions

1,700 people go to Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s meeting in Paso Robles to voice their opinions about health care

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A line formed outside the Paso Robles Event Center on Wednesday as Rep. Kevin McCarthy prepared to address President Barack Obama’s controversial plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system.

The 90-minute public forum was reminiscent of meetings that have played out all summer nationwide. As with meetings elsewhere, the North County gathering drew a vigorous response from both supporters and opponents of health care reform.

Inside the hangar-style building chosen to accommodate the large crowd, audience members cheered and booed as McCarthy answered questions before an estimated 1,700 people.

At issue for many was the role government would play in comprehensive health care reform, which the president says would reduce long-term costs and protect Americans from bankruptcy and crushing health care-related debt.

McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, opposes H.R. 3200, the health care reform bill introduced earlier this summer. Pointing frequently to a copy of the proposed legislation sitting on a table beside him, he argued that the bill had not received proper scrutiny and did not allow individuals to choose the health care options that best suit them.

“I’m opposed to this bill, but I’m not opposed to health care reform,” said McCarthy, who told attendees he supported provisions that would make it illegal for insurance companies to cancel coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions.

Groups including Central Coast Clergy and Laity for Justice, which have come out in favor of the legislation, set up tables and distributed signs outside the meeting room. Opponents, some aligned with recent anti-tax “tea party” protests, sent e-mails days before the event to encourage others to demonstrate in support of McCarthy.

Supporters of government-funded health coverage say the plans would expand availability of health care to those who cannot otherwise afford it. Opponents say such a plan would result in higher taxes, unwelcome government intrusion and lower-quality care.

Klaus Schumann, 65, of Paso Robles supports a government-run health care plan similar to programs in Europe. The retired truck driver said Obama’s plan would ultimately lower costs by keeping low-income people from relying on emergency rooms and other expensive options.

“I don’t think a single person in Europe would change to the American system,” said Schumann, a German immigrant with private health insurance.

Sitting beside him was Wayne Harris, 81, who has pledged to resist an expanded government role in health care. The retired Paso Robles city maintenance worker criticized what he said were efforts to rush the bill through without adequate public input.

The two men carried on a quiet but civil debate as many others around them shouted or jeered at speakers with whom they disagreed.

“I just don’t want to see our good old American way of life interfered with,” Harris said. “I think the way (health care) has been going is adequate. I see no reason to change it.”

Wednesday’s meeting came as Obama announced he would address his health care initiative next week before a joint session of Congress. His administration has faced criticism over what some supporters say has been a muddled explanation of the complex proposal.