Photo provided.
Here's what Jody Trestman had to say about the event in an email this morning:
Our peaceful demonstraton was on Tuesday October 16, 2007 at 5:30pm in front of Bristol City Hall. This was our response to Congress's Thursday vote to override President Bush's Vito on SCHIP. We, in attendance are aware that our 30 person demostration will not change votes in the congress, thankfully our representatives are in favor of the increase funding of this program; our goal was to increase awareness of this issue to the public.
This program is not just for people who are low or no income but for all americans who struggle everyday to pay high insurance premiums, while the insurance companies lobby state and federal politicians to enact legislation that allows them to raise rates on a regular basis, while systematically cutting benefits. Our government is of the people not the insurance corporations and their bottom line!!
Bristol is a post industrial working class town and this issue effects many of our citizens. Our hope is that eyes have been opened to this issue and people who ordinarily would not pay attention to it, because they think it does not directly effect them, will realize this and call their representatives both state and federal in support of increased funding of SCHIP.
My own personal opinion is this: If we can fund a war to kill people why can't we fund a program to help people? It's a bitter pill to shallow but, citizens of this country, no matter what economic level or political affiliation need to start standing up for what's truly important; and that is the well being of all Americans.... that is my definition of patriotism.
I know I am a bit long winded here but I for one am sick to death of the politcs in this country that perscribes to the lowest common denominator. The only elected local official that came to this event was Craig Minor, city council member. It is also important to note that Mike Petosa, Labor council President and several DTC members were present.
Here's what organizers sent out ahead of time to try to get people to come:
Please join us, we need your help!
When: Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Where: Bristol, CT City Hall (in front)
Why: The fate of our children!
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Please Bring: Candles, Friends, Families, and Children, We will try to provide posters, banners, etc.
When our kids get sick, having health insurance can mean the difference between life and death. Next week, Congress will decide which fate awaits poor children across America, when they consider whether to override President Bush's veto of kids' health care.1
To win, we only need 15 more Republicans to switch sides—and the best way to make that happen is with nationwide outcry. So, on Tuesday night, we'll gather at candlelight vigils for the millions of U.S. children who won't get health care if the Republicans block the bill.
Republicans think this is a political game—they've even gone so far as to slander 12-year old who speak out for health care. It's time to solemnly remind Congress what's at stake for the millions of kids who can't see a doctor when they're sick. These kids are one vote away from getting health care.
This is the defining domestic policy fight of the year, and the White House is pressuring Republicans in Congress to stay in line.
To override Bush's veto, we need to raise the pressure one more notch in the final hours before next Thursday's vote. The vigils are being promoted by a giant coalition of children's advocates, unions, and progressive organizations. Our coalition is also generating tons of phone calls, letters, and petitions, backed up by hard-hitting ads. But these vigils are the best way to remind the public what's really at stake—kids' lives.
Lots of people from your neighborhood are ready to stand up for our children's health care. We'll invite them. All they need is someone to help pull the vigil together.
Thank you, Joella Bouchard Mudry
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
13 comments:
You liberals just don't get it do you! Who is going to pay for this? Where are the dollarscoming for. Are you prepared toloss jobs because taxes go up on business that they have to lay people off.
Be productive not lazy!
This program is not just for the sick who can not work. It's for lazy people who can work and are either too stupid or to lazy to get a decent job. Look who is sponsoring it.
As a taxpayer, and a health insurance payer I resent that. Obviously lazy people like to have hard working people give them free benefits. You must be a union member and used to giving away your money in the name of union dues that actually line the pockets of your "bosses". If you want free medical care move to Canada and stand in line for an asprin. Yopu people make me sick, that god I have health insurance that I PAY FOR.
Okay people let's have a little pulse check: We are a Democracy of the people, not corporate conglomerates. Stop buying into the retoric.
How do we raise the money? repeal corporate tax cuts on bloated healthcare and pharm. companies, end the war, trim the municipal budget, raise the social security cap, just to name a few.
to anonymous #1 and #3 the next time your car is stolen, your child is kidnapped, your wife is raped,your house catches fire or you check out a free book for your child to read, why don't you let the firefighters, the police officers and the library staff know how you feel about their social service jobs that eat YOUR TAX DOLLARS.
Why don't you let these union workers know how lazy and ignorant they are for paying union dues for collective bargaining, a living wage, an opportunity for job security and benefits for their well being and their families.
Oh I'm sorry you need those social services so I guess that's ok, right?
It's really easy to throw out insults calling people lazy and stupid while hiding behind your anonymity isn't it? Why can't you stand up for your beliefs and raise the level of debate; rather than insulting peoples intelligence. Which clearly you lack yourself.
How about coming up with some ideas of your own that will further along the well being of all Americans instead of walking around angry as hell at everyone, & being a victim?
I really feel sorry for you; and ashamed to call you my neighbor.
Jody, I think you're the one who needs the pulse check. Anonymous #1 and #3 aren't talking about cutting tax dollars to the police, fire departments or libraries and you know it. They're talking about supporting the unemployed slobs who are living off of the backs of the hardworking schleps who go to work every day, pay their taxes, and actually take care of their own children. To suggest that they lack intelligence is only a reflection on yourself.
Clearly you're missing my point, so let me spell it out for you.
We as Americans enjoy the social services of police, firefighters, libraries, public works, and all the other municiple, state and federal programs funded by taxes; regardless of our social class. Why not health care?
Do you believe in your heart that a child should suffer for the social class in which he or she is born to? Should a child suffer because their parent(s) cannot earn enough money to cover the high cost of private health plans?
To be clear SCHIP is not a free ride. SCHIP covers childern of
working families who earn an income to high for medicaid and to low to purchase private individual plans. I'm sorry but we are not the unemployed slobs that you would suggest we are.
I'm well aware that the anonymous writters were not suggesting tax cuts on municipal services and you know that. But when your argument doesn't hold water at least you have spin
Oh my god!!! CHILDREN CHILDREN!!! This is about life and health in babies, kids, teens,PEOPLE ! Why are you people so damn mean!I am sick to my stomach~
READ BELOW I copied and pasted for the lazy!
program is not just for people who are low or no income but for all americans who struggle everyday to pay high insurance premiums, while the insurance companies lobby state and federal politicians to enact legislation that allows them to raise rates on a regular basis, while systematically cutting benefits. Our government is of the people not the insurance corporations and their bottom line!!
When our kids get sick, having health insurance can mean the difference between life and death. Next week, Congress will decide which fate awaits poor children across America, when they consider whether to override President Bush's veto of kids' health care.1
To win, we only need 15 more Republicans to switch sides—and the best way to make that happen is with nationwide outcry.
Did you people read any of this do you even understand! I hope I dont know any one of you that is so ignorant. I am repulsed
You'd like to think it's only lazy people who suffer from the lack of health care, because that would justify your indifference to other people's suffering. But there are plenty of people who work hard at multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and it's YOUR health insurance that has raised the cost of health care for people who have to pay for it out-of-pocket. So don't be so self-righteous.
That's right...
The poor are poor because they are lazy.
Union members are lazy for not barganing themselves.
Universal Health Care is for lazy people.
Lazy, Lazy, Lazy, Lazy....
Democracy is when people use political power to meet the needs of their community.
Democracy is when people have control over the decisions that affect their lives.
A government health care system is not about "creeping socialism" oooooooo....
It's about us the people taking care of our own.
Yes folks in George Bush's America its not about helping everyone succeed its about survival of the fittest, where the simplest answers are always the correct ones.
Excuse me for a second, I have to go launch a preemptive war on Terryville. Because if I don't fight them there, they'll fight me over here.
The terrorists have already won.
This is why we need to cut taxes. The corporations and businesses can then hire more people and raise wages and help pay for private insurance. Everybody wins.
I wish I could just take off from work and join in a futile protest in front of City Hall. Government jobs are great, aren't they?
The rally started at 5:30, schmuck.
Jody T you go girl good for you.
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