Health care reform advocates, opponents rally in Raleigh
President Barack Obama on Tuesday said he wants to sign health care legislation that expands coverage, improves quality and reduces costs. It is an issue that is dividing people in Wake County, and across the country.
Posted — UpdatedNorth Carolina's Organizing for America (OFA) is in support of Obama's health care plan. They held a phone bank Tuesday evening at St. Matthew AME Church at 1629 Bennett St. in Raleigh.
Volunteers called on other Wake County residents to support the plan before Congress.
“Many of the people across the country don't have health care insurance, and it is an issue that I think everyone needs to be involved with,” Organizing for America volunteer Eric Holmes said.
Those on the opposite side of the issue also reached out for support Tuesday.
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory was the keynote speaker at the Americans for Prosperity's Patients First rally against government-centered health care reform at the RBC Center in Raleigh.
McCrory said government takeover of health care will hurt patients by delaying and denying treatments.
Patients First has started an online petition to urge lawmakers to oppose government-run health care legislation. The group is also airing television ads nationwide against the plan.
The cost of a government-run plan is among the concerns for Patients First supporters.
"I am already very concerned about the money that has been given away. I don't see how our country will ever get back on our feet financially,” said Julie Simons, who is against Obama's health care plan.
Despite the cost, others say health care should be available to everyone, and the best way to achieve that is with reform.
"If this gets 46 million off un-insurance, that's the most important thing I think we can get,” said Danyale Washington, an Organizing for America supporter.
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