Demonstrators Send Health Care Message To Rep. Bono Mack

PALM SPRINGS – Nearly 100 residents took to the streets in Palm Springs Tuesday to vocalize how they felt about healthcare reform.

It took place outside Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack’s office along Tahquitz Way.

Heated words were exchanged as demonstrators crossed paths.

“They’re going to take away your Medicare!” said one anti-reform bill protestor.

A pro-reform supporter retorted: “That’s a lie! You’re a liar!”

Those supporting healthcare reform outnumbered those against it. But, it did not stop their opponents from airing their concerns to News Channel 3.

“If I have to go on the universal healthcare, I will lose my business and have to be in line to take care of my disability,” says David D., from Bermuda Dunes.

But, reform supporters believe there is misinformation floating about the proposed bill. “That President Obama is going to have people put to death is totally ridiculous,” says Marlene Levine, president of the Democratic Women of the Desert.

Dr. Janet Ihde wants opponents of the healthcare reform to be more compassionate. “I’ve had patients who are very concerned because they’ve been laid off from work. They’re living off COBRA, and they’re trying to push their surgeries before the insurance runs out. It’s very stressful.”

But still, one protestor says universal healthcare simply will not work. Barbara Hansmeyer, of Palm Springs, reviews the other countries that already have universal healthcare. “If you look at Canada… they have to wait years and years to have an operation!”

Many of the constituents asked aloud: Where is Congresswoman Bono Mack?

Her staff tells News Channel 3 that the Congresswoman is on vacation. They add that she is not planning on holding any town hall meetings to discuss the reform bill. But, her office did issue this statement Tuesday afternoon:

“Americans are rightly concerned about health care reform – it’s clear we need meaningful changes that will make health care more affordable and more accessible for all Americans, but what we don’t need is a government takeover of health care. Such a flawed approach will do more to expand bureaucracy and unsustainable spending levels than help every day Americans in need of better health care.

“We can – and must – do more to improve our nation’s health care without putting layers of bureaucrats between patients and their doctors and without threatening people’s ability to choose a plan that best meets their needs.

“I remain committed to enacting meaningful health care reform and will continue to work with local residents, the medical community and my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle on this important issue. Health care reform must be a priority, but we must work together to do this right.”