Locals rally for health care reform

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Mother Nature was no match for the roughly 20 people who gathered at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon to rally for health care reform.

As passing cars honked, posters waved, expressing the opinions of the rally attendees.

Participant Meredith Richmond said nobody should be without adequate coverage.

"I'm here because any civilized country should take care of all of the people in the country. We need a Medicare system for everybody in the United States, regardless of age, regardless of means," said Richmond.

94-year-old Sarah Duncan said she was lucky enough to have worked for a company that provided health insurance.

"All the people that can't afford it, they should have - you know - free doctors for them," said Duncan.

Rally member Sheila Rosenthal said a Republican victory in last week's Massachusetts Senate race should not upset Democratic voters.

"There shouldn't be compromises in light of what happened in Massachusetts last week. We need stronger bills that will cover more people and will keep down the cost," said Rosenthal.

The rally at the corner of 4th and Main in Lafayette was only 1 of 150 rallies going on all across the country. Participants said they want health care to stay alive, and it starts with their senators.

"I want Senator Evan Bayh to do what he was elected to do. Do the business of the people of the state of Indiana. Not just the interests, not just the people that can help him achieve his political goals. Not just the people that can help line his pockets or the pockets of his friends," said Ray Walsh.

In a statement released by Senator Evan Bayh's office concerning Tuesday's MoveOn.org rallies, he said

"I am always glad to see Hoosiers of different ideologies express their views. We can no longer afford to spend money we do not have. We must get the deficit and spending under control. Another thing we need to change is Washington's spending priorities, so we invest more resources in targeted job creation. I will continue to work to enact sensible, pragmatic solutions to get our economy moving and get the red ink out of our budget."

- Senator Evan Bayh