Kagen Gets an Earfull While Trying to Sell Health-Care Reform

It soon became apparent that the Green Bay Public Library basement auditorium was not large enough for the hundreds of people who came to listen, ask questions and yell at Congressman Steven Kagen. Once all the seats were filled, many people become disgruntled about their inability to participate in the listening session.

Angry chants ensued, as did an episode of violence. As Kagen’s aides attempted to close the doors on those who couldn’t find seating, one man became hysterical while offending another gentlemen—what resulted was a couple of punches and each man having a firm grip on the others neck. The men were separated and the police arrived shortly after.

Though the presence of eight police officers created some order, there were still random outbursts of loud defiant yelling. One man screamed, “I fought communism for forty years and now it’s here in my city.”

Due to the constant yelling, it became very difficult for anyone to hear the congressman’s statements. People instead of trying to listen, ended up venting and fervently explaining their disdain to the person closest to them. One very large man was bent-over shouting at an elderly woman who didn’t share his opinions on health-care reform. Even though the majority in attendance couldn’t hear Kagen, it was evident that no one would be leaving anytime soon.

Some in attendance seemed to relish the chaos that occurred in the library basement. Many people feeling that this may be their one chance to voice their opinion to the man who represents them in congress. Yet some were disappointed in the unruly fashion in which people chose to be heard.

“There has been no debate here, no exchange of ideas…we’ve had people shouting at the congressman and literally yelling, that doesn’t advance the debate in any way,” said Tom Sieer, Chair of the Democratic Party of Brown County.

The flagrant emotions shown on Monday and Tuesday stem from a two month long sales pitch from the Obama administration and the Democratic majority; a plan with very few specifics and even less bi-partisan support or involvement.

“There is so much partisanship in Washington that it is absolutely disgusting,” said Pat Duchteau a Green Bay native. “The democrats chose to go it alone and shut out the republicans.”

Waning support for universal health care isn’t unique to Green Bay. Almost every nation-wide poll shows that a slim majority of Americans oppose government run health care. Arguments against health-care reform have been fought on many fronts and through various ideologies. Some attack the reform by arguing that universal health care is a socialist program. And our government thus far, has done little to give the public confidence about its ability to run a massive program.

“We have Social Security—bankrupt, Medicare—bankrupt, Medicaid—bankrupt. So I don’t want the government managing my health care, they are not capable of it,” Duchateau said.

Many people are also concerned about the fiscal burden that universal health care would create. Already, the federal government has gone on a historic spending spree. It is debatable whether that spending was a necessary measure to save the ailing economy. However, people are still uneasy about another large federal spending program, and with good reason.

On July 17, the Congressional Budget Office came out with a report indicating the health care bill put out by the House of Representatives (HR 3200), would add $68 billion to the already insurmountable federal deficit. When asked about the report, Kagen seemed to belittle its importance.

“The only money they count, is money that goes into U.S. Treasury and the money that comes out, said Congressman Kagen.

“They do not factor in any savings…so the CBO can score things all they want, but it’s kind of like an accountant, they count money but they don’t know how to run the business.”

Despite Kagen’s rebut about the significance of the Congressional Budget Office’s report, it was clear on Monday that people are concerned about the federal government’s efforts to create universal health-care. There was also general distress about the overall condition of this country.

“I think there is a lot of people who don’t like the direction this country is going in, they didn’t bargain for this—they are not socialists,” said Duchateau.

Even though most in attendance were against the idea of universal health-care, they did admit there is a health-care crisis. Approximately 40 million Americans do not have a health-care plan or insurance, and health-care prices have been rising much higher than the rate of inflation. The catch-22 about the heal-care reform debate is, if the government doesn’t succeed in their attempt to create a universal health-care plan, they are unlikely to go back to the drawing board and try to create a solution for a devastating problem.

“If they don’t pass anything it will be dead for a very long time,” said Paul Jadin, former Mayor of Green Bay.