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Originally published March 10, 2010 at 11:57 a.m., updated March 10, 2010 at 3:59 p.m.
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Hours before President Barack Obama was scheduled to speak in St. Charles on reforming the nation’s health care system, more than 2,000 people packed a convention ballroom a few miles away to rally against those reforms.
The occasion was a health care town hall meeting and teleconference Wednesday featuring Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin and other Missouri legislators at the St. Charles Convention Center.
Akin and other legislators took to task the health reform bill that is now before Congress. Kinder and legislators said the President’s health care bill would play havoc with state finances at a time when Missouri faces major budget issues.
Tea party activists and Republican party activists turned out in big numbers. The overflow crowd in the convention center’s main ballroom applauded Akin, Kinder and local legislators as the spoke. Before the rally, about a dozen people held signs along the drive in front of the convention center.
But only a few questions were taken from the audience. “Are there any Democrats here,” said Jamie Allman, a local radio personality and the moderator, asked the crowd as the rally began. One man stood up.
“The bill we are talking about is the worst bill that I have ever seen in all my time in Congress,” said Akin, who spoke via a video feed from Washington D.C. He said the present bill will destroy health care in America and the federal government’s ability to manage its budget, he said.
Akin said the bill is unconstitutional. “There is nothing in the constitution that gives the federal government the authority to regulate our health care or demand that Americans buy health insurance or be penalized under the law,” he said. Similar bills have failed in Canada and England, he added.
Kinder said the reform bill may destroy the state’s finances. He said it would mandate at least another half-billion dollars in spending by the state at a time that state is running out of money.
The health care bill is “a fundamental assault on our freedom that is transforming this country that is unrecognizable from the country that you and I grew up in and that we love so much,” he said. “But we the people will have the final say on this matter.”
“Whatever happens over the next few days in Washington D.C., I stand with you,” Kinder said. “Whatever happens we have just begun to fight on this issue.”
State senators Scott Rupp, R-2nd District; Jane Cunningham, R-7th District; and Eric Schmitt, R-15, along with state representatives Allen Icet, R-84th District , and Cynthia Davis, R-19th District each spoke briefly.
Cunningham discussed pending state legislation-- the Health Care Freedom Act--that she sponsored to counteract federal health care mandates.
Meanwhile, residents who attended said they feared a government takeover of the health care system.
“The problem I’m having with this is that President Obama has surrounded himself with advisors who are self-proclaimed communists and socialists and they are fundamentally trying the change this country,” said Janet Allquist, an O’Fallon resident.
Allquist stood out front of the convention center holding a sign. She said she favored some reform to the health care system but not what’s in the health care reform bill.
“I won’t allow that to happen,” she said. “I have 11 grandchildren and three children and I’ll fight this with my last breath.”
“I’m here for freedom,” said John Stolte, who drove in from Kansas City, who was holding a sign outside the convention center. Stolte said the health care system needed to be fixed but he feared a growth in government bureaucracy.
David George of St. Peters, also holding a “Join Me for Freedom,” sign agreed. “I look at Amtrak and other organizations that are pretty much controlled by the government and I don’t see anything that has gotten better,” George said.
Comments
Tom63010 (anonymous) says...
Awesome! There is a posting for the POTUS' visit on the Post Dispatch's web site. it has hundreds of comments and less than 10% are positive. We know what this is and we don't want it!
President Obama please get a clue form history and get off the backs of those who know how to create jobs!
As Bill someone once said "It's the economy stupid!"
March 10, 2010 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmf_stl (anonymous) says...
Just got home from the rally. A room that was closed had to be opened to make room for everyone. Glad I went and hope these rallies keep getting larger.
Oh by the way, this rally was open to all. Not like the closed meetings happening later today with our glorious leader, the hapless Carnahans and the detestable Claire McCaskill.
March 10, 2010 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Carlton (anonymous) says...
Just got back from the Tea party / Town Hall meeting sponsored by Todd Akins, to say the least it was inspiring. They announced an attendance of 2030 people at the meeting, with a standing room only croud, I think there were actually more than that. Ever person who spoke, talked about the failure of obama and the democratic party's bankrupt policies and the failure to listen to the people of the United States. I agreed with every word that was said, and clapped, and yelled until I could hardly speak. I guess some of the liberals who will not be able to hear obama speak, becaus of his closed door policy will throw themselves under the wheels of his limousines just to get noticed by the "anointed one"
March 10, 2010 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ganoshome (anonymous) says...
Looks like all those wonderful people who support heath insurence rip offs had a really good time this AM. I don't even bother to argue with them they are so dogmatic and locked into the belief that big business will look out for them. I just hope they never become really ill, because I won't want to hear them cry either.
P.S. All their comments about the economy, was it not Republican policies that placed us in this situation. Allowing the big banks and Insurence companies to run rampant and make hugh profits off of the american middle class is a republican thing is it not.
March 10, 2010 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
ganoshome: If you want to see one of the biggest reasons the economy is in the tank today, refer to the policies put forth by Dodd and Franks.
March 10, 2010 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palin4prez (anonymous) says...
I went to the rally, too. It was awesome! They stopped counting at 2,000 - had to open up the back lot and I saw people leaving because they ran out of parking! So the numbers would have actually been higher!
I love the fact it was brought up Pelosi mentioned yesterday she wanted this passed to "see what was in the bill." Pretty scary to vote for a bill you have no idea what it is entirely about - but then it really doesn't surprise me. Obammy wants this passed despite what the majority of Americans want. I hope the Democrats that are voting for this are aware their political future is on shaky grounds because us conservatives are WATCHING LIKE A HAWK!
March 10, 2010 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Towncar07 (anonymous) says...
I made my comment on the poll site regarding this, and it fits here.
March 10, 2010 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FROM_THE_RIGHT (anonymous) says...
I was there it was a great day! Spoiled a little bit, my car had a serpentime belt pulley go out and I had to call a tow to the convention center. My neighbor, who has been out of work is fixing it for me and I will pay. It will be less expensive than going to CAR-X.
I took a fair amount of photos but I'm not sure how to post them on a blog on the Globe
March 10, 2010 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
Towncar07: May I ask, where is this poll site?
March 10, 2010 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FROM_THE_RIGHT (anonymous) says...
Towncar07: you'll love this. The P.P.T.C.S. at work!
Chefs Call Proposed New York Salt Ban Absurd
By ARUN KRISTIAN DAS / MyFox New York
MYFOXNY.COM - Some New York City chefs and restaurant owners are taking aim at a bill introduced in the New York Legislature that, if passed, would ban the use of salt in restaurant cooking.
"No owner or operator of a restaurant in this state shall use salt in any form in the preparation of any food for consumption by customers of such restaurant, including food prepared to be consumed on the premises of such restaurant or off of such premises," the bill, A. 10129 , states in part.
The legislation, which Assemblyman Felix Ortiz , D-Brooklyn, introduced on March 5, would fine restaurants $1,000 for each violation.
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_york_state/chefs-call-proposed-new-york-salt-ban-absurd-20100310-akd
AS BUGS BUNNY WOULD SAY, "YOU REALIZE THIS MEANS WAR!!!!"
March 10, 2010 at 7:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Towncar07 (anonymous) says...
The poll site was connected to this story on a separate click...when i voted, there were only 6 votes cast...look around or ask the Globe Master.
March 10, 2010 at 8:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Towncar07 (anonymous) says...
The poll site is THIS listing, on the RIGHT hand side a reader new poll vote...easy to miss.
March 10, 2010 at 8:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Towncar07 (anonymous) says...
Check that...it is on the ST LOUIS coverage of the OB health stop in St Chas site...right next door on the header page.
March 10, 2010 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Towncar07 (anonymous) says...
When you vote, you can see he results and leave a comment...which I did. Man they sure hid that one...
March 10, 2010 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
Found it, thanks.
March 11, 2010 at 4:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
By the way, I agree with your comment 100%.
March 11, 2010 at 6:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rune04 (anonymous) says...
I have a suggestion for you Mr. President. You "reform" Medicare and Medicaid. Make it fair, equatable and eliminate the waste and fraud. Show us cost efficiency. Take a year or two to do this. We realize this is a big undertaking. Then come back to us and say, see what I did for Medicare, now let me do this for the rest of you. You know what, I would probably jump on your bandwagon and go along with you. Prove yourself to us,sir. It would change a lot of minds in this country.
March 11, 2010 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Towncar07 (anonymous) says...
Valiant thought there Rune04...that's all any sane person should want, but our pole-vaulting Pres leaps over the will, and into the command, "Thou shall OBey". ...not buying that in any form.
March 11, 2010 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marys (anonymous) says...
I was in St. Charles for the Townhall meeting. Last I heard the count was 2,250. The atmosphere was 'electric'. Everyone is fired up and on point. Later I went downtown and we outnumbered the 'pro' health care folks about two to one. There was a lot of shouting back and forth and when the Kool Aid drinkers said they wanted their health care provided by the govt. the anti folks told them to move to Canada. It was fun !!!
March 11, 2010 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FROM_THE_RIGHT (anonymous) says...
"Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made" Otto Von Bismark
House Democrats are considering a rules change that will allow them to pass the Senate Health Care
Bill without having to put members on record as voting for the complete bill. Members would simply vote
on a corrections bill that would make changes to the Senate bill. With the corrections bill approved the
Senate Health Care Bill would be considered approved by the House and would be available for signature by
The President.
This dishonest bit of tyranny has been concocted by House Rules Chairwoman Louis Slaughter a close
ally of House Speaker Pelosi. They haven't decided if they will use this despicable tactic as of yet
IF THE DEMORATS USE THIS TACTIC THEY SHOULD PAY A TERRIBLE PRICE!!!
March 11, 2010 at 9:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )