Five more single-payer protesters arrested

From NBC’s Ken Strickland–

Five protesters were arrested this morning at a Senate hearing on health-care reform. The protesters — some, who identified themselves as doctors and nurses — were be charged with “Disruption of Congress,” according to the Capitol Police spokeswoman. The Senate Finance Committee hearing was a roundtable discussion between senators and experts on the best way to pay for health-care reform.

Nurses for Single-PayerAs the hearing opened, about 25 women, who identified themselves as nurses stood up, turning their backs to the senators. Taped to each of their red shirts were signs that called on Congress to pass what’s called a “single-payer system,” a system in which the government alone would run health care — no private insurance.

“Nurses say patients first,” the signs read. “Pass single payer.”

After standing silently for about five minutes, the nurses walked out of the hearing in an orderly fashion. They were not escorted by police. But shortly after the group left the hearing, more vocal individual protest began. A person stood up and in a screaming or loud voice, called for Congress to pass the single-payer system.

“We want guaranteed health care,” one said. “We’re tired of private insurance.”

Within a minute or so, a police officer escorted the protester out of the room and arrested them in the hallway. This sequence was repeated four more times, ending with the arrest of each individual.

3 Comments

  1. Sally McMullen on May 13, 2009 at 9:01 am

    I’m getting inspired by everyone getting arrested, by Mike Farrell’s video and Ed’s Show. Cudos to everyone who has been standing up for Single Payer/Improved Medicare for All! Especially John Conyers, the doctors and nurses, and all the rest who have struggled to do what’s right for the American people. We’re starting to organize in our small town & hope millions of others will join in! This is like the Civil Rights Movement…the uninsured and underinsured are sick and tired of going to the back-of-the-healthcare bus! We won’t be stopped! And I know that most Americans are with us! I want the unions to speak up. And Obama!! But if they are “shy”, keep after them!! And throw Max Baucus and the rest of the Senate Finance Committee out!



  2. Time for Single Payer on May 13, 2009 at 11:35 am

    In the video clip, Senator Baucus said he will meet, personally, with anyone who wants to meet with him. He said to contact his office and he’ll meet with us.

    So, Single-Payer supporters and leaders, CONTACT SENATOR BAUCUS AND MEET WITH HIM — by the hundreds! Ask for a Senate Finance Committee Hearing of all single payer people!

    Hold Baucus to his statement that he will meet, personally, with us!



  3. John on May 13, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    Max Baucus is the Orval Faubus of health care reform. His legacy is now established on the wrong side of history, opposing the only health care plan that would cover everyone, that won’t bankrupt the nation.