Green Bay, WI… Hundreds Protest Obama’s Visit
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Reporter: Lou Hillman
GREEN BAY – Organizers said about 1,000 people lined the east side of Packerland Drive Thursday morning to protest President Obama’s stop in Green Bay. Stretching four blocks long, the protest parked itself along the motorcade route between Austin Straubel Airport and Green Bay Southwest High School.
Most of the protestors were part of a grassroots movement that calls itself “The Party of Know.” Jerry Bader, a conservative talk show host on WTAG 1360, helped organize the rally. Most protestors said their purpose Thursday was to let President Obama know just exactly how they feel about a government backed health care system.
“It doesn’t work,” Dawn Papapetru said. Papapetru said she feels an obligation to speak out. She now lives in Green Bay but was born and raised in Canada, a country that provides universal health care for its citizens.
“I know what the free health system is all about. It’s wrong. Taxes will go up, gas will go up and the lines get longer in hospitals,” Papapetru said.
President Obama has said he wants to model American health care reform after the Canadian system. The plan is designed to extend health care coverage to millions of uninsured Americans by offering a government backed health insurance option.
“The government has no need to get involved in my health decisions. I don’t want a government board telling me when and how and if I’m going to get health care,” Peter Soransen, of De Pere, said. Soransen was one of the hundreds of people who showed up hoping to have his voice heard.
He worries government backed health care would increase insurance costs for everyone.
“I had to take off work to do this but freedom isn’t free,” Soransen said.
While most of the protestors lined Packerland Drive south of the school, a small group of anti-abortion activists gathered near the northside of Southwest High.
“When doctors are supposed to provide abortions up to nine months pregnancy and my tax dollars pay for it, that’s part of his health plan and I don’t agree with it,” Jenny Lowery, one of the anti-abortion activists, said.
As President Obama’s motorcade passed down Packerland Drive, protestors only had a few moments to express their feelings. But their opposition to his health care plan was loud and clear. Many people booed and offered a thumbs down.
The protest broke up quickly after the President’s arrival at Southwest High School. Police tell us no one was arrested.
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