KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — Well over 100 protestors turned out at the local congressional office of Fred Upton late Wednesday, demanding the St. Joseph Republican vote against his party’s replacement for Obamacare.
Western Michigan University Professor Paul Clements, who ran against Upton twice, is still challenging him. He told protestors the Republican plan is no plan at all and should be rejected.
Many of the protestors said they aren’t usually the type who turn out for demonstrations.
Val Louwer teaches in Battle Creek. She said the Affordable Care Act made a big difference with students .She said she believes that every citizen in the United States has a right to healthcare or assisted heathcare if they need it.
Rebecca Barlow, an in-home healthcare nurse, said the ACA has helped many people get the right kind of care, and not the kind doled-out in the emergency room.
“It seems they are hurting the people who need the help the most,” Barlow said. “This is basically a tax bill to help the wealthy, it’s going to hurt Americans, we can do better, and I’m here for the long fight.”
They may want to be careful what they wish for. If the bill fails today, it will be because conservatives felt it was too much like Obamacare, and that may result in a compromise that leans further to the right, one that they will like even less.
A similar protest is planned for Thursday at Upton’s office in St. Joseph.
