Tempers Flare As Connecticut Talks Health Care

Health care town hall meetings across the state have led to tense talks.

Congressman Jim Himes led a forum Wednesday night in the auditorium at Norwalk High School. He took the stage in front of crowd that had no problem sharing their approval or dismay over the new health care reform.

"People have the right to say if you're going to do some big changes in things I've come to rely on, what does it look like, and how does it affect me. That's not antagonism. I think those are legitimate questions," said Congressman Jim Himes, a Democrat who represents Connecticut's fourth district.

More than a thousand people packed into the school's auditorium and filled it to capacity. Police had to block anyone else from coming in. Everyone there had a story to tell and wanted to voice their opinion on the government's proposed health care reform.

"After living expenses such as food, transportation and student loans, none of us can afford to cover ourselves or medical expenses," said Alyssa Crouse of Westport.

"To monkey around with such a large portion of our economy in such a wholesale fashion just doesn't make economic sense," said Winthrop Baum, a businessman from Norwalk.

Supporters of House Bill 3200 preached the benefits of having a public option that allows all Americans to have access to quality health care.

"We're here for a strong public option which means there would be an option where you can get insurance or health care at a reasonable price. It's not going to cost you an arm and leg," said Kathleen Tepper of Norwalk.

The opposition says government should take a look at the existing health care plan before it goes adding to it.

"They should go after the real causes of the high price of health care before they go and change us to a horrible government run bureaucracy," said Chris Rosendahl of Norwalk.

More people will have a chance to voice their opinions at Himes' next health care forum, which is being held on Thursday at Bridgeport City Hall.

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