They spilled onto streets and sidewalks, but some were left standing as the doors closed.
“All right, we aren’t letting any more people in,” an official said. “We’ve reached capacity.”
Approximately 60 disappointed people were left in line outside the Gilloiz Theatre in downtown Springfield on August 31. People traveled from surrounding counties to hear U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill speak about the Democratic Health Care Reform Bill. Attendees stood in a line that wrapped all the way around to Park Central Square. Many held homemade signs of protest and approval to make sure their voices would be heard. To ensure admittance, some had been waiting since 4:30 that morning.
Nearly 1,300 Missourians filled the Gilloiz to listen with “open ears and an open mind” to what Sen. McCaskill had to say.
“This is the first time I’ve done one of these where there was an actual chorus of boos when I walked out on stage,” McCaskill said.
She vowed to vote against the bill if it does not embrace “legal restraints” to guarantee that a government-run insurance option does not become the people’s only choice.
“My job is to represent the people of Missouri, period,” said McCaskill. “Many times I have broken ranks with my party; I’ve voted different. It is what’s in the bill that will decide whether I support it or not.”
The senator went on to explain the three goals that she is actively working toward: making health care accessible; keeping Americans in control; and the most important, keeping the cost of health care down.
McCaskill was asked who would take care of Americans if they get sick or are disabled and can’t work. She emphasized the “irony of the misinformation” that is being put out by this bill, which are patient control and the quality of life.
“We take care of them,” said McCaskill. “Not in a smart way, but that is one of the things we are trying to do here. And make Americans more responsible.”
As insurance is getting more expensive, small business owners have to tell their employees that they cannot afford to cover their health insurance. 14,000 Americans lose health insurance coverage everyday.
McCaskill claims to push for limitations to make sure that private insurance companies can continue to struggle with the government.
“Doing nothing is a bad idea,” said McCaskill. “We have to be careful with what we do, but doing nothing is definitely bad.”
A U.S. Veteran sitting in the front row asked the last question of the town meeting. “As a senator, your job is to listen to us. If you had to cast your vote today, would you be for or against it?”
McCaskill simply answered with, “It honestly depends on what is in the bill.” This response did not go over well with the crowd, which resulted in a chanting of “yes or no.” The senator patiently waited until the crowd was quiet again before adding, “There is no rush. It may go slower than some people would like but the result is compromise. The result is on putting your best foot forward on the three principles that we hope to achieve.”
Throughout the meeting there was constant shouting out and rude remarks from very opinionated Missourians. People leave from these events with the same opinion that they walked through the door with which leads people to ask: How does this advance us?
“I may not convince anyone,” said McCaskill. “But I work for them. I owe them my appearance. Most politicians are more focused on getting elected than solving problems. I am the exact opposite.”
McCaskill ended the meeting after answering 15 questions from the 1,300 attendees. Her goal was to answer as many as possible.
“I want you to know how much I respect you,” said McCaskill. “I will continue to try my best. I will disappoint some but it’s up to you to keep your finger on the pulse of our government.”