THOMASVILLE — Horns blared and voices roared on the street and sidewalk in front Second District U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop’s downtown Thomasville office during the noon hour Friday.

The commotion, which was about opposition to the proposed health care bill, fell on deaf ears. Bishop announced several hours later Friday afternoon he would vote for the bill.

Jim Johns carried a placard that said : “District 2 was rooked by a Bishop.”

“I don’t think the American public is ready to pay for a health care bill that will bankrupt the nation,” Johns said.

In reference to U.S. House and Senate members swapping votes for the bill in exchange for funding for their districts, Johns expressed a strong dislike for “secret deals, the Louisiana purchase and Nebraska payoffs.”

“The public has indicated it does not want the health care bill,” Johnson said. “It is a black day in the history of the nation.”

For House members to OK the bill without a vote would result in a wholesale voter revolt, he explained.

Ronald Vaughn, also an opponent, said the protests have brought out people never before active in causes.

Everyone has health care, Vaughn explained. Those who do not pay for the coverage receive medical care that is paid for with tax dollars, he added.

Of the more than 250 people lining the 100 block of East Jackson Street, about 10 were in favor of the legislation.

Tift and Colquitt County protesters traveled to Thomasville by bus to express their opposition to the bill that is to be voted on Sunday.

“Who Would Jesus Deny Health Care For?” was the poster displayed by Willie Mae Burns. “Everyone needs affordable health care,” Burns said.

If the health care bill is not approved, insurance companies “will take over,” she added.

As to cuts in Social Security benefits, Burns said, “Tomorrow’s not promised for any of us. We need to take care of today.”

Lynette Joye Hitt, who is on Medicare, thinks government-funded health care is needed now. She has a child who is “uninsurable” because of a pre-existing illness.

“I do believe it will save money in the long run,” Hitt said. “We need to get out of the clutches of the insurance companies.”

Bill Glimer said it is “a crying shame” so many Americans do not have health care insurance.

“We’re supposed to be a compassionate country, but we draw the line at health care,” he said.

Glimer, pointing out “a lot of gray hair” at the protest, wondered aloud how many senior citizens voicing opposition to the health care bill would be willing to give up their Medicare.

“My Doctor Works for Me, Not Congress” was the message on another placard.

“We will not have our individual rights the constitution give us if this happens,” said a woman, who requested anonymity. She said Obama has done more to harm the United States than any terrorist.

“Insurance is not something the government should demand anybody has. I’m definitely against it,” said Lee Weeks.

Weeks resents that the matter is being pushed on the nation. “It’s my right to buy or not buy insurance,” he explained.

Mike Sabot of Lee County displayed a placard with the message: “Bishop Pelosi’s Lap Dog.”

Vice chairman of the Lee County Republican Party, Sabot was last year’s Tea Party organizer in his home county.

Sabot’s wife, a nurse, told him, “ ‘It’s coming.’ “

“Hospitals are scared to death,” Sabot added.

Geri Glaccum, 75, and Arlene Elder, 69, are concerned about their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“If we don’t so something, our grandchildren will not survive,” Glaccum said.



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.