THOMASVILLE — Opponents of the Democrats’ proposals for health care reform are in no mood to party.

Angry citizens are set to gather at Rep. Sanford Bishop’s office at 4:45 p.m. today. They intend to crash a celebration of Saturday’s passing of HR 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act.”

Bishop is reportedly scheduled to attend rallies at each of the offices in his district today. His Thomasville office is at 137 E. Jackson St.

An e-mail circulated by the Lowndes County Democratic Party on Wednesday says, “Please contact friends, supporters, organize caravans — bring balloons, cards, signs and people to celebrate health care and the public option!”

A woman who answered the phone at the Lowndes County Democratic Party office on Thursday denied knowledge of the Thomasville party.

“I’ve heard it’s on and I’ve heard it’s off,” she said. “I can’t answer any of your questions.”

Martina Morgan, a member of Bishop’s Washington office, did not return a phone call by press time on Thursday. She maintains the congressman’s schedule.

Freedom Line organizer Kim Weckwert plans to be there regardless of whether Bishop shows or not. Her group posted about 30 protesters in front of his Thomasville office each day from Nov. 2-6. The Freedom Line also protested several times in July and August, drawing more than 200 people a couple of times.

“What the congressman is doing is the equivalent of celebrating winning a high school football game when he’s three points ahead in the first quarter,” Weckwert said. “The Democrats are acting like they’ve won the game, but there are still three quarters to go. The process has not been completed.

“The thing barely passed the House.”

On Saturday after a 250-115 vote, Bishop said in a news release, “After months of studying the various proposals, listening to feedback from my constituents on both sides of the issue in town hall meetings, informal discussions, letters, e-mails and faxes, and after prayerful reflection, I concluded that I must support the health care reform legislation. I believe it would improve the lives of my constituents by ensuring that they have access to quality, affordable health care. HR 3962, while not perfect, makes substantial progress in this regard.”

Weckwert and the Freedom Line believe Bishop ignored the majority opinion in his district, adding they intend to keep voicing their views.

Heather Abbott plans to visit Bishop’s office today carrying black balloons to “signify the death of our freedom.”

Weckwert, Bishop and the Freedom Line believe HR 3962 is too costly and will lead to a government takeover of America’s health care system.

“It ain’t over until it’s over,” she said.

In his news release, Bishop countered by saying the bill will benefit everyone in the Second Congressional District.

“During my town hall meetings on health insurance reform last August, I said that we have a moral obligation to ensure that all Americans receive the health care they need to live healthy and productive lives,” he said. “I have long been concerned about the poor health indicators among my constituents, and (Saturday) evening I cast a vote that I believe will have a significant impact on improving the lives of Southwest Georgians now and into the future.”

Bishop said the legislation will provide tax credits to nearly 14,000 small businesses in his district and will reduce the federal deficit by $104 billion over the next 10 years.

“I look forward to further improvements as the bill is considered by the Senate and the Conference Committee, where differences between the House and Senate bills will be resolved,” Bishop said. “But (Saturday) evening’s vote is a significant step towards affordable, quality health care for all.”