These Floridian citizens spoke out about their own experiences and the experiences of their family and friends with our current healthcare system. Betsy Marville, a healthcare worker told her story: "I was in a hospital with a kidney infection, on antibiotics and unemployed, did not qualify for Medicaid and did not have the money to see a doctor or pay for any of my antibiotics. I got another job, but was soon fired because I was ill." Brother David Fitzgerald from UA local 295 told the story about his mother who died from heart failure for the sole reason of not being able to for her medicine. There were many more even more compelling stories that were told over the PA system for everyone to relate to. These stories were heard by the Orlando Sentinel and News 13 who came out to cover the event. Once people shared their stories a delegation of 12 retirees, health workers, and union members met with the staff of Nelson. Their meeting lasted for over an hour supported with the chants and honks for the rally constantly being heard by those in the office. Also, the delegation gave Nelson's office 5,000 signed letters of personal healthcare stories.
Despite the rally and the letters, Nelson's staff were persistent with their stand that Nelson is not signing anything at this present moment and that more people are encouraged to show their support for a public option.
The oppositional group, the 'teabaggers' protested the following day outside Senator Nelson's office, Grayson's and Kosmos's to encourage these senates not to support a public option. With 12 weeks till Congress go on recess, we have to continue rallying and showing our support for the next step towards universal healthcare.
Below is the link to the online write-up for the rally: http://www.cfnews13.com/News/
