Story Created:
Aug 31, 2009 at 5:41 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Aug 31, 2009 at 5:41 PM CDT
The West Plains Civic Center was a packed house as Senator McCaskill took the stage early Friday morning.
Hundreds showed up to either support or protest what they say is an injustice in health care.
The morning started not with protesters, but rather supporters of universal health care lining the sidewalk leading into the civic center.
"Health care is a moral issue. To me everybody deserves health care, and we are on of the few developed countries in the world that doesn't give health care to the people of the country," said Lois Reborne.
Inside the auditorium senator McCaskill opened up her town hall meeting with a few simple words.
"I want to make sure that today we show off how well we do the first amendment by being respectful of one another," said McCaskill.
But it wasn't long until the crowd tried to take control.
One man repeatedly shouted out comments and was shushed by the crowd.
And the topic of an abortion clause in the bill had one woman screaming back at Senator McCaskill.
"It's in there. Don't tell me it's not. It's page 30-123," shouted the woman.
Probably the most notable question was from a man who asked whether politicians were participating in the same health care plan they were trying to cram down people's throats.
That was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
But amidst the interruptions, McCaskill had some points of her own to make about the health care bill.
"For every action, there's a reaction. That's why we have to be careful. That's why it's important that we slow down, and that we do this right," said McCaskill.
But first it's the battle to find the middle ground between she and her constituents.
Outside attendees had mixed opinions.
"They are not listening. Some of the things they have is good, but they way the keep shoving stuff down, and not telling the complete truth is what's happened," said Bill Leatherwood.
"Most of these things end up in the big cities. It's good to see her down here in small-town America where the rest of us live," said Cecil Carroll.
Senator McCaskill's stop in West Plains was number 9 of 10, and overall she says they've gone about as well as expected.
Story ideas or comments? Email me at wcarter@kspr.com
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