Advocates for Universal Health Care Join National Day of Action

Advocates for Universal Health Care from the Rochester region joined with communities from all over the country on Wednesday October 28th in day of Action demanding health care for all. In a protest targeting "MVP healthcare" at its office on Alexander Street in Downtown Rochester, 30 activists rallied along the sidewalk with the message that Medicare for all is the best solution to the health care crisis. Meanwhile, inside the building, 4 activists who had intended to deliver a letter they prepared for the vice president of MVP- Lisa Brubaker, were unable to gain access to the offices. The were prevented from entering by security. The activist then sat outside the MVP offices in a courtyard cafe and ordered coffee. They were approached by 10 Rochester police, 6 building security guards and were asked to leave. When the responded that they would stay and finish the coffee they ordered, the 4 activists were arrested.

Video from earlier in the afternoon shows a surreal amount of police presence. 16 police cars, and cops on horse back seemed a bit far fetched for a crowd of 30 demonstrators holding signs.

As the health care debate continues, more and more acts of civil disobedience are occurring around the country. On Wednesday, actions were held in at least 10 cities around the US with 37 people arrested (www.democracynow.org). For these activists, the demand is not for "a public option", but for single payer and medicare for all. The common question that is asked is: "If President Obama and Congress really wanted health care reform, why was single payer taken off of the table from the start?"

The direction Health care reform has taken at the federal level is really showing who owns the government- and clearly it is not the people. It seems everyday there is a new revelation about how senators and representatives are tied to health insurance companies and big pharma, whether its through campaign contributions, familial ties or investment interests. The citizens rallying, protesting, and committing acts of civil disobedience know that this is a life and death struggle and that health care is a human right for all not a privilege for some.