'Hands off my health care' campaign bus to visit city
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 6, 2009 2:00 AM
A tour bus carrying activists opposed to the president's proposed health care plan will make a stop in Goldsboro this week.
Americans for Prosperity's Patients First Bus Tour is making its way across the state, proclaiming a very simple message -- "Hands Off My Health Care."
Representatives from the Wayne County Republican Party have been getting the word out about Wednesday's visit, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Commons, at Center and Chestnut streets.
"We're just a stop along the tour," said John Bell, first vice chairman of the local Republican group.
Ann Sullivan said the traveling bus is self-contained.
"It has a fold-out stage. They tell me it's really neat," she said.
Grassroots activists are expected to speak out on behalf of patients and against a government takeover of health care.
"Anyone that's interested in finding out about why we're opposed to the current proposed health care plan should come out to the rally and listen," Mrs. Sullivan said.
She estimated the local turnout could be between 100 and 150 citizens.
"I have gotten a lot of e-mails saying they would be there," she said.
Stops in other communities have already drawn a lot of interest, said Dallas Woodhouse, state director of Americans for Prosperity and the Patients First effort.
"Americans are fired up about health care, and the bus tour gives more people the opportunity to come out and get involved," he said.
In addition to attending the rally, citizens will be urged to call their senators, visit district offices and sign the Patients First petition asking all members of Congress to oppose any legislation that imposes greater government control over health care and results in fewer choices for patients and families.
"These proposals would change everything about health care as we know it," Woodhouse said. "Instead of patients and doctors making decisions, it would be government bureaucrats. We've got to let lawmakers know that the American people simply don't want a government takeover of their health care."
To view and sign the petition, visit www.Join PatientsFirst.com.
A complete schedule of the traveling bus tour can also be found on www.afpnc.org.
At this point, the following is a tentative schedule for the area this week:
Wednesday at noon, White Swan Barbecue, Highway 301 South, Smithfield; 2 p.m. Goldsboro Commons; 8 p.m. a town hall meeting in the Kerr Scott Building of N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, followed by an address to join session of Congress via big screen and a rebuttal panel.