Dueling rallies offer opposing views on health care bill
CHAMPAIGN — Supporters and opponents of health care legislation held dueling rallies on the sidewalk along Fox Drive outside Rep. Tim Johnson’s office Thursday evening in anticipation of an upcoming vote by the House of Representatives.
About 40 marchers under the leadership of the Campaign for Better Health Care shouted, “Health care justice” to the north of Johnson’s office, while another 40 marchers under the leadership of the Champaign Tea Party called out, “Kill the bill” to the south of the office.
Motorists driving up and down Fox Drive frequently honked their horns to support the differing positions on the issue.
Johnson, who was in Washington, D.C., Thursday night, praised both sides for offering their views.
“It’s encouraging that these issues have brought so many people out, whatever their viewpoint,” Johnson said. “Some are going to disagree with my position on health care, and they have every right to do so and to promote their own opinion. I will fight for their freedom to do so.”
More in Friday's News-Gazette.
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