A health care activist from Private Health Insurance Must Go
(Photo: Thomas Good / NLN)
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
NEW YORK — On November 17, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., rush hour, 24 health care activists, including 8 in wheelchairs, circled the Information Booth at N.Y.’s Grand Central Station demanding Medicare for all. They were organized by the Private Health Insurance Must Go! Coalition (PHIMG) and included workers, the middle class, the disabled, immigrants, students, and healthcare professionals. Their voices came through clear and strong despite the high volume announcements of the station’s loudspeaker system.
Activists from Private Health Insurance Must Go
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
When they first arrived at the station the police told them that they could not demonstrate there. However, after a somewhat lengthy discussion with Dr. Antonia Cedrone, organizer and healthcare professional, the police recognized the First Amendment rights of the participants and did not interfere.
Dr. Antonia Cedrone, health care activist
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
The responses of the travelers was very positive. Many took the time to speak to the demonstrators, expressing agreement and encouragement. One person said that if we can afford wars costing billions, then we can afford to give the American people good healthcare. Another, listening, said, “You’ll get no argument from me.” Several commuters joined the demonstration for a moment or two.
“Single Payer Now!”
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
Dr. Cedrone explained that, “PHIMG is a N.Y.C. based non-partisan grassroots organization focused on public education, legislative advocacy, and direct action in the fight to achieve Medicare for all residents in the U.S. The Grand Central Station action is part of an on-going campaign of street actions designed to achieve high visibility and mass political support for ending the market-based healthcare system in the U.S. and replacing it with an expanded and improved Medicare for all as described in Congressman John Conyer’s (D. Michigan) Bill HR 676.”
8 activists in wheel chairs took their message to Grand Central Station
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
PHIMG is not the only group dissatisfied with the bill currently being considered. Many women’s groups and reproductive rights groups, such as NOW and NARAL, are in opposition to the bill because an amendment was placed in the bill which will make it impossible for low and moderate income women to get an abortion. Abortion restrictions do not stop abortions, they stop legal abortions. Illegal abortions cost women their lives and turn their children into orphans.
“Medicare For All Is The Only Option”
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
And, representing another group, Nadina La Spina of Disabled in Action said, “This healthcare non-reform will continue to deny people with disabilities comprehensive healthcare. We will still be forced to stay poor to be eligible for Medicaid that provides the care that should be our right.”
Click HERE To View A Video From The Protest
(Video: Thomas Good / NLN on YouTube)
According to Ajamu Sankofa of PHIMG, “over 135,000 more people will die because they have no health insurance before this disastrous Bill H.R. 3962 or one like it even takes effect. Pass H.R. 676, Medicare for All now!”
