Singing (and marching) in the rain

An enthusiastic crowd of about 250 Oklahoma residents braved the rain to march on the state capitol today in support of efforts to reform our nation's out-of-whack health care system. The event was sponsored by the Oklahoma chapter of Organizing for America.

Speakers included Dr. Boyd Shook of Manos Juntas, 9-11 volunteer rescue worker Reggie Cervantes, the Rev. Jeff Hamilton, president of the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma, State Rep. Anastasia Pittman, State Sen. Constance Johnson, and the Rev. Robin Meyers of Mayflower UCC Church.

Boyd Shook told the demonstrators that the United States has the most expensive health care system in the world, but not the best. He said that US health care ranks 37th in the world in quality and value, and that a public insurance option would allow us to lower cost and increase quality.

Anastasia Pittman reminded her listeners that "sick children can't learn, and sick people can't earn." She said that Oklahoma ranks 10th in the nation in people without any health insurance, with 600,000 uninsured, and that 60 percent of bankruptcies were caused by medical expenses. Referring to the lack of support for health care reform by Oklahoma's US senators and representatives, Pittman asked, "Who are we voting for, and why are we voting for them?"

Everyone there seemed eager to jump into the difficult work of passing health care reform. Most seemed to favor a public option, and some signs supported the creation of a single payer system.