PORT TOWNSEND — Demonstrators for and against a proposed universal health care system made a sacrifice by standing outside Fort Worden State Park Commons with their signs Monday afternoon.
Other people shuffled past them on their way into the building for Rep. Norm Dicks’ town hall forum on the proposed national health care plan.
The pickets who stood outside until just before 4 p.m., when the event began, were told that the building was full and they would have to wait outside.
They were left to listen through side doors, which were blocked by packs of people in the standing-room-only venue straining for a whisper of the events taking place inside.
Still, the demonstrators and late arrivals — about 50 in all — didn’t show much frustration as they waited on the side patio.
They continued to hold their signs, pass out their fliers and speak to people who both agreed and disagreed with them.
“We’re still standing out here because it’s important,” said Deborah Sinn, who drove from Sequim with her husband, Jerry Sinn, to attend the town hall meeting.
“If people don’t show up and ask for representation, then nothing happens.
“It’s important to be here.”
The Sinns had never made signs to protest a topic before, but they said their opposition to the health care bill being discussed in Congress inspired them to stand outside — even after the event had started and they couldn’t hear what was taking place inside.
“It’s been interesting,” Deborah Sinn said of her first time holding a sign.
“I’ve been surprised by how many people have talked to us.”
Those who agreed and disagreed both came up to the Sinns and spoke with them.
One individual who said he disagreed ended the conversation with a handshake and thanked them for the civil discourse.
Jerry Sinn said he was happy to take part in the discussion.
“We’re having some healthy debate over this,” he said.
“Of course, in any issue there is controversy and there is frustration, and that causes people to raise their voice at times, but there is a lot at stake here.
“Things are changing really fast right now in this country and this is one way to express ourselves.
“Honestly I’m glad Rep. Dicks held this, and I wish there were even more people out here with us for this.”
Pamphlets passed out
Lang Russel of Port Townsend also stood outside with a sign and handed out fliers informing people of the positives a universal health care system could provide.
“I couldn’t get in, but I’m still here because I feel very strongly that the corporate system of health care is not working for the people,” Russel said.
“People are falling through the cracks and corporations are making money hand-over-foot.
“Without introducing something like a public option, we’re going to stay right where we are at and that’s not good.”
Carol Baker of Port Hadlock said she agreed.
Holding a sign in support of public health care, Baker explained that she wanted a universal system so she could join.
“I don’t have employer-provided coverage, I’m not old enough for Medicare and my only option is an individual option,” Baker said.
“It’s expensive and it’s not as good of coverage as a group plan.
“I do think it’s shameful that we don’t provide health care for all our citizens.
“We may be a rich country, but not providing this makes us a poor society.”
Up from Shelton
Daniel Madden, who drove from Shelton to attend the forum, also had personal concerns regarding a universal system.
“I’m going to be on Medicare next year, and I don’t want this new proposal to take away from that system,” he said.
Madden, who held a sign expressing concern over the recent government stimulus package, said he was disappointed he wasn’t able to get inside the building.
“We just got here too late,” he said.
Members of Dicks’ staff handed out comment cards to everyone at the venue — inside and outside — and asked everyone to fill them out if they didn’t get a chance to take part in the forum.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsula dailynews.com