Niki Tsongas ObamaCare Town Hall Chelmsford, MA Augst 8 2009

I arrived 30 minutes early and the line was already long to get into the Chelmsford Town Hall. For 20 minutes we inched forward but then a policeman announced the hall was full which meant about 300 inside. Amazingly almost everyone stayed in line and the line continued to grow. Later I counted over 300 waiting, watching and talking outside even though everyone knew no one else could get in.




I interviewed many with my video camera and I also used my digital SLR to document the event. I estimate that approximately 90% of the people outside were against ObamaCare. Dozens of handmade signs were being held I only saw one that was in favor of ObamaCare. Those that were holding pro-ObamaCare signs were holding identical cheap printed small signs. I was a little worried about possible violence instigated by union thugs, fortunately there was none.

I asked many people why they came and the anti-ObamaCare folks often made the point that no one sent them - they were not part of an organized effort they simply cared about health care and the country.




After about an hour, with almost no one leaving the outdoor crowd, someone left the Town Hall building out a side door while I happened to be nearby and before the door could close I snuck in. It was quite a different demographic inside; probably 50/50. The AFL-CIO had had on their website the day before instructions to show up. A policeman said the line started at 7 AM. Lots of the pre-printed signs inside and a few hand-made pro-ObamaCare signs, but again way more hand-made anti-ObamaCare signs.

Niki stuck to her talking points and the boisterous crowd on both sides often chimed in as she answered questions or citizens in line had their turn to speak. There is no chance she will vote against ObamaCare: she came, she heard, she defended, she left. But at least she showed up. Many other members of Massachusetts Congressional delegation are not having August events.

Category:

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[ettwein]

on top of it all... Niki told the cops to not let us in with American flags. Pathetic.

[vanzorge]

it really seems that MOST of the people are against obamacare.....................­... excellent!!

thank you for posting this video

[TheDeLoreanFlux]

Man, republicans sure are wastes of life. I agree, don't insure them. :p

[PROFILESophiaYates]

Transparency my arse! If she isn't out of office this year then I will truly believe our votes do not count and it's all fixed. I'm sick of all this.TERM LIMITS!!!

[PROFILESophiaYates]

Niki This is your last year. The ride is over. 

[ReformedOrder]

Our country has been taken over people. We are at the bottom of the barrel & this is what is shown as a result of us as American People are concerned in time running out for us. These people that the citizens plead to don't give a shit. They are on the opposing side, they are covered in medical expenses from the expense of the working class people, they have paved their way to the "promise land" in their greed & selfish corruption. It's time to stop talking & revolt! Let's take this bitch back!

[RamuelMRaagas]

Enjoy your hit-and-run for cover single+B-side YouTube account.

[powerlounger]

Hey, I'm in this video!! Thanks for posting.

[trugger21]

Although I am encouraged by the protests it doesn't matter how many are against Obamacare. Even if it were 99% against the Dems don't care. They are going to pass it anyway. They are commited to the Obama/Pelosi regime and not to the people.

[Roryvids]

Funny. I didn't see ONE "swastika" in the whole crowd! I wonder if Nancy Pee-Lousy was talking about HER supporters???

WAKE UP America The Kenyan Puppet is a fraud!

[conky111]

Dude....Your count is way off, thats well over 300ppl