Volunteers pitch Obama's health care message door-to-door

Click photo to enlarge

Organizer Nikki Norton explains to volunteers how to discuss the health care initiative with residents before they dispersed Saturday into the neighborhoods. People volunteered to canvas neighborhoods to get declarations in support of the President Obama's health care reform proposals.

• «
• 1
• 2
• »

In recent weeks, those opposed to President Barack Obama's health care reform plan have marched, rallied and -- on occasion -- screamed about their dislike for the proposal, claiming it will "socialize" patient care in America.

Those in favor of the president's reform plan used calmer tactics on Saturday, walking through Salt Lake City neighborhoods, knocking on doors and asking residents to sign "declarations of support" for Obama's plan.

"The people against reform are well-organized and seem to yell the loudest," said Bernie Hart, of Holladay, one of more than 60 volunteers who participated in the door-to-door campaign. "But I'm here to show there is another voice."

Organizing for America (OFA), which sponsored the grass-roots event, hoped the signatures would convince Utah's congressional delegation -- specifically Utah Rep. Jim Matheson, a Democrat -- to support Obama's health care legislation. Nikki Norton, with the OFA in Utah, said Obama has called for health care reform that "reduces costs, guarantees choice and ensures quality care for all."

Both young and old volunteered to walk neighborhoods, after meeting Saturday morning at Liberty Park. Volunteers included 85-year-old Aileen Dow -- proudly wearing "Momma for Obama" campaign buttons -- her two daughters, Cindy De Roda and Kristy Withers, and a 19-year-old grandson, Steven Thomas.

Dow said she feels "lucky" because she is on Medicare and doesn't worry about health care

As they walked down Lake Street near Liberty Park, Dow and her family encountered mostly positive responses, garnering signatures from residents such as Robert Glick and Scott Guymon.

Glick, who has lived in Holland on and off for the past decade, signed onto the declaration on the spot. He said he was disappointed in the compromises Obama has had to make because of conservative politics.

"It's become horribly watered down," he said, noting that in Holland he never experienced long wait times to see a doctor, something conservatives say will be commonplace under a government-run system. "In my experience, you are seen more quickly," he said. "The only thing that takes a long time is plastic surgery."

Guymon said he would like to see reform, he's just not sure how much.

"I'm unemployed and there's no way I can afford health insurance," he said. "But I don't know if I want government to take it over. There has to be a happy medium where everyone has access to affordable care."

kathys@sltrib.com