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Beyond voting, Barbara Ballingham was not a political activist.
The health care reform debate changed that.
Motivated by personal experience and "utter shame" about the country's health care system, the 61-year-old Salt Lake City resident has spent the past month urging others who share her concerns to speak out, get involved, do something.
"I have always believed that if everyone does a little bit it can make a huge difference," said Ballingham, an independent voter who leans Democrat.
On Tuesday about three dozen Utahns from Weber County to Utah County did just that by making calls urging residents to let their representatives know they want changes in the nation's health care system.
- Health care reform: What Obama wants
- Reform consensus: Where Republicans, Democrats agree
- Up for debate: Where the two parties clash
- Speaking to seniors: What reform may mean for Medicare
- Where things stand: A reform timeline
- No to 'Obamacare': Utah lawmakers' unified opposition
- Close to home: What Utah is doing to get you insured
She's heard numerous stories about people who lack health insurance coverage or can't afford medical bills since she began volunteering.
It's a story line that is personal for Ballingham, a freelance designer; her husband also is self-employed. She has been unable to get private health insurance coverage since being treated for a benign brain tumor a decade ago.
So Ballingham relies on the state's health insurance pool, which is expensive. She pays $493 a month for her policy, which has a $5,000 deductible.
"I would gladly pay more taxes if it went to the
Bernie Hart of Holladay, also an independent voter, was buoyed by hope after President Obama's election when the health care reform debate ignited.
Then he got "pissed off" as the discussion deteriorated into rhetoric and partisanship.
"I thought the problem was too serious for the same old stuff," Hart said. So the retired businessman got involved.
Hart, 69, has spent the past month making telephone calls and knocking on doors to talk to people about health care reform as an Organizing for America volunteer.
Like Ballingham, Hart is a witness to how the current system straps people. There is a friend who is dying of cancer; a self-employed daughter-in-law's health issues; a young mother who wants a better job but won't risk it because her son's asthma would be a pre-existing condition; and a neighbor's son who is locked into a job he hates but can't leave because of his wife's chronic illness.
"That illness has now crippled two people" because of the pre-existing condition exclusions, he said.
"A lot of people are really, really angry," Hart said.
Ballingham says her daughter has lived in two countries with public systems -- Japan and Spain -- and found the medical care "amazing.
But, "We live in a country that is not taking care of its people," Ballingham said.
Margaret Rijkelijkhuizen came out to make calls for that very reason. She moved back to The Netherlands, where she had dual citizenship, 14 years ago, and the difference in its health care system is stark, she said. Everyone is covered; she pays $130 Euros (about $160) a month and no co-pay for routine care.
"I've been screaming every since I've been in Europe about the health care system here," said Rijkelijkhuizen, 63, who is visiting Utah to welcome a new grandson. "In Holland, France, wherever -- people are appalled at the situation."
But much as she would like to be closer to her children and grandchildren, she won't contemplate moving back here until she is 65, when she would be eligible for Medicare.
"Without health insurance, how dare I?" she asked.
-- Brooke Adams
