About 200 people gathered in front of the Davis Center on the UVM campus to hold a rally as participants entered the building. There were about 20 speakers including doctors, nurses, NP, med students, labor reps, seniors, activists from various organizations and a surprise appearance by Donna Smith who was featured in the movie SICKO. The Raging Grannies sang a number of health care songs and members of the crowd all held signs in support of a Single Payer, medicare for all plan. There were representatives from Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New Hampshire, about 16 from NY, Vermont and even a couple from Canada. The media was there interviewing speakers and participants in the group and NPR aired 3 ½ minutes including Dr. Richter, PNHP doctor and long-time advocate of Single Payer.

Dr. Deb Richter who, along with the Afl-cio organized the rally, was a scheduled participant. The rest of us were able to watch the proceedings in an overflow room with large screens telecasting it. The forum was chaired by Gov. Douglas of Vt. and Gov. Patrick of Ma. They were joined by Nancy-Ann DeParle, head of White House Office for Health Reform. The Governors talked about issues in their respective states and outlined their plans. They called on a number from the audience much of which seemed very tightly orchestrated with various constituencies represented including a Senior, a students, a businessman, a doctor, a representative from HCAN, an assemblyman, a young uninsured med student who had been helped by the Connector to get insurance free. Dr. Richter was sitting behind the Governors and we could see she had her hand up to speak but they were not calling on her. However at last she spoke and was able to outline why a single player plan is more economical and fair and that the Vermont plan had not saved money. After she spoke some others spoke in support of single payer and Governor Patrick allow the questioning to continue beyond the allotted time. We felt it was worth the trip and that it is important to continue getting our message to President Obama and in the media to help him understand that there is support for a Single Payer system and that this is what the country needs.

Below are links to some of the stories

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102015902

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Health/2009/03/17/Douglas-Patrick-cohost/1237326929.html

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10023498&nav=menu183_9_4