‘Kill the bill,’ protesters target health care

Retired artist Peter Bonesteel joined about 20 others at the offices of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to demonstrate in favor of a universal health care plan in Denver on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.
Ed Andrieski, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Chanting “Kill the bill,” thousands of conservatives incensed over the Democrats’ health care overhaul protested at the Capitol on Thursday, arguing that the legislation amounts to a government takeover of the nation’s medical system.

The crowd, invited on national television by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was staunchly anti-government — “Politicians lie, people die,” read one sign — but loudly cheered the House Republicans who hosted the event. The protest attracted many of the so-called Tea Party demonstrators angry with increased spending and an expanded government role under the Obama administration.

“This bill is the greatest threat to freedom that I have seen,” House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio told the crowd.

“We’re not going to leave this Hill until we kill this bill,” declared Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa.

That’s highly unlikely. House Democrats hope to pass the sweeping legislation on Saturday, buoyed by endorsements on Thursday from the American Medical Association and the AARP, the powerful seniors lobby. President Barack Obama makes a final appeal to Democrats during a rare visit to the Capitol Friday.

Republican leaders controlled their event, focusing on what they said were the flaws in the Democratic bill, as they distanced themselves from Bachmann’s invitation.

The crowd, including many older Americans, carried placards that ranged from pithy — “Free health care isn’t free” — to harsh.

“Ken-ya Trust Obama?” said one, referencing the president’s African roots and claims by some that he wasn’t born in the United States.

One protester carried a sign reading, “Bury Obamacare with Kennedy,” a reference to Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who died of brain cancer this past summer.

The demonstrators came to Washington by plane, bus and other means to send a message to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., as they press ahead with health care legislation. “Kill the bill!” the crowd chanted.