Demonstrators express concerns over health care debate

July 29--Although efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act last week faltered, Joan Peterson and other demonstrators in Duluth on Saturday morning were taking nothing for granted about maintaining access to medical care.

"I think it's only because people like us put so much pressure on Congress that the repeal failed," Peterson said.

Ann Fryberger, another organizer of Saturday's demonstration in the 1000 block of Central Entrance, warned that the threat has far from passed.

"It's not over. We still need to stay vigilant," she said.

Fryberger held aloft a sign that read: "Thank you Lisa, Susan and John," referring to Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and John McCain of Arizona, who bucked their party leadership in voting against a so-called "skinny repeal" package.

Peterson and Fryberger met earlier this year on a bus bound for the Women's March in Washington D.C.

"Trump says he intends to do his level best to make sure the ACA fails, but that would be a disaster," Peterson said. "It's not right. What does that say about his level of concern for the health of the American public?"

"We need to put health care before wealth care," said Fryberger, noting that similar demonstrations were under way in other communities across the nation.

At Large Duluth City Councilor Barb Russ said: "Health care is not a partisan issue. We need people to put their minds together."

As for the idea of allowing the Affordable Care Act to fail, Russ said, "That's a terrible idea, because if the system is made to 'implode,' many people wouldn't have any insurance. It's so mean-spirited."

Another demonstrator, Barbara Montee, said: "As a self-employed person, I'm very concerned about changes to health care."

She noted that if not for McCain, the Affordable Care Act could have been dismantled.

"I'm very concerned that the biggest game changer has brain cancer. As long as his health is in question, the health of us all is in question," Montee said.

"It looks like McCain could lead the charge and get both sides to talk to each other. He seems like the voice of reason. Maybe that's because he is facing death himself," Montee said.

Koresh Lakhan, a retired teacher and restaurateur, expressed concern that the health care of all Americans could be put at risk, especially the poor and disabled,

"It's a serious matter because a healthy nation is a more productive nation. And health care is a human rights issue. It shouldn't be treated as a privilege," he said.

Lakhan, too, said he was encouraged by McCain's stance.

"I think John McCain's speech about working together sent a powerful message, and I hope both sides recognize that health care is not a game to win or lose. ... People need to compromise and listen to all sides," he said.

"There are opportunities when we have problems, and I think we have a good chance to bounce back from this, because Americans are basically good people. I think that's what will prevail in the long run. But we'll need to work on it. Good health care is not just going to happen," Lakhan said.

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