[Student Reporters] Town Hall Meetings Show Continuing of Health Care Scare in America

Paul Lee / <12th, James E. Taylor HS>

This year's congressional August recess has been particularly heated with banners posters and signs marching around cities proclaiming distraught citizens' opinions. Most seen among the crowds are those who feel most affected by this proposed overhaul of America's health care system: the middle-aged and senior citizens.

The town hall meeting in Florida on August 13 2009 saw physical forms of indignation with its attendees violently pushing and shoving. Still not all town hall meetings have been as tumultuous.

Many adolescents and young adults of America however are in the dark about the health care debate.

"I didn't even know there was a proposed reform of health care" Krista Johnson 17 responded when asked about her opinion on the health care overhaul. "I just know my parents have health insurance to help cover the payments when we get treated or whatever."

Christina Katsampes 17 of James E. Taylor High School expressed her concerns about the health care overhaul. "I'm just afraid of big government which I know is what this bill is essentially doing: increasing government presence in our lives" Katsampes said. "My dad also said he doesn't want to have to lose our family doctor or our plans or something. I'm pretty sure Obama's health care plan is really going to change a lot but I can't say if it's for the better."

Christina is not alone as many Americans even including some congressmen are still in the dark about the details of Obama's health care reform.

Josh Hopkins 16 a sophomore at James E. Taylor High School read a few articles about the health care overhaul. "I keep reading about how people want to keep their doctors and I understand that that's a big deal. I definitely want to keep my own doctor; I feel comfortable around him" Josh explained. "It's not very clear if you can keep or choose your own doctor in these explanations [in the articles]."

Town hall meetings are still going on around the nation as members of Congress allow voters and constituents to voice their concerns and questions. Many are open to anyone who wants to attend.

You can find a town hall meeting near you by finding out whom your representatives are on the House or Senate website.