The Collin County MoveOn Council is holding a “Cost of Delay” candlelight vigil tomorrow night (Tuesday, Dec. 8), from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, 6200 West Parker Road in Plano (at Midway), to protest the continuing delays in passage of healthcare reform measures.
An e-mail detailing the event included this statement: “We cannot afford to wait. While the U.S. Senate dithers on passing important Healthcare Reform legislation numerous friends, relatives and neighbors continue to live in fear of financial ruin, because of inadequate healthcare coverage. We call upon the Senate to finish its work so that the pain being inflicted on North Texans can come to an end.”
The press release also stressed that the vigil is not in any way intended to imply any problems with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital: “TO BE VERY CLEAR: This vigil is being held at the site of one of Plano’s highest regarded healthcare centers. This is to demonstrate that thousands of North Texans are unable to avail themselves of the excellent medical care provided by the caring people who work and perform their duties within this center. It should be in no manner construed that this vigil in any way is a demonstration against or is in any way a criticism of this fine healthcare center. The council considers this institution to be an excellent example of the finest of healthcare that can be provided in North Texas.”
3 Comments
I have to object to this post. I realize that the Voice is a GLBT newspaper, and that GLBT issues often lean towards the Democratic platform. But, this post is blatantly propaganda to further a particular party’s agenda. It doesn’t directly relate to GLBT issues at all (except the fringe issues of health care reform for GLBT community members, which is not at all addressed by this vigil).
Rather, this is merely using the position of editor of the Voice to advertise events conducive to the editor’s personal politics. How many TEA party events have been advertised? Not that I’d attend that, but its just evidence that this post isn’t relevant to GLBT issues, but the use of a prominent position to push personal political preferences.
Healthcare reform is very much an LGBT issue. Gay men still make up a huge portion of people with HIV and have battled for health care since the beginning of the AIDS crisis. Tea party events might also of interest, but only because of right wing opposition to equal rights for the LGBT community. However, if you have an opinion on healthcare reform, this would certainly be the place to post it.
Thank you Tammy for posting this event, this is EXACTLY the kind of GLBT issues we need to be involved with. How can anyone say that health care reform is is NOT an GLBT concern for us. Health Care Reform issues effects EVERYONE including the GLBT community. As a gay activist I will join hands with others who want to look at advocating for issues that concern all of us as human beings.
When we learn as activist to take on ONE issue that directly effects the GLBT community, put all of our resources towards that concern we will gain lots of ground to move forward in gaining FULL equality. (Michael Robinson A.L.L.) I will be there!