Union families show anti-Obama rally ‘what real Americans want’
Author: Paul S. Kaczocha
People's Weekly World Newspaper, 08/06/09 14:22
WAKARUSA, Ind. – In just a few hours on Aug. 5 the Steelworkers Union organized a bus load and several cars from Gary, Ind., to take the two hour trip to this small sleepy town near Elkhart and in the middle of the Amish area also known for RV and trailer construction.
More than 1,200 people from around the area gathered to support President Barack Obama and health care reform amongst other issues.
In contrast, The Young Republicans organized a smaller effort to protest Obama and health care reform efforts. Earlier in the week many of these same protesters tried to disrupt a forum on health care with Congressman Pete Visclosky, sponsored by the Democratic Alliance group in Chesterton, Ind. The protesters are mounting “recess rallies” nationwide targeting Democrats and the president.
Obama spoke at the bankrupt and recently-purchased Monaco Coach RV manufacturer while supporters and protesters rallied outside. Unemployment in the area is nearly 20 percent in the state where it has reached 11 percent. Obama announced a $39 million stimulus grant to the company that purchased Monaco to make 400 electric trucks.
Ula Woods a school bus driver from Gary said she came to the rally, “to support Obama and his health care plans.” JC, also of Gary and a SEIU member and custodian, said he came “for health care reform and jobs. I am laid off with 59 others.”
Helen Johnson of South Bend, Ind. said “She came to show Obama that we support his efforts to get health care for all the people that don’t have it.”
http://www.pww.org/article/articleview/16654/Paul S. Kaczocha
Union members and their families gathered
near Elkhart, Ind., Aug. 5 to show their support
for President Obama and health care reform.
All photos by Paul Kaczocha