On Tuesday, Nov. 17, during the evening rush-hour, two dozen activists organized by the Private Health Insurance Must Go! Coalition (PHIMG) demonstrated peacefully in Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal to demand "Medicare for all."
A broad cross section of people: workers, the middle class, the disabled, immigrants, students and health-care professionals circled the information booth at the famous transportation hub to make their voices heard for guaranteed comprehensive health care for all people in the U.S. Dozens of police officers monitored the demonstration, sometimes outnumbering the demonstrators. Despite Grand Central's attempt to drown us out by deliberate increased high volume announcements, our collective voices were loud and strong.
Indeed, we made a highly visible statement to evening rush hour commuters and international travelers. Many people rushing to board trains paused to express agreement with the goal of Medicare for all, as the demonstrators marched for an hour and a half around the information booth, nearly 1/3 of us were in wheel chairs. Several joined our protest for a moment or two.
The Grand Central action is part of our on-going campaign of street actions designed to achieve high visibility and mass political support for removing private insurers from our medical system, by improving and expanding the successful and efficient Medicare program to everyone residing in the U.S.A.
The move to Medicare For All establishes access to comprehensive health care as a human right in the United States, improves patient outcomes and generates trillions of dollars in cost savings.
Medicare for All is overdue, but thanks to the actions of a growing number of committed activists around the country, it's just around the corner.
If you want to help us in this historic civil rights movement, come to our next working meeting on Friday December 4, 2009 at 7pm at the Murphy Institute for Worker Education and labor Studies, 25 West 43rd St 18th floor NY NY (between 5th and 6th Ave) Also, go to www.phimg.org.
Video by Thomas Good / New Left Notes:
Comments (2)
Wow! What an actiion!
2
Thursday, 19 November 2009 20:35
Bev Rice
The purpose of your action was clearly defined. Bigger next time....there MUST be next times! Public places are perfect protest areas for PHIMG's message. A special "Hurray" for the wheelchair protesters!
Grand Central
1
Thursday, 19 November 2009 18:32
AS
I was one one of the participants. I am wearing an orange sweater. I have spent many years in movement work. But I must say, the Grand Central action was one of the most inspiring demonstrations I have ever participated in. I encourage all in NYC who see this video to come out with us each time we demonstrate at Grand Central to make it bigger an louder than ever each time. This is one of our main campaigns. They will not shut down our voices. We must walk tall and roll tall together until we win. PHIMG will continue these demos at Grand Central. We must become a sight for the world to see. Join the work make Medicare for ALL a reality in the U.S. Make it a reality NOW!
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, during the evening rush-hour, two dozen activists organized by the Private Health Insurance Must Go! Coalition (PHIMG) demonstrated peacefully in Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal to demand "Medicare for all."
Ajamu Sankofa