Protesters rally against Obama health reforms

Despite the President pushing hard to reform US healthcare, tens of thousands have rallied in Washington against his plans.

Many fiercely oppose Barack Obama’s proposed initiative, saying unchecked spending will cripple America.

‘‘This administration is going to bankrupt our country and I am here to protest it and do what I can as an American citizen to stand up for my rights,’‘ said one demonstrator.

‘‘When something like healthcare directly impacts your life….I don’t see this dying down at all until Barack Obama is out of the White House,’‘ said another.

The private insurance industry and many conservative members in Congress also oppose the plans, claiming the measures are a drive towards Socialism.

‘‘How we as conservatives respond to these challenges could determine whether America retains her place in the world as a beacon of freedom, or whether we slip into the abyss that has swallowed much of Europe in an avalanche of Socialism,’‘ said Congressman Mike Pence.

At a rally in Minnesota, President Obama denounced his opponents tactics and said a government-run insurance programme remained his top domestic priority.

‘‘The time for games has passed. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to deliver on health care for every American,’‘ President Obama said.

The president says his plans to expand healthcare would cover 30 million currently uninsured Americans at a cost of about 600 billion euros over 10 years.

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tags: Barack Obama, Health reform, Politics