Anxiety evident during session

BRIDGEWATER — Even after two hours of fielding constituents’ health care reform questions Saturday, Sixth District Rep. Bob Goodlatte couldn’t help but see more hands raised by those wanting a chance at the microphone.

Of more than 300 people gathered for Goodlatte’s town hall meeting at Turner Ashby High School, more than two-dozen got their chance.

In tones complimentary and confrontational, constituents vetted the representative’s knowledge of health care reform bills, asked about constitutionality and disputed statistics about the cost of reform and number of uninsured Americans.

Some skipped questions altogether and offered stories of personal health problems and health care abroad. Medical professionals spoke of the cost of medical liability insurance.

And whenever possible, constituents cheered, whooped and waved signs and flags — some at the mention of choice and the Constitution, others for the “single payer” program and some amid questioning about America’s military conflicts.

“I cannot support the legislation that is making its way through the Congress right now,” Goodlatte, R-Roanoke, said among opening statements.

With foam board displays on an easel behind him, Goodlatte critiqued bills that would force Americans into a government health care plan and require $2 trillion in deficit spending over 10 years. He explained how some estimates of 45.7 million uninsured Americans were incorrect — it’s closer to 7.8 million he said — and getting those people insured should be the focus of reform

Time and again, Goodlatte spoke of maintaining choices.

“This meeting showed ... what they are attempting to do,” said Wayne Breeden, 55, of Churchville. “Do we want to go down this road?”

Breeden earlier stood at the microphone and told Goodlatte he was opposed to reforms led by Democrats, but worried how his pre-existing back problem would be handled.

The meeting didn’t likely change many minds, Breeden said, but it was educational.

“I don’t think Bob Goodlatte’s opinion is going to change on anything,” said Bruce Ritchie, 47, of Criders, who asked the representative how he would prioritize defense spending against health care reform.

War, religious freedom and making English the official language of the United States were each addressed in questions, but the focus remained on health care.

Kenneth Keller, of McGaheysville, stood to tell Goodlatte that Republicans have failed to make their ideas heard.

“The Republicans have been taking it on the chin because they don’t have an alternative option,” Keller said.

“Yes, we do,” countered Goodlatte, who pointed attendees to http://www.GOP.gov.

For Keller, who was last to speak, just after noon, the meeting was good for conveying constituents’ voices to their congressman.

“I came here with bullet [points],” Keller said. “I had my hand up from the start.”