Hundreds raise concern over health care

ROBINSON, Ill. (WTHI) - Town hall meetings are popping up all across the country, people raising concerns over one heated issue: Health care.

Illinois Rep. Tim Johnson answered some of those concerns in Robinson, Ill. Monday night. The town hall meeting expecting around 100 people quickly tripled in size.

"To me that shows that people in Crawford County, IIlinois and the surrounding areas really care about their government," Johnson said.

One after another voiced their concern over health care reform, while Representative Johnson shared his thoughts on the proposed bill.

"I don't believe this is the anecdote to what problems we have," Rep. Johnson said.

Peple like Dr. Charles Salesman agreed with him and said he doesn't believe this bill is the answer.

"I'm concerned about the intrusion of big government between the patient and physician. I had that experience for over 30 years, I don't like it and it's getting worse," Salesman said.

However, for a few other they felt differently saying they want to see the proposed bill passed.

The next town hall meeting takes place Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the City Hall in Paris, Ill. from noon to 1 p.m, central time.

However, for other politicians own hall meetings are being cancelled.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said "no" to open town hall meetings about health care because he said too many of those meetings include shouting and disorder.

Durbin said he'll promote the president's healthcare reform plan in smaller meetings around the state.

Johnson said it's "gutless" to cancel these town hall meetings.

"People who cancel town hall meetings because they don't have enough courage to stand up infront of their constituents and be able to visit with them on a civil basis, I'm not sure they're the kind of representatives that we want ," Johnson said.