The national healthcare debate found its way to the Bryan-College Station area on Tuesday night by way of a town hall.
Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, of District 17 representing the Waco, Bryan-College Station area held the discussion at the Brazos Center. A crowd well over the number of seats available showed up to voice their concerns and ask questions regarding to the proposed health-care reform bill, HR 3200.
Congressman Edwards answered random inquiries given to him by his constituents. Some topics that were talked about ranged from the cost of the entire healthcare reform package to the supposed death-panels that many have said would be a direct result of the passing of HR 3200.
"I thought this was a constructive meeting," said Rep. Edwards. "Were there strong feelings and people with clear opinions, absolutely. Did they express them vocally yes, but I believe that is what democracy is all about."
With the debate over the fate of healthcare raging across the country, there have been a number of town hall meetings in which constituents would act hostile toward one another, or in some extreme cases toward the Representatives themselves. However, this was not this case tonight.
A number of current Aggies attended the event representing organizations such as the Texas A&M Chapter of Students for Obama and the Youth Conservatives of Texas.
"I am here because I support Chet Edwards, and I think what he is doing is great. But most of all I really think something needs to be done about healthcare and it's really pathetic what we've got in play right now," said Andrea Soule, a senior industrial distribution major president of the A&M chapter of Students for Obama.
There was a number of Aggies who were still a little unsure about the issues regarding the healthcare debate and just wished to participate and learn through the discourse of the meeting.
"I feel like this is a very important issue for people are age and for the future since were going to be the ones living with the consequences of our actions, but I am personally here to learn and figure out what's going on with what our Congressman, Chet Edwards, believes as well as how other people in the community are reacting to this situation," said Jonathan Bounds, a junior industrial distribution major.
As attendees filed into the auditorium they were greeted with such signs held by protestors that read "No Public Option" and "No Single Payer."
With each question asked, members of the crowd showed signs of approval or disapproval with the topic. After one particular question was asked, a majority of the crowd stood up in applause.
"Where in the Constitution does it say that the government can create a government healthcare?" said Tim Konderla, a local resident.
The Congressman responded that there were already special government healthcare programs set up, such as Medicare and Medicaid, which are supported by a vast majority of constituents within District 17.
Other controversies that were brought up involved the administering of healthcare that the bill would provide to illegal immigrants.
Nowhere in the bill does it stipulate that there would be any healthcare coverage provided to those who have entered this country illegally, the Congressman said.
"I'd encourage students to Google healthcare reform; read a number of different views on the bill," the congressman said. "I do that, I look at those who support plus those who oppose the bill and I think students ought to look more. I do think its great so many students came tonight."
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