Locals decry health plan

The national debate over health care spilled onto the streets of Newport Beach on Tuesday when protesters picketed in front of the Balboa Bay Club and Resort to oppose government-implemented health-care reform.

The protesters voiced their disapproval of Rep. Loretta Sanchez, who was at the resort for a scheduled fundraiser at 8:30 a.m. Sanchez has shown public support for government-implemented health-care reform, much to the dismay of the picketers.

In a written statement on her website, Sanchez said, “I have made it clear all along that our health-care system needs significant reform, and that I believe a public option is necessary to reduce the overall cost of health care for the American people.”

Protesters staunchly opposed direct government involvement in the health-care system.

“My biggest problem with the bill is the rationing of the health-care system,” said event organizer Megan Barth. “If there are too many people in the insurance system, then there will not be enough doctors to take care of them.”

“We are here to stop [Obama’s] health-care reform,” said Lydia Sharp of Corona del Mar. “His agenda is frightening . . . Loretta Sanchez needs to rethink her political philosophy.”

Susan Newcomer of Newport Beach echoed these concerns.

“I hope that Sanchez strongly considers voting it down,” she said. “U.S. citizens should be able to choose their own health-care plans.”

Newcomer questioned the efficiency of government-implemented health care.

“It’s going to be absolute chaos,” she said. “It’s not health care; it’s carelessness.”

The protesters began to arrive about 7:30 a.m.

By the end of the morning, about 25 people had come out to raise concerns over the proposed health-care reform. Officials at the Balboa Bay Club declined comment regarding the protests.

Nine-year-old Isabella Mohr of Costa Mesa came to picket with her family.

She was perhaps the youngest protester at the event. “Why does Obama want health care to be bad?” she asked, sign in hand.

Mohr’s mother, Elisa Mohr, said America’s current health-care system trumps that of other socialized nations.

“High-profile dignitaries from socialized countries come to the U.S. when they need quality health care,” she said. “Socialized medicine in the U.S. will destroy the amazing treatment opportunities that we have here.”

According to Valerie Engh, a native Canadian, socialized medicine often leads to a delayed prognosis and substandard treatment.

“My family moved from Canada when I was 5,” she said, “so we are familiar with the [socialized] system of health care. People often have to wait six months for CAT scans and MRIs.”

Engh said her experiences with government-implemented insurance have been negative.

“My husband is a retired U.S. Navy pilot,” she said. “If you like waiting in long lines and not knowing who your doctor is, then you’ll like socialized health care.”

Some protesters opposed Obama’s plan on ethical grounds as well as political ones.

“I don’t want to help to pay for the abortions of others,” said Greg Mohr, of Costa Mesa.

The protesters made it clear that they intend to continue their picketing as the battle over health care rages on.

“We’ll be here whenever we’re needed,” Newcomer said. “You haven’t seen the last of us.”

On The Issue

Rep. Loretta Sanchez’s stance on health care

 Strongly supports access to public health care:

“I have made it clear all along that our health-care system needs significant reform, and that I believe a public option is necessary to reduce the overall cost of health care for the American people” ( www.lorettasanchez.house.gov/).

 Met with other Democrats earlier this year to discuss the hefty price tag of the health-care overhaul

 Scored 86% on health issues, according to the American Public Health Assn.