No Fireworks But Feeling at Healthcare Forum

GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- The Gainesville Civic Center was packed with as many as 600 people early Wednesday for a healthcare reform town hall.

The vast majority opposed the Democrats' health reform plan.

"Why the rush?" one man asked. "With such a major bill, why the rush to push this through?"

US Rep. Nathan Deal and US Rep. Phil Gingrey, both Republicans, fielded questions and outlined their concerns about the plan being touted by President Barack Obama and leading Democrats in Congress.

The only sign of support for the plan in the room came from a man wearing an Obama t-shirt.

He caught the attention of off-duty officers when he insisted on trying to ask a question before organizers opened the floor. He left the meeting with a police escort before the question-answer portion of the meeting began.

There were no fireworks but plenty of emotion.

"Beyond attending this very civilized meeting, what can I do to be sure I'm heard," one woman asked. "I feel like my family is being pushed by this flood of people who aren't looking out for our best interests. What can I do to speak out without being labeled un-American?"

"I think you've just stated what a lot of people want to know across this country," Rep. Deal said. "They're fueled by two powerful emotions: fear and anger."

The forum was sponsored by the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce. It was open to the public, but reservations were required, which caught some people off-guard.