Just as expected, large numbers turned out for a town hall meeting on health care in Florida's Capital City. This town hall is a bit different than others in North Florida. It was set up by Capital Area Community Action Agency, a non-profit organization, as well as other community groups. They set up this town hall to include a panel of speakers that included Congressman Allen Boyd as well as local physicians Dr. Ray Bellamy and Dr. Joseph Webster.
But before the meeting started the scene outside was almost like a party... although all the guest weren't like-minded. No shouting matches though - just hundreds exercising their freedom of speech in several different forms.
"We've got people who are worried about government take over health care. They want free market solutions. They want the government to keep their hands off our health care," says Adam Guillette who opposes health care reform.
"I'm not insured. I have no health care insurance because I can not afford the premiums. They are too high."
"I'm not insured. I have no health care insurance because I can not afford the premiums. They are too high. But if I have a major illness, I might as well lay down and die," explains Angela Singleton who is in favor of health care reform.
But inside, it was a completely different atmosphere. Calm and even professional. Rules for the evening stressed respect and that was something everyone seemed to agree on. The room seemed evenly split between those who were in favor of reform and the bill before the house and those who were either opposed to reform or at least the current reform proposal.
"Why don't we start with tort reform?"
"We know what the answers are. We just have to have the guts to get out there."
But even for those who weren't one of the 240 allowed in the meeting room... discussions and debate were still flourishing... just without the microphones and guest speakers.