More protest heath care reform at Tea Party

A white poster board dangled from Tony Guill’s hands as he stood in front of Rep. Tom Perriello’s and Sen. Jim Webb’s offices on Craghead Street in Danville.

“The national debt called … it’s running out of zeros!” it read in black ink.

Guill, 65, was one of about 150 protesters that attended Friday’s Health Care Freedom Tea Party that lasted from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“Perriello is more fearful of the Democratic leadership than he is of the people of the 5th District,” Guill said. “The question is why shouldn’t everybody be out here.”

He said Congress is spending the next generation’s money and that politicians aren’t seeing how their decisions impact the country.

Guill also attended the July 4 Tea Party in Ballou Park.

The group started on the sidewalk in front of the politicians’ offices but moved across the street after a Perriello staff member asked them to move. The staff member said the police did not want protesters blocking the entrances to nearby businesses.

“We’re all about free enterprise and the free market,” said Nigel Coleman, the chairman of the Danville Tea Party Commission and one of the organizers of Friday’s protest.

All but one of the protesters crossed the street. The blue-jeaned, khaki-shirted man who stayed held his white poster as he paced back and forth in front of the offices’ entrance.

The rest of the supporters lined up with their backs to the weathered red bricks of the Davis Storage and Warehouse. They held up their posters as cars drove by. Some drivers honked, others shouted “Obama.”

Coleman said the group is protesting socialized medicine. A doctor’s visit would be like a trip to the De-partment of Motor Vehicles if the government took over health care, he said.

“Nothing should be like the DMV,” Coleman said. “I hope hell is not like the DMV.”

Health care wasn’t the only thing that brought protesters to Craghead Street on Friday morning. Some talked about deficit spending, the introduction of government czars and cap-and-trade legislation.

Carlene Bailey, 52, said she voted for President Barack Obama but now is concerned with the country’s direction.

“I did feel like we need a change,” she said. “I’m just concerned about government intrusion in our lives. I’m worried about my children; they’re going to end up paying.”

The demonstration drew one counter-protester, who arrived as everyone left.

Tyrone Grove, of Danville, said he heard about the Tea Party and wanted to show that not everyone in the community agrees with the Danville Tea Party Commission.

He owns two Danville businesses, Alpha Omega Construction Company and Caring For U Therapy Services. Grove said he and his family went without health insurance for four months because it was too expensive. Now, even with insurance, Grove said he still can’t afford some of his prescription medication.

He said the president is promoting a cheaper and more affordable option for all families.

Coleman said they started planning Friday’s protest July 7 after the big turnout of the Independence Day Tea Party, which drew about 400 people. Bobbie Conner, the vice chairman of the commission, also helped plan.

“We decided we had to do something fast,” Coleman said.

He also said the commission’s numbers have grown since July 4, and its goal of creating more activists has worked. Obama has people so angry that they “come running” to support the local Tea Party Commission, Coleman said.

“I really have to write Obama a thank-you note,” he said.

The protestors stuck to the sidewalk even as a cooler breeze slowly picked up and dark storm clouds drifted over them.

“OK God, cooperate with us,” one man shouted to the clouds.

Eventually, rain fell. And as it turned from a drizzle to a shower, Coleman made an announcement.

“We’re going to let you go,” he shouted to the crowd. “I don’t want anyone to melt. I heard some people calling you witches.”

The crowd thanked Coleman, applauded him and went their separate ways.