Photo by Nancy Royden. Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Fort Washington, discusses health care with the Prince George’s County Young Democrats.

Published on: Wednesday, September 02, 2009

By Nancy Royden

Although she does not have several decades of activism or politics under her belt, Prince George’s resident Kim Ross said she and other young people have much at stake when it comes to proposed health care reform.

“I think there’s a misperception that young people are disengaged from the health care reform debate, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Young people ages 18-29 represent the largest group of uninsured in the country, even though half of them are employed full-time. We want some type of health care reform as much as the next person,” Ross, vice president of communications for the Prince George’s County Young Democrats, said.

Ross said she has health insurance through her employer and some younger people are uninsured by choice. However, she said having a voice concerning the issue is truly important.

Ross, other members of the PGCYD and others of differing ages met Aug. 20 in Hyattsville with Rep. Donna F. Edwards, D-Fort Washington, to discuss health care.

Rion Dennis, political director of Silver Spring-based Progressive Maryland, was also a panelist during the meeting at the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 400.

Edwards, representative of the Fourth Congressional District of Maryland, said President Barack Obama was elected with the understanding he would bring “bold reform” to the country, and having thousands of people without insurance is unacceptable.

“It’s a system we can’t afford any more,” she said.

Edwards said she has read the entire health care reform bill and amendments being considered by lawmakers.

“We’re trying to find the mix that works for most of us,” she said. “We were elected to bring comprehensive health care for all of the people.”

Edwards said some people are trying to bring Obama down through health care issues.

She said a public option provides choice, but has no profit motive. When people join collectively to acquire health care, they benefit because the bargaining power of millions of people is desirable.

“The president has set a high goal and we have to help him get to that goal,” she said.

Edwards said preventative care is extremely important for people to remain healthy. It should include things such as mammograms and routine physical exams.

She said Medicare is a good model for health care reform that works for millions and millions of people across the country.

Dennis said his group supports the president’s goal of quality health care for all.

He said many media outlets have been emphasizing the unruly disputes at town hall-style meetings regarding health care, rather than putting forth information about the issues.

Audience member Arthur Turner said he is concerned many people have abandoned Obama. He suggested celebrities such as Bono, Oprah Winfrey and others who had influence during the presidential election once again use it to help benefit the president.

PGCYD President Nicole Williams thanked Edwards for coming to speak to the group’s members and guests.

The Prince George’s Young Republicans set a membership meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Prince George’s County Republican Headquarters, 9420 Annapolis Road, Suite 105, Lanham.