Health care advocates "fired up" for reform

After hearing calls for health care reform "now," from a fired up President Barack Obama on Monday, pro-health care advocates fought back against insurance company executives at Dupont Circle in Washington, DC on Tuesday - leading a heated protest against the current deadlock that is holding up the proposed health care bill in Congress.

More than 1,000 protesters, including a representatives of organized labor, made up the mob as they made their way through the streets of our nation's Capitol. Joining them was former Governor of Vermont, Howard Dead, who told the crowd, "We deserve a vote! Are you for the insurance companies or are you for the American people?"

One protester called for a "citizens arrest" of lobbyists for their crimes against health care - more than 40,000 Americans die each year because of a lack of affordable health insurance.

While White House officials expect the House to pass the Senate's version of health care by March 18. No Republicans are expected to vote for the historic reform.

"The Republicans are ... proving themselves the party of 'no,' " Dean told protesters.

It's about time the American people, and liberals, started standing up for what is right in this health care debate. While only 25 percent of Americans currently support the bill, when Americans are asked if they support specific aspects of the bill they are overwhelmingly support it. The problem in terms of public opinion does not lie in whether people believe the bill is bad, but rather the process it has taken to get something passed. The same thing happened during the Clinton administration, where a majority of Americans supported health care reform at the beginning of the debate, public support started to wain as the debate went on and the bill was eventually abandoned. This same tedious process, along with heinous lies from the right, are what have led the American people into being manipulated into believing that health care reform is wrong for them, their family and America.

However, a little protesting as we all know can go a long way into gaining public support for an issue, even if people have no clue what it is about - just look at the Tea Baggers.

"Fired up, Ready to go!"

Looking to post some video of the protest later.

Protest planned for Bruno's legal defense fundraiser

Local opponents of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno will gather tonight outside the Desmond Hotel in Albany to protest a fundraiser to raise money for his legal fund.

It has been reported that Bruno has already burned through close to $1 million in legal fees since his defense began. Organizers of the fundraiser include John Nigro, an Albany developer and member of the state’s  Legislative Ethics Commission, which has angered many due to Bruno's conviction on two federal fraud chargers in December.

“Joe Bruno is proof that we need ethics reform” Doug Bullock, an Albany County legislator, said in a statement. “Bruno was using his government office, staff, and lawyers – all for personal profit. His felony conviction of this theft cries out for legislative reform.”

Bruno was acquitted on six other corruption chargers and has maintained his innocence. He is currently appealing the convictions.

The planned protest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Desmond Hotel, located at 660 Albany Shaker Road in Colonie. There will be extra signs, brooms and mops available for those who don't have their own.