Tempers flare in South Florida over healthcare overhaul

A raucous group of about 100 protesters confronted staffers of U.S. Rep. Ron Klein, expressing their displeasure with the healthcare overhaul bills being considered in Congress.

Confrontation over a national healthcare overhaul reached South Florida on Wednesday, when routine office hours for the staff of a Broward-area congressman turned into a raucous protest.

The incident is like others that reflect nerves frayed by the nationwide debate. Democrats decry what they describe as a mob rule orchestrated by special interests trying to protect the status quo; Republicans call it genuine grass-roots concern over a costly government takeover.

Though only a handful of constituents typically show up at the Lighthouse Point public library once a month with questions for U.S. Rep. Ron Klein’s staffers — often questions about Social Security checks or passport applications — this time about 100 people packed the room for two hours.

The group was rowdy, rude and fired up about healthcare.

“Where the hell is Klein?” demanded Republican activist Ana Gomez-Mallada, even though the congressman was not scheduled to be there. Others branded him a “coward” and a “communist.”

Related Content

• September 9, 2009 -- We Need A 2009 Style New Deal. Not Obama’s Plan.
  The Katy Capsule's Clark Kent tackles Obama's speech on health care reform....
• October 26, 2009 -- U.S. Senate: Healthcare Bill Includes Public Option B
  "I believe there's a strong consensus to move forward in this direction," he told reporters, declining to say if he had commitments for the ...
• December 9, 2009 -- U.S. Government: Refuses Biological Weapons Inspections
  WASHINGTON — The Obama administration plans to announce a new policy on Wednesday to curb the spread of biological weapons, but it will reaf...
• November 26, 2009 -- Majority: Against War In Afghanistan
  Support for the US mission in Afghanistan has slipped to a new low, with 44 percent of Americans now saying the war there has been worth the...
• October 13, 2009 -- Healthcare Overhaul: Bill clears Senate Finance Committee. Bill passes, 14 to 9
  "Legislation that would transform the nation's healthcare system cleared a significant hurdle today as the Senate Finance Committee voted (1...
• September 15, 2009 -- Watch: Ron Paul Response To President’s Obama’s Address To Congress
  (Contains Video)...
• September 9, 2009 -- Watch: Rep. Joe Wilson Yells “You Lie” at President Obama During Speech
  (Contains Video)...
• September 2, 2009 -- Under fire, President Obama shifts strategy (Politico.com)
  Read more information inside!...
• August 11, 2009 -- Dirty Secret No. 1 — Health Care
  Dirty Secret No. 1 -- Health Care Dirty secret No. 1 in Obamacare is about the government's coming into homes and usurping parental rights ...
• August 5, 2009 -- TheConservatives.com: Shows the “Change” Obama Has Brought Us
  A Study in Contrast Given the debate over the legitimacy of protests against the Democratic agenda on health care, cap-and-trade, and the...