The sound of car horns blasted through the Saturday morning lull in Indianapolis as drivers showed support for more than 40-50 protesters opposing President Barack Obama’s health care reform plan.

Signs reading “Government-run health care makes me sick” and “No Obama Care” were raised over the heads of several protesters, including children, who rallied at the corner of West Washington Street and North Capitol Avenue.

The protesters didn’t learn about the SPJ national convention until Saturday, said Laurie Carlson of Indianapolis. Her group convened at 10:30 a.m. Saturday to protest a Democratic Party-affiliated group touring several cities to rally support for Obama’s proposed government-run insurance plan.

Web sites said the group is scheduled to visit Indianapolis on Monday.

Working journalists from various outlets, including The Indianapolis Star, had interviewed some of the protesters Saturday, Carlson said.

“We’re here today to let Indianapolis know that we’re concerned about the possibility that his health care bill will be passed,” said Glenda Reber of Indianapolis. She wore a shirt that read “Don’t Tread on Me.”

Paul Wheeler, of Indianapolis, said lawmakers were stomping on citizens’ rights.

“We will continue to come out until the last snake legislator has to slither over our cold, smoldering bodies,” said Wheeler, who wore a Colonial-period outfit.


On the sidewalks outside the Indiana Capitol, protestors gathered Saturday to demonstrate their objection to President Barack Obama's health care plans.

He said the founding fathers would roll over in their graves if they knew the government was mandating citizens’ health care.

Obama’s proposal raises several concerns, Reber said, like affordability and excessive government power.

— Working Press photographer Nikki Villoria contributed to this report.

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2010 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference
October 3-5, 2010
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