The rally to push for healthcare reform in Seattle at Westlake Center last night was very enthusiastic.  Tons of people turned out to hear the speakers and show their support.  I could not get close enough to actually see the speakers, so I just listened and walked around the crowd to take pictures of the people and their signs.  One of the speakers was a woman who owns a small business talking about the challenges she faces to provide care for her employees, another was a minister who spoke of change and how difficult it can be and how good, affordable healthcare is a basic civil right.  But what struck me was the passion of the crowd and the uplifted mood.  People here are fired up, not angry but energized.  We are tired of the minority opposition dominating the narrative of the news media. 

At our town hall meeting the other day there were over 900 people, about 5 of whom were opposed to reform.  We had two or 3 of the nazi mustache photo carrying screamers who tried to shout down our rep but they were unsuccessful.  Pro reform sentiment is strong and people are turning out in support, but when I turn on the TV I only see town halls that are contentious.  Enough of the excessive focus on the "Obama's waterloo" set, they really just want to see failure.  They have little motivation beyond that and even fewer ideas.  It's time to take back the message.  The system is broken and we elected the President who had the best ideas about fixing it.  The preacher speaking today said it best when he spoke of times in the past when change was brewing.  He spoke of the civil rights movement and the Vietnam war.  He reminded us that in those times there was also a fearful opposition using scare tactics and lies, but in the end change always won.

PHOTOS from the event are here.