Posted on 09/17/2009 6:45:20 PM PDT by jazusamo
President Obama's rally at the University of Maryland on Thursday was a highly choreographed campaign event that drew in college students and union members by the thousands.
Instead of campaigning for an election, the President was campaigning for health care reform. Obama didn't quite fill the 18,000 seats in UMD's Comcast Center and appeared three hours later than the scheduled 9am start time.
It didn't seem to bother the crowd, which performed "waves" around the stadium with their hands to the music of UMD's school band, which played hits like "Sweet Caroline," "Thriller," and "Let's Get Ready To Rumble." It especially didn't seem to bother the members of the Maryland Bricklayers’ Union, one of several unions that bussed in workers for the event, giving them paid time off for a chance to rally for Obamacare and kick back with friends. Several workers said this wasn't the first Obama rally they've attended while on the clock.
An inadequate sound system drowned out most of Obama's introduction, given by a UMD student, though enough of the intro got through to make it clear the student was concerned about getting health insurance after having survived cancer.
The girl finished her introduction with a resilient "We need health care now," and then waited patiently near the podium in a black cocktail dress and heels while Obama strode up to the stage, appearing as though he was there to save her. After a loud standing ovation, Obama admonished the crowd: "You guys can sit down, by the way."
The President's speech was very similar to speeches he has given in the past, with slightly amped-up criticism towards detractors. He again said that while he's open to new ideas, he thought that all the alternative ideas that had been put forth were the "Same old same old," and that his detractors were playing "games." In a tone more violent than was used in previous addresses, Obama also said that he is going "to be the last" president who addresses the health care issue.
A handful of opponents protested the event on the lawn outside the stadium, wearing grim reaper costumes and holding signs that said "Hello free health care; goodbye, good old days," and "Page 29: health care will be rationed."
Michael Ross, a senior at UMD and the president of UMD Students Against National Healthcare, said that he "initially thought it was cool" that Obama was coming to speak, but then his attitude turned sour when he found out the University would be offering no alternative event for anti-Obamacare activists.
"I know UMD does not endorse this as our view, but subliminally, they do," said Ross.
Don’t ever underestimate the Baraqqi coalition.
There are some decent sized groups that will vote 97% Baraq no matter what.
It gives him a tremendous base to build on.
Where is the puke thingy?....
Useful idiots
and
Communionists.
Big surprise.
Idiots
The irony is these idiots are going to college to have a career and make more money.
Only to have Obama’s massive debt spending to take it away in future taxes.
Stupid is as stupid does.
the tort lawyers will do pretty good
I’ve told several med students it’s time to look at a different career path
Very good point. Sooooo true.
You might, but you would be wrong. The large majority of university "students" lack the judgment even to consider longterm consequences, much less take responsibility for them.
I’m really getting tired of this kind of crap!
As am I but we’re going to get over three more years of it, this turkey will be campaigning every day he’s in office.
University students: FreeLoaders who have never paid taxes, borrow their daddy’s car and see how much brewski they can consume in six minutes.
University employees are SEIU members. Enough said.
Governmental Religion’s credo... “We screw the other guy and pass the saving on to you.”
They’re being taken for the generational ride of their lives; oh what fun.
He needs to be protested everywhere he goes.
-8bamunist lemmings
I think this crop of college students (specifically there by merit) will probably lean to the right of students five years ago; they know there are few jobs out there, and taxing the lower wages they’re almost certain to earn (if they get a job) will further strain their ability to repay any loans, make any future plans, etc.
This summer was very sobering not just for the spring graduating class, who are seeing hope & change for the first time, but also for students looking for even just summer jobs. As someone who graduated during a slump, I assure you that this period will have a permanent effect on them, and I don’t see it as a good thing for the Socialists.
Universities equals indoctrination and brainwashing!
Are those the guys who throw bricks through people's windows?
Maryland "Freak State" PING!
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