National Rally Fuels Oklahomans Against Health Care Reform

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Last weekend, tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Washington D.C. to demonstrate about health care reform. At least 200 Oklahomans participated in the march on the capitol.

The March was a grass roots effort that allowed concerned Oklahomans the chance to speak out against the government, and what they feel is out of control spending.

The Oklahomans who made the trip said it just energized them to do more, but they didn't expect the large crowds that converged last weekend on the nation's capitol.

"Every once in a while you'd stop and people would say ‘Where are you from?' You'd go ‘Oklahoma.' ‘We're from North Carolina. We had 64 buses come,'" said Al Gerhart.

Only 60,000 people were expected, but in the end its estimated 450,000 to 2 million people came to the rally.

Al Gerhart admits he was shocked by the turnout. He traveled to DC with the group The Sooner Tea Party. They took a bus full of Oklahomans.

"You kind of got the feeling you had to go. I don't really know how to explain it other than you just realized this country is getting in dangerous territory," Gerhart said.

While there, Oklahomans met with the state's congressional leaders hoping to convince them to change the direction of the country.

"I'm finally realizing I'm not alone. There are many of us that share common views, and beliefs and share the concerns," said Lyn Francik.

"I talked to I don't know how many people while I was there. They had never held up a sign in their lives before and marched and rallied, so it was all very new to a lot of people," said Jean Schroder.

For these Oklahomans, they say the rally gave them a voice and they don't plan to quiet any time soon.

"I think once we get out there and educate people, I think this movement will only grow," said Jenni White.

Those who traveled to Washington say they spent their own money, but felt it was worth every penny.

For those who couldn't travel to Washington, a Tea Party was held Sunday at the State Capitol. There was also a separate rally on Sunday for those who support health care reform.