43 arrested, most of them disabled, during GOP healthcare bill protest
A lot of the movement in politics is connected to public perception. With that being the case, the GOP is in a lot of trouble after photos were shared of protestors of their healthcare bill, many of whom were disabled, being arrested at the Capitol. 43 people were arrested in total, according to the Daily Beast.
When asked why the protestors were forcibly removed, a Capitol Police spokesperson said, “Many of the demonstrators, as part of their activities, removed themselves from their wheelchairs and lay themselves on the floor, obstructing passage through the hallway and into nearby offices.”
Tense situation outside McConnell's Russell office as protesters gather. Capitol Police blocking off hallway pic.twitter.com/48H3KUipfK
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) June 22, 2017
The protestors were reportedly members of ADAPT, a national grass-roots community of disability rights activists, and were protesting the highly controversial health care bill that would take away coverage for millions of people.
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“My child is going to die, my grandkids are going to die!” a protestor yelled. “My people are going to die because of these decisions.”
Those who could walk were handcuffed and escorted away from the scene while those in wheelchairs were pushed out against their will. Talk about a PR disaster.
Protesters chanting "no cuts to Medicaid" outside McConnell's office. Capitol Police blocked the hallway & protesters are being removed pic.twitter.com/RhVwJPwYtK
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) June 22, 2017
The GOP should look at these protestors as the people who their proposed bill would hurt. Ironically, it’s those who need coverage the most.