Image courtesy of broadstreetministry.org

I would like to pause for a moment and share a small portion of the health-care “town hall” debate that took place yesterday at Broad Street Ministry. Reverend Bill Golderer hosted and moderated the debate, which filled the entire church and spilled over into the streets. The center of the debate was featured speaker Joe Sestak, a freshman Congressman representing Pennsylvania’s 7th district and retired United States Navy Rear Admiral. For more information on Rep. Sestak take a look at his biography on Wikipedia. The forum had an unusual feel not only for the church but the tone of the debate deviated from the vitriolic shouting matches seen on the news of late.

The sanctuary, at capacity.

Broad Street Ministry is no stranger to difficult social and political issues. The ministry has held a number of forums in the past few years on topics ranging from prison conditions to religion in politics. Even more important are the weekly programs of the church, which address the fundamental problems of society simply by bringing citizens together from all walks of life. At times it seems singular goal is to bring people together and for good reason all of their work is made easier with common understanding. It is no surprise then to see the health-care debate at church but to see the sanctuary filled with attentive listeners unfamiliar with the unique atmosphere of Broad Street was truly inspiring. It is an atmosphere I cannot do justice by explanation. To understand the church and Rev. Golderer I recommend attending a service whether you are religious or not.

There are few other topics that could bring together such diversity, and create such controversy. than that of health-care reform. Rep. Sestak took command of the debate noting that he is the vice-chairman of the “Subcommittee Regulations, Health-care and Trade” which crafted parts of the massive healthcare reform bill. Congressman Sestak began noting is strong support for the bill and his main reason why. Having health-care insurance through the military, Rep. Sestak was able to cover his daughters treatment for brain cancer. After his short introduction, Rep. Sestak began taking questions primarily from those he was previously acquainted with and who strongly opposed his views. At first the Congressman was typically vague and evasive but when it came down to more specific points he relented. When asked if he would chose the public option offered under the plan, he did respond “Absolutely” after a great deal of cajoling. When one former infantryman yelled out during one of Rep. Sestak’s responses, the Congressman calmly told him to wait while he finished and his question would be addressed. Rep. Sestak handled the incident extremely well, noting the veteran would not be forced into another health-care plan by his employer, and the two shook hands. All in all, the debate was focused and although a few walked out, most stayed and listened even if they disagreed. To his credit, Representative Sestak answered questions fairly, if somewhat vaguely at times, and made an effort to satisfy those who asked questions.

I left the debate with a better understanding of why reform is necessary but more convinced than ever that the message, and the supposed cure, are not being delivered well. This issue is too complex to go through line by line in town halls across America and so far that is the only way the message is being delivered. For the moment, we are left to hear one side extol the virtues of the plan while the other demonizes the flaws of the bill. At times it feels as though the debate has long past and the discussion is only trying to convince those who disagree.

The community at Broad Street has taught me that change comes only after debate, only after all viewpoints have been raised. The health-care town hall at Broad Street showed that by just listening even those who strongly disagree stayed and continued to participate. Congressman Sestak deserves credit for not only accepting Reverend Golderer’s invitation but also for following through with a real debate not a stump speech. Broad Street offered a perfect setting for the debate; a place used to tackling the most difficult of issues. Whether or not the debate has any effect is a question I leave to someone more politically minded, for now I encourage people to at least attend a town hall and listen.

Below is a video of Reverend Golderer’s introduction. I apologize for the quality, I didn’t have a real camera on me.

Edit: The whole meeting is available on YouTube.