Drawn by Obama's proximity, activists spar on health care, abortion & other issues

EACH CORNER of the intersection of 12th and Arch streets seemed to represent a different issue yesterday as President Obama arrived in Philadelphia for a closed-door fundraiser in the Pennsylvania Convention Center to benefit Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter.

There were the anti-abortion activists, those who were for or against a public-health-care option, those calling attention to increased rights for disabled persons, and those who just watched it all unfold.

Carrying signs bearing such messages as "Healthcare for All? Hell yes," "Dump Benedict Arlen" and "Stop the Spending," dozens of passionate citizens hit the streets of Philadelphia to voice their views on a wide spectrum of topics.

"There shouldn't be so much emphasis on materialism, when the basics aren't even being taken care of," said Shawn Reid, 36, of Chinatown, regarding health care, a major issue among those gathered for the president's arrival.

"Everybody should be able to go to the hospital and get taken care of, period," Reid said.

"I'm here to show support for the president and for what he's trying to do," added Wayne Waters, 58, of Mount Airy.

"We should have a public option for health insurance and we should have competition to bring the costs down, because anybody can lose their job and lose their health insurance," Waters said.

Betty Schieber, 71, of Bucks County, was there to protest Arlen Specter's recent switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.

Holding the "Dump Benedict Arlen" sign, Schieber said, "I think he's a traitor. A lot of people worked hard and spent a lot of money to get him elected to the Republican Party and when he couldn't win the primary, he thought the other party would be dumb enough to put up with him.

"But I think he's in a for a real surprise because the Democrats aren't that dumb."

Said Craig Cody, 48, of Exton, "I'm against this drastic shift towards socialism.

"Everything from the government controlling banks to health care, it's an unbelievable attempt to destroy the country," Cody said.

The group near Cody shouted at those across the street who were for a public-health-care option, "You lie!" and "Congressman Joe Wilson for president!"

Christine Major, 19, an anti-abortion activist, joined citizens outside the Convention Center to weigh in on Obama's pro-choice values.

"I pray he repents for allowing the murder of those who God loves the most," Major said.

The crowds dispersed shortly after Obama left, about 6:20 p.m., and police reported no incidents or arrests.