What starts as a candlelight vigil might become a public debate about health care.
On Thursday, Democrats from the Albuquerque area are gathering at Nob Hill to honor Americans who have passed away because they didn’t have health care. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on the corner of Carlisle and Central Avenues.
The event, hosted by Democrats for Change, will bring light to the issue of health care reform, said Arman Salehian, president of UNM College Democrats.
“The goal of this event is to raise awareness for health care reform … but we are not taking sides on the debate,” he said.
Salehian said the vigil will encourage thought about the health care issue instead of anger.
However, Eric McInteer, College Republicans spokesman, said the vigil will likely spark an argument despite its amicable intentions.
“Health care has become a political lightning rod in this country,” McInteer said. “I have been at different rallies for various issues and they always get nasty, unfortunately.”
McInteer said he acknowledged that Democrats for Change are hosting the vigil with noble purposes, but they are failing to address other issues at hand.
“They should also give thought to the fact that what they are pushing could bankrupt this country,” he said. “It could also cause more harm than good.”
Salehian said the event should remain peaceful, though it will draw scrutiny from the media and public.
“With health care there are such strong opinions on both sides of the aisle,” he said. “If there are arguments we will try to make sure it doesn’t misconstrue the meaning of the event.”
Salehian said the event provides room for civil debate and that everyone’s voice will be heard if they choose to discuss the issue. He said that attendees will be able to honor the dead in the vigil, and he is working with College Democrats to host similar events concerning the issue.
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“We will be sending members (to the event) to show them we believe in the cause and show our support,” Salehian said. “But one of the things we do want to do at UNM campus is a health care forum. We would like to hold this media event next semester.”
Salehian said that plans are being made with College Republicans concerning these forums and that political candidates will be invited.
*Health Care Candlelight Vigil
Hosted by Democrats for Change
5:30 p.m.
Carlisle and Central Avenues*
