Emotions run high at Landrieu's town hall on health care

RESERVE, La. - The fierce health care debate continued in south Louisiana, as Sen. Mary Landrieu held a town hall meeting in Reserve.

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A major security presence was on hand, as another capacity crowd filled with raw emotion met Landrieu to speak out on both sides of the hot button issue.

With a clearly divided crowd of constituents on hand, Landrieu, a Democrat, encouraged tolerance and respect.

"You may be familiar with the [health insurance] you have, but you may not be familiar with what everybody else has," Landrieu said.

The ongoing healthcare debate has caused anxiety, frustration and confusion, leaving people determined to speak out.

Like this man, who is worried illegal immigrants would get coverage under one plan.

"They don't even belong here, and I'm paying for it," he said.

Landrieu responded by voicing his concern.

"That is a very good question. I don't believe - I do not believe that people that are not citizens should receive health benefits."

Landrieu said she's still undecided on the overall healthcare reform issue, and with the debate still boiling over, she said Thursday's town hall meeting was a chance to hear what the people of her state want.

Still, at times, Landrieu reminded folks of her beliefs - statements that were met with backlash.

"Would you make a commitment to us, and the taxpayers of America to oppose any bill, which does not specifically exclude taxpayer funded abortion?" one woman asked.

Landrieu responded: "I do not support taxpayer-funded abortions, but I do support people's choice, with insurance, I do support people's under the constitution to make a choice."

Those in the crowd say they're here to make a statement, as congress moves toward a critical decision.

"The constitution doesn't give the government the right to run businesses against the private sector. It just tramples all over the constitution, and I'm wondering where the oversight is," said Darren Gaubert, who attended the meeting. "I just want my country back. I just want them to follow the constitution, and they not doing it."

Steve Walker, who also attended the meeting, was concerned about what he feels are lies being perpetrated by critics of the bill.

"You've got a pretty well-funded campaign of fear and smear - people saying things that are absolutely not true, just trying to scare people away from health insurance reform."

People who did not get a chance to speak were given cards to fill out with their concerns. Landrieu said she'll answer each one.