Per KMOV T.V. in St. Louis, Missouri over 800 people were left standing outside and couldn't get in due to capacity limit, too many people in the gymnasium. I however was one of the fortunate that did make it in to the gymnasium. The summit turned more into a shouting match over health care reform. Of course, Matt Ssczesny of KMOV reported that he thought there were more against health care reform. I thought it was more like 60 for reform 40 against. The only problem is the 40 against were very very very vocal, and disruptive as well.
Most of the Democrats or pro reform were a bit more reserved. It would have taken a herculean effort to out scream them anyway as most of them belonged in straight jackets or ejected from the meeting. The speakers on aging approximately five, as well as organizations supporting the aged were in attendance. Most speakers cut their presentation short as they couldn't talk over the straight jacket crowd. Many of our state representatives were in attendance as well as some candidates for office. The meeting turned more into a standoff of a pro health care reform, con health care reform, and unfortunately not much information on aging was distributed as should have been. I am absolutely positive though Congressman Carnahan's staff is well equipped to answer any seniors questions from meals on wheels, finding affordable legal services, and federal services as well. The first speaker of the evening did lay it on the line, and I quote loosely "If reform doesn't happen senior medical services could be in jeopardy.