Melissa Bean Protest

UPDATES:

1. The person confronting a protester was the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Dale Perrin and not it’s President as I was originally told. Corrected below as well.
2. Another report from attendee Rob Watson
   • Interview about the intimidation attempt from the LZ Chamber Executive Director
   • Interview with Obamacare supporter
3. Confirmed that forcing everyone to move their cars was a political move; it was during this time that the ABC 7 News crew came out to video the protest.
4. Daily Herald Story
5. Coverage from other blogs
   • Marathon Pundit
   • Healthcare Horse Race

I attended the Melissa Bean protest this morning outside the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce breakfast. For those of you who aren’t aware, this was the event sponsored by the Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce where only members could attend and only if they paid $25. We decided a protest was in order since Rep. Bean is avoiding her constituents. Even her tele-townhall excluded many constituents.

When I arrived, the police were arriving as well. They told us we could not park in the Banquet Hall parking lot, even though it was nearly empty. They sent us down to the Brunswick Zone parking lot to park. As I was moving my car, I noticed someone yelling at one of the other protesters. Unfortunately was unable to get video of the exchange. I later found out that it was the Chamber of Commerce President Executive Director Dale Perrin who was upset we were there.

There were about 25 people protesting the government takeover of our healthcare and just under 15 promoting big government healthcare. Pictures are below. Notice, the pre-made signs from the Union members and other big government supporters. They had only 1 homemade sign.

The police presence was overkill, there were 12 Kildeer police at the Banquet facilities including the Chief who provided this information. In addition, I asked him was their presence there because of the Banquet Hall paying for their services or were they there for security. His response was for security. I do have to say, all the Officers were very polite to us all. They were willing to tell us where we could park when asking us to leave the Hall parking lot. They also came out and informed both sides that the Brunswick Zone wanted all vehicles moved or they would start towing vehicles. They again told us a place to park.

I will be contacting the Brunswick Zone in Kildeer and their corporate headquarters about this. They did not open until 9 am. I passed by the Zone at 10 am, when leaving, and they appeared to have only about hall their parking lot filled. I believe telling us to move was politically motivated. It happened around 8:30 and about half the people on our side left at that point. The pro big government side continued to have about 10 people. Which at the end of the event we found out why.

Melissa Bean did not stop to speak with any of us protesting. She did wave at both sides as she left with someone driving here away. The big government protesters immediately packed up their signs at left at this point. Many protesters on our side stayed and continued to hold signs for the businessmen leaving the event.

Several of the big government had been allowed to park in the Hall’s parking lot. One car appeared to have a Chamber attendee present in the car, but one car with a couple protesters did not (Video below).

Both the Daily Herald and Pioneer Press interviewed both sides of the debate. ABC News 7 was there, but only attended the event inside. They did not speak to any protester.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Pro Big Gov’t Protesters allowed to park in banquet hall parking lot – Video 1

Pro Big Gov’t Protesters allowed to park in banquet hall parking lot – Video 1