Amador County - As the highly contentious debate over health care continues, passionate citizens from both parties are showing up in force at town halls across the country. Congressman Dan Lungren’s town hall meeting scheduled for this Saturday is expected to be no different. The Republican is vocal in his opposition to Democrat-proposed health care reform, which includes a public option. Speaking before the Plymouth Rotary earlier this month, Lungren said “we’re already $1 trillion in debt, and I don’t see how we can take on another trillion-dollar program.” He criticized President Barack Obama and Democrats for trying to push through a health package that will require more government oversight and spending. Like-minded conservatives nationwide have mobilized a vocal movement whose members' protests at rallies and town halls have successfully hijacked the health-care narrative. Much of the anger is voiced by senior citizens who are worried about how changes in health care will affect Medicare. During a raucous town hall in Massachusetts on Wednesday, Democratic Representative Barney Frank faced off with a protester who was holding a poster that depicted President Obama with a Hitler-style moustache. “On what planet do you spend most of your time?” said Frank. Randy Bayne, Chair of Amador County Democratic Central Committee, said over half of the people attending Lungren’s town hall in Citrus Heights on Tuesday could not get into the meeting room which held only 250. President Obama called his party’s health plan “a moral and ethical obligation” when speaking before a multidenominational group of religious leaders on Wednesday. “I know there’s been a lot of misinformation in this debate, and there are some folks out there who are frankly bearing false witness,” he said. On the flip side of the debate, Dr. Ami Bera, a teaching physician and Democratic candidate for Lungren’s seat in June, 2010, will be holding a “community chat” on health care Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The chat will take place at the Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Drive in Rancho Cordova. “Come share your views and ask questions of health care professionals, the people with an inside view on the topic,” said Bera. Lungren’s Town Hall is scheduled for 10:30 am this Saturday, August 22 at the Civic Center, 33 Broadway in Jackson. Those who wish to sit are recommended to show up early. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.