More than 1,000 nurses converge in Atherton to rally in front of Meg Whitman's house

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_15524514?source=most_viewed&nclick_check=1

By Shaun Bishop

Daily News Staff Writer

Posted: 07/15/2010 12:58:06 PM PDT
Updated: 07/15/2010 09:38:15 PM PDT

The tree-lined Atherton street where Meg Whitman lives was overrun Thursday afternoon by roughly 1,000 nurses clad in red scrubs, who staged a rally and political skit in front of the Republican gubernatorial candidate's home to demonstrate their opposition.

As curious neighbors watched, nurses from around the state arrived in dozens of buses and marched along Edge Road for a 1 p.m. demonstration organized by the California Nurses Association.

Whitman wasn't home — she was at a campaign event in Southern California — but the rally still attracted local print and TV media and three dozen police officers from around San Mateo County, who kept an eye on the peaceful protest.

"We gotta beat back the Whitman attack!" the nurses chanted as they walked down the street flanked by multimillion-dollar residences while a plane circled overhead with banner reading "Nurses say no to Whitman." The union supports Whitman's Democratic rival, state Attorney General Jerry Brown.

Speaking with reporters, union leaders criticized Whitman, a billionaire and former eBay CEO, who they said is trying to buy the governor's office by spending millions of dollars of her own money on the campaign.

[Booster]

1. I love me some California nurses. YOU GO, GIRLS & BOYS!!!!

:loveya:

[slackmaster]

2. Nurses can be pretty scary

I was stalked by one.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

3. Do we feel the same what when the anti abortion types invade a doctor's neighborhood?

If we think its a good tactic we loose our right to complain when the same one is used against causes we support.

[4lbs]

5. Uh, it's different. One group is protesting against a political candidate and her stated positions.

Another is using silly religion against a doctor performing one of his legal duties.

Now, if that doctor was running for office, then yes, they could protest him or her.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

7. Protest is protest, and you agree it OK to protest at a person's residence.

I bring that up since some to love a particular tactic when we use it but its unacceptable when our opponents use it.

[dana_b]

8. public v.s. private person

big difference. People were camped out in front of Pelosi's house for months and that was fine. However if they showed up on your doorstep (assuming you are not a public figure), that would be different. Sorry - you may disagree but Meg has put herself out there and as such she should expect to see this.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

12. So you would not have supported the SEUI protest at the home of a BofA executive in mid May?

Based on your public v private person position. I can see that, thought its not a legally supportable position, it does have some justification. My point is the hypocrisy of many who complain when the same tactic is used against those we support.

As for Whitman, she has it coming...

[dana_b]

13. yeah, I definitely understand what you are saying too

and no, it isn't a legal position at all.

The BofA guy? Hmmmm.... I had to think about that but no I don't. I really think it would have made more of an impact outside of the offices where he works anyway. He may be a complete ass but he isn't putting himself out there like Whitman is.

[totodeinhere]

9. Bingo. If they agree with the protesters that's one thing.

But I wonder what kind of coverage we would be getting if some Tea Party members demonstrated in front of Jerry Brown's house.

[piratefish08]

4. it won't get any coverage if there are even 10 teapartiers having a barbeque

ANYWHERE in the continental US.

[KamaAina]

6. Now THAT is an action!!

:yourock:

[dana_b]

10. Damn - wished i had seen it!

I was in CNA until I had to change jobs. Those folks bring the issues to the forefront in a creative way and it's about more than healthcare.

It sure is a telling sign about thee Republican nominees and governors. When Arnold came into office, the first folks he went after were the teachers and nurses. Now Meg is following his footsteps. Nothing like demonizing two of the most caring and generally well thought of professions (well at least they used to be) right from the start.

[area51]

11. Nurses rock

:yourock:

[lpbk2713]

14. It doesn't matter that Whitman was not there.

The press was.

WTG Nurses!!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: