Crowd protests health plan

Waving American flags and cheering as passing drivers honked their horns, roughly a dozen protesters gathered on the sidewalk outside U.S. Rep. John Campbell’s district office in Newport Beach on Friday to protest the Obama administration’s ideas on health-care reform.

Corona del Mar resident Lydia Sharp held up a sign that said “Thank you John Campbell.”

The congressman has voiced opposition to a $1.5-trillion plan backed by House Democrats to create a national health-care system, supported in part by tax increases to employers and the wealthiest 1.2% of American homes.

“I’m here because I don’t want to be part of the silent majority anymore,” Sharp said.

Gathered on Newport Center Drive Friday morning, the group attracted honks and waves of support from some passing motorists. One man pulled over and tried to give the protesters money, while a man in another car leaned out the window and shouted obscenities.

Sponsored by the conservative grass-roots organization the Tea Party Patriots, the Newport Beach demonstration was part of a nationwide day of protest at congressional offices.

Newport Coast resident Richard Huberman, who attended the protest, said he was for health-care reform, just not the Democratic vision, which would require billions in federal subsidies to help lower-income households.

A retired orthopedic surgeon, Huberman said he’s still too young for Medicare benefits, so ends up paying $1,600 a month for private health insurance coverage for him and his wife.

“It’s the only time I’ve ever wished I was older,” he said.

The protesters were greeted at Campbell’s office by the congressman’s district director, Lou Penrose, who brought them a plate of doughnuts.

“I think it’s great they’re out here — engaged people are the best thing for any discussion,” Penrose said. “It’s wonderful for both sides and Democrats can see this issue isn’t a slam-dunk for them.”