Yesterday outside AHIP's anti-reform conference at the Ritz-Carlton in DC, Anna Burger stood up for the reform she believes in--literally. Anna rallied thousands of activists enthusiastically, leading the crowd in a chant of "No More Greedy Profits."

A series of charges against insurers were read, including funneling money through the Chamber of Commerce to pay for ads attacking reform, and increasing premium rates twice as fast than the underlying cost of medical care. Ten or so progressive leaders, including Anna, were escorted away by the police after trying to enter the hotel to issue a citizens' arrest of the insurance company CEOs.

As law enforcement officials swarmed the Ritz to pull back those trying to enter the hotel, the policewoman who led Anna away was overheard remarking these words to her:

"Thank you so much for doing this -- we really need health care reform."

Every minute, 8 people are denied care, charged a higher rate, or otherwise discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition by the private insurance companies--all for profit. This has got to change--which is exactly what dozens of insurance industry survivors are asking Congress for today.

More on yesterday's DC rally and march against insurance company lobbyists here.