The action involved a visual act of theater where someone playing Sen. Lieberman appeared enlightened as music was playing and agreed to give the money he had accepted from insurance companies like Aetna back to the companies so they could use it to cover consumers.
Pullen explained this was designed to "provide an image of what it would look like for a senator to give back the money that they've received from insurance companies and agree that they're going to fight for healthcare to be a basic right for all.
Those who entered Lieberman's office hoped to catch Lieberman before he was able to sneak out the back exit like he did last time they came to confront him. And, they were prepared to risk arrest and go to jail.
Pullen was prepared to be arrested and stay in jail so he could continue to bring attention to the need for real healthcare reform.
"This really is a critical time, things are moving forward, and there's probably a little bit over a month to influence the political process with our grassroots, said Pullen. He added, "There's a long tradition---which I'm proud to be part of---of citizens who speak their conscience even if that means landing themselves in jail.
To those skeptical and cynical toward Pullen's pledge to remain in jail, he said what he is doing is part of "inspiring the American people to speak out and demand that healthcare be a right for all Americans.
This action from the Mobilization for Healthcare for All came less than a week after a similar act of civil disobedience occurred in Lieberman's D.C. Office on Thursday, November 5th. It occurred simultaneously with an action at Lieberman's office in Connecticut.
And, it took place as the national coordinator of Mobilization for Healthcare for All, Kai Newkirk, and one other single-payer advocate from Connecticut, who were both arrested last week for taking direct action against Lieberman, remain in jail in D.C.
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