By Joe Frandino

More than 300 people crowded into the First Unitarian Church in downtown Denver last week to hear Gov. Howard Dean discuss the reform of the American healthcare system and the necessity of a public option.

Calling himself a “counterweight to the insurance industry,” Gov. Dean rallied the crowd to support a public option for everyone in America.

“All people get nervous about change,” he told the crowd. “If you like what you have, you can keep it.”

The public option gives Americans the choice between public or private insurance, depending on their certain needs, income levels, or other factors.

“We’re on the brink of having a healthcare program that every other industrialized nation has had for years,” said Dean in an interview with The Denver Post, explaining his commitment to travel across the country and hold town hall meetings to discuss healthcare reform in America.

“This needs to be an everybody program,” he ended. “Let’s have real choice.”

Dean’s tour continued with a stop into Des Moines, IA. An event in Portland will be held Friday, June 5. Admission is free, but be sure to RSVP at www.democracyforamerica.com/drdeanportland.