The news reached El Barrio at lightning speed: we were facing a tuberculosis outbreak…Hundreds of people were being treated for the deadly disease…In order to curb the outbreak we had to test everyone at risk. When NYC health officials dismissed our request to give advance notice of the mobile x-ray truck location…we were in shock!...[we] decided it was time to take things into our own hands. This time, Juan Gonzalez would take the lead: “Appropriate the truck,” he said. The plan was to conduct a swift but smooth takeover of the mobile facility in broad daylight on a busy street, and bring it to a preselected location. It was a daring plan and, because it was so bold and audacious, would serve as another media event and urban legend that would eventually paint el Barrio as the Sherwood Forest for oppressed Puerto Ricans in the United States. Clad in lab coats and looking like medical professionals, we walked toward the truck. Pi and Huey rushed inside, while I waited outside trying to look nonchalant…A few minutes later Pi opened the side door enough to throw the keys to me…I was supposed to drive. There was no time for private fears…under my unskilled command, the machine moved onto Lexington…Looking into the side mirrors as much as possible to make sure the police were not chasing us, I drove very slowly…As I set the brake and jumped out, Pi and Huey opened theside door and unfolded the stairway. Immediately the people lined up for the tests, and many Young Lords in berets surrounded the truck and proceeded to tape placards up all over it, proclaiming “HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE.” Puerto Rican flags were the final touch. (All excerpt from Miguel Melendez, We Took the Streets; New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, p.152-158) “TB Truck Liberated” In the three days that we have had the truck, we have already tested 770 people. According to the technicians, the usual amount of people taken care of in the same amount of time is about 300. So, as far as the YOUNG LORDS PARTY is concerned, this truck rightfully belongs to the people!...The Ramon Emeterio Betances Free X-Ray Truck now belongs to the people. It will be on the streets 7 days a week 10 hours a day. This truck is here to service the needs of our people. ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ALL! LIBERATE PUERTO RICO NOW! Carl Pastor