Posted on 08/08/2009 2:19:59 AM PDT by Zakeet
The health-care debate was supposed to play out at rallies and inside gymnasiums when lawmakers headed home for the August recess.
But after a series of contentious town-hall meetings, some Democratic lawmakers are thinking twice about holding large public gatherings. Instead, they are opting for smaller sessions, holding meetings by phone or inviting constituents for one-on-one office hours.
Democrats have accused Republicans of manufacturing the opposition by organizing groups to attend the events and encouraging disruptive behavior. Republican organizers say the unrest reflects genuine anger about the proposed health-care changes.
[Snip]
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D., Ariz.) on Thursday canceled her public schedule for the day after a "Chat with Ann" session at a Safeway grocery store in Holbrook, Ariz., turned rowdy.
A video of the meeting showed a woman shouting, "You don't appreciate our frustration!" Ms. Kirkpatrick cut the session short after 15 minutes and headed to her car, trailed by a jeer of "What a nitwit!"
[Snip]
Rep. Brian Baird (D., Wash.) also said the raucous nature of recent meetings about health care caused him to steer away from the events, if only because they aren't productive when so many people are shouting.
"I'm not a coward, but neither am I a fool," said Mr. Baird. "There is a real concern right now about this nationwide campaign of intimidation and disruption that I think is troubling," he said. "It's getting dangerous."
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
A Congressperson like Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D., Ariz.) has to serve three terms before he or she will be entitled to that lucrative congressional pension plan. Ann Kirkpatrick won because of the taint of her opponent and she is in her first term. Count on it, Ann Kirkpatrick will fold on this one or she won’t get that pension. Its her choice: go with Obama or lose that pension.
The Democrats, whose fear of truth,
led them to choose an empty suit
to front the old Ci-cago mob,
then thought to ram down all our throats
a plan to ease out of life those of age
now find that maybe astroturf
is not as comfortable as Axelrod said.
All of a sudden the old turn out
and say they will not quietly go.
What to do but shut the door
when real grass starts to grow up through.
Project, project, and turn and turn.
Quick, shut the door, don’t let them in.
Send in the thugs from SEIU
let them know you’ll not have talk.
All these folks have camera phones.
Fascism as affirmative action
is not as easy as we thought,
we who know how to run Ci-cago.
fade out.
Jimmy Reed sings:
“Down in Virginia, down where the green grass grows.”
Not only is he is a coward and a fool, he'll also be looking for a new job come next year.
I wonder why democrats avoid explaining what they ARE doing. They just let constituents ask questions and then they give answers that seem designed to outrage the audience. Does anyone else see this?
You really think Obama, Acorn, and his hired thugs are going to allow a fair election?
The Dems are getting a taste of things to come.
Mr. Baird. “There is a real concern right now about this nationwide campaign of intimidation and disruption that I think is troubling,” he said. “It’s getting dangerous.”
Mr. Baird, it’s called “responsibility for your actions”.
All this time, there has been no personal consequence for
these robbers, now the table has turned.
Simple. Do you explain to your children what you are doing. You expect them to listen and obey.
How many times have you told your children when asked about something: "just do as you are told"
There's your answer. Our representatives think we are mostly proletariat and just need to be lead by the nose, they forgot they work for us.
The problem is our "representatives" live a bubble while in DC and forget there are actual adults in their districts that demand answers. Ask too many questions and the Union thugs put you in your place
They will sure try. As well as flipping independents, it also helps if we get to the don’t-give-a-damn segment of America (40% of Americans eligible to vote did not cast a ballot for any presidential candidate in 2008) with the firstest and the mostest.
The demoCrooks are running and hiding from the People.
They know what they are doing is wrong, is corrupt, is evil, and these “representaives” know the People know, that they are being lied to their faces.
Sure they want “call in “Town Hall Meetings”..Tjhat way they can have their Union Mobster Thug Technicians, screen not only who gets to ask any questions, but also what questions get “asked”.
They are traitors to their oaths, and are attempting to rule without representing of the Peoples will.
And now they are sending legions of Basiji like goons to attack the People.
By the Diirection of Mr Obama, violent criminal thugs have been paid and sent out to stomp protesters. He’s criminaly guiilty. The Unions and the others, are criminaly guilty, the violent Unionion goons are guily, they are all guilty of a criminal conspiracy to do bodily harm, and have dfone so basedf in part on race, which makes them all guilty of the Hate Crimes committed.
Barak Obama had/ordered a Black American man, STOMPED!
How many more will be stomped by his fascist goons?
We all need to read it now and then and then shout it to their faces.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Yes, how quaint. The Representatives are supposed to carry the people’s opinion as a whole (obviously not all will agree, but whatever the majority is) back to the Congress.
In the olden days this was then expected to percolate through an arm’s length Senate (chosen by local representatives of the people). Now the Senate is almost exactly a statewise arranged House. But given that, the Senate ought to also carry the sense of the state’s people back to the Congress. So only what wins in terms of population and also in terms of states should win in terms of law. Instead we have five hundred plus little Napoleons vying to rule us.
So they are confronted by constituents, and lets keep the very clear...these people are constituents too, who have in fact read the horrifying bill. They don't know what to do or say...all they have are Nancy Pelosi’s talking points.
A smart democrat would drop the talking points, read a few conservative blogs, read the bill, and hold informed town halls at the end of August.
Meanwhile, from the Let Them Eat Cake Crowd.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124967502810515267.html
Lawmakers’ Global-Warming Trip Hit Tourist Hot Spots
Penguins, a Rocket-Propelled Airplane (and Tax Dollars) Also Involved
Things are moving...even those that use to defend someone being a registered Democrat are drawing the line.
There are two important things about our Congress, and you have both mentioned them: (1) they live in the bubble of DC and Capitol Hill, and (2) they want their goodies and bennies.
The U.S. Congress does not really work for Americans.
They work for each other, to horsetrade bills that they haven’t read and don’t really care about, because on Capitol Hill you need to go along to get along. The goal is to pass laws, not to act as a steward of the American polity.
And I mean this about both Rats *and* Republicans.
They are all complicit in the ongoing destruction of America.
They don’t seem to care.
” And I mean this about both Rats *and* Republicans.
They are all complicit in the ongoing destruction of America. “
Exactly.
As far as I can tell, not one Republican politician has publicly voiced anything but the most tepid support for our ‘Townhall Movement’... (Somebody please correct me if I’ve missed something..)
These ‘Leaders’ don’t even make good followers....
he Democrats have already lost this battle and lost it decisively. The whole idea of a Townhall Meeting is to have ordinary citizens attend in order that that they can exchange their thoughts with elected officials. The elected official has the opportunity to win support for what he believes is best for his constituency.
By opting out of public meetings in favor of invitation only and telephone meetings he winds up preaching to the choir ans accomplishes nothing at all.
One thing the media is correct on, this is not a campaign rally per se. But town hall meetings of the Senator's constituents. Constituents meaning ALL the people in their district regardless of party affiliation or none are to have the ability to be heard.
They are breaking the final straw of a representative government by playing the “party” card. These critters either represent the people in their district or they represent their party. By the democrats playing the “party” card against the district they are sworn to represent, they have betrayed the people.
0bama has crossed the line. He has instigated violence against a people expressing their political anger. He called them out...he can't call them back, even if he tried.
I listened to Beck yesterday morning. He did what any good radio fool would do. Cry for Peace. I have half a mind to write or call him, but I never get through. I took his advice and read some Thomas Paine. There is a passage in the crisis where Thomas Paine is talking about an inn keeper's cry for peace in our day. Thomas Paine describes that kind of hope as a mortal sin. A righteous man would have declared, “If there is to be trouble, let it be in my day, so my children may have peace.” Beck is the inn keeper.
The trouble is upon us. 0bama has set it in motion and all the democrats that remain “party loyal,” instead of constituent loyal are guilty too. They have chosen to no longer represent the people. We the People know that and have every right to be angry with their betrayal.
Exactly. Go along to get along.
$175K salary, good bennies, special status in DC, lots of vacation, easy work, staffers to do the heavy lifting.
What’s not to like.
Whiney constituents?
Who cares.
>>>> As far as I can tell, not one Republican politician has publicly voiced anything but the most tepid support for our ‘Townhall Movement’ <<<<<
You’ve noticed that too.
Where are the Congressman criticizing the incitement to violence by Zer0 and his White House thugs?
Cornyn wrote a letter.
That’s it.
295 Republican Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill and the most they can muster is ONE letter.
Disgusting. Reprehensible.
John Titor’s timeline was about 4 years off.
It’s obvious now why they were in a hurry to rush the bill before they recessed.
I’m aghast if so (of course private correspondence might be going on, out of sight of the media).
How much nerve does it take to say something like “This kind of talk is reckless, disturbing, and alarming quite apart from any political differences”?
We don’t need to ask questions of these morons. We need to tell them what to do. And punish them if they disobey us.
ping to another good poster
Members of Congress can run from town hall meetings, but they can’t run from the ballot box.
While I hate that they’ve decided they’re too good to listen to their constituents, it also occurs to me that by “preaching to the choir,” they’re not going to be able to drum up any more support for their lousy bill, either. You can’t argue convincingly to the public if you don’t let the public in.
Under Obamacare, a Congresman's concern for sanitary sexual organs will climb to the top of the list....in order to save millions in STD medical costs.
HERE'S AN AD CONGRESSMEN CAN RUN IN THER DISTRICTS TO GET SUPPORT FOR OBAMACARE
"Hope and change is here. Under Obamacare's "Funds for F*****s"......we can all get high-tech penile implants.
"Ovamacare's Penis-a-Go-Go" has microscopic cameras and remote video relays to wide screens in Planned Parenthood offices....to make sure Americans are using sanitary sexual organs."
"This will save millions in STD medical costs."
"Plus I will never have to use a rolled-up sock again (sob)."
>>> (of course private correspondence might be going on, out of sight of the media). <<<<
Maybe. But I doubt it.
They are Republicans on Capitol Hill.
They are well paid, well cared-for, and happy.
They don’t want to leave.
They don’t want to rock the boat.
They don’t want to mess up a good gig.
But they *really* don’t want to engage with the citizens.
Ick.
You really think Obama, Acorn, and his hired thugs are going to allow a fair election?
Ok, let's not get out of hand here. If every last union member in the CIO tried to stop fair elections nationwide, the voters would roll over them like saplings in an avalanche. The most they could accomplish is interfere in some key precincts, and THIS time, I suspect there're a large number of people who would object, regardless of the Joker's Justice Dept.
Yeah, object.
Vehemently.
Maybe this is the time for the Republicans to pick up the ball and run with it. Start holding their own Town Hall meetings to talk to people about what really is in this bill.
Your pretty naive if you don't think Obama, Acorn, and dnc will use this tactic on every close race. Unions may server as limited role, but you can count of this happening. Remember the panthers using this tactic in '08?....Well that was a test run.
The Republicans no longer exist. They have the perfect position and opportunity right now to be the “loyal opposition” and instead they hide in the corner and whimper. Just imagine how fascinating this entire town hall movement could be with even a little top-down guidance!
Sarah Palin ... or some “man on horseback” ... can’t climb into the saddle soon enough, IMHO. All this grassroots energy and nobody is haying the field.
SEIU should be sued out of existence, outlawed and its leadership thrown in Gen Pop for life.
(Now there’s hope and change for you.)
Take the protest to the street outside of her local office. Invite the media at the last minute. Schedule for one hour only during the day when traffic rolls by. Make lots of noise. Bring video camera. Bring the children to the family friendly event. Bring Grandma too. Post on You Tube.
ping to #1
You forgot one. Add “His Botox/Plastic Surgery” ahead of “His Mistress”
Congressman Coward, I have news for you. You are both a coward and a fool.
Get some help for your denial. Preferably from the private mental health sector.
"It's OK Mr. Congresscritter, I enjoy being anally probed with a rusty metal pipe. You go back to Washington and keep fighting for me, you hear! Your re-election check is in the mail!"
You Democrats keep making this baseless accusation that these are "manufactured" protesters being paid for by the Insurance companies. Prove it. You have plenty of tame "Journalists" produce for us even 1 protester who is being paid to be there by "big insurance". Come on, the burden of proof lies on the accusers, not the accused, so put up or shut up Dims.
>>> I wonder why democrats avoid explaining what they ARE doing. They just let constituents ask questions and then they give answers that seem designed to outrage the audience. Does anyone else see this?
You have to understand the position of not all, but most democrat representatives.
You see, they (most) are in the awkward position of serving two masters.
On the one hand, they serve their constituents and thus feel compelled to at least appear to be listening to their needs and concerns... and if opposition is strong enough, to change their position to salvage their job.
On the other hand, they serve a legislative body and executive power which has long since discarded the concepts of the constitution, and are doing everything in their power to undermine it and replace it with a system which guarantees them power and position indefinitely.
I seriously believe that the best response to this blatant disregard for honest representation is a massive recall initiative. If they dont want to listen to us, and side with the president when he tells us to “get out of the way”, then it is quite simply time to recall our representatives... TO HELL WITH WAITING FOR 2010!
FIRE THEIR BUTTS NOW!
Then maybe we can avoid this catastrophy.
I don’t think it would take many firings to do the job.
But they better happen quick.
...”By opting out of public meetings in favor of invitation only and telephone meetings he winds up preaching to the choir ans accomplishes nothing at all.”...
That’s my view, too. I think the protestors would be more effective if they stood outside the townhall or congressctitter’s office with their signs and chants so the TV cameras would see them. Inside would only be the SEIU and ACORN thugs. It would be clear to the congresscritters what the truth is...
...”Yeah, object. Vehemently.”.. and with extreme prejudice...
We are your constituants you migth want to rethink the hiding from us! If you hide then vote for something we don’t want you will be fired the next election, count on it!
You’re exactly right. I too have been *not* holding my breath waiting for one Republican congressman to go on a TV talk show and rebut, with real indignation and scorn, the outrageous lies and calumnies being heaped upon regular citizens who are only asking for answers. The Rats can only offer lies and misinformation, if that much, because like their Republican colleagues, they once again aren’t interested in reading the bill, only in making a political score. DeathCare won’t affect them, why should they care?
Maybe we should all wear union shirts to these meetings.
They won’t know who to let in or who keep out.
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