Had coffee with Congressman Cleaver (MO 5th) this morning

[proud2BlibKansan]

Took some rough notes and don't have time to write a full report but wanted to share. He said some very interesting things. Mainly about the GOP Congress reps.

"This is an assault on working people. We've come to the conclusion that govt workers are the enemy. Why?"

Congress now wants to force the unemployed to get a GED. Plus a drug test.

Cleaver has 20,000 government workers in his district. He is appalled by the attacks on them by the GOP in DC.

A GOP congressman from Lubbock, TX wanted an amendment to a bill that wouldn't allow federal $$ to be used to repair the plumbing in the White House.

Some GOPers vicariously identify with millionaires.

The only attention getters in DC are the wealthy people.

GOP wants the people to hate the government because they believe that wins them elections.

Gingrich is promoting hatred for government yet he's trying to join the system.

For the first time in history, the GOP is opposing a mass transit bill. This is because it benefits urban areas and the GOP doesn't want to spend $$$ in urban areas because the urban vote is traditionally Democratic.

They don't want Pres. Obama seen on evening news signing ANY bill. That would create the image of a successful presidency.

Henry Bloch called Cleaver to complain GOP is trying to keep him from paying more taxes. "Henry Bloch knows a little bit about taxes."

"We need GOP prez candidates to stay on TV."

"Some of the GOP in DC couldn't have gotten elected just a few years ago because the GOP wouldn't have allowed it."

"I'm glad I'm a Democrat because I don't think like THEM."

[Logical]

1. Thanks for the update!!!

[handmade34]

2. good coffee!!

thanks for reporting...

[hfojvt]

3. I have you beat

My breakfast was with two Senators, on this side of the Missouri. Senator Kultala at Wyandotte and Haley was there too.

I appreciate Cleaver, he was one of only a few Democrats to vote against the payroll tax cut extension. Nobody asked him about that?

Wyandotte is fired up about the Eisenhower map.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. As soon as either of those senators are regulars on Sunday morning talk shows . . .

Until then, no way

He didn't bring up the payroll tax cut. Talked about the Bush tax cuts, though.

[livetohike]

5. Thanks for the summary

[KansDem]

6. Thanks for this report!

I particularly liked the comment about Henry Bloch!

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. That was hilarious.

He also talked about area Republicans who support him. He didn't mention any names but he said several have contacted him recently to say the GOP is out of its mind insane and they're embarrassed.