PhilosopherKing
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:23 PM
Original message |
There is no point to having these town hall meetings for health care |
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because the MSM will report these astroturfers as genuine grass-rooters. It has started already.
Am I being too cynical?
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valerief
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:25 PM
Response to Original message |
1. No. But they need to start arresting them. nt |
Walk away
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:32 PM
Response to Reply #1 |
11. That should look real good on TV. NT |
valerief
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:48 PM
Response to Reply #11 |
17. Bush hauled off liberals with signs. They didn't even make any noise. nt |
Eric J in MN
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:26 PM
Response to Original message |
2. Given how much heckling is planned for this month... |
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...it would probably make more sense for Reps to see a small number of people at once who make appointments this month, instead of the townhall format.
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PhilosopherKing
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:28 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
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These astroturfers are posing for the cameras. If it were behind closed doors, they wouldn't be motivated.
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JimWis
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:52 PM
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19. I was thinking the same thing earlier today. That is one good idea |
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on how to deal with the problem.
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FrenchieCat
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:40 PM
Response to Reply #2 |
31. Perhaps the Left needs to organize, and get our asses out there too! |
rwheeler31
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:26 PM
Response to Original message |
3. Yes, We will get this done and it will be messy. |
ColbertWatcher
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:28 PM
Response to Original message |
4. "Am I being too cynical?" Yes and no. |
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No, you're not being cynical, and yes if your cynicism leads to inaction.
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donheld
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:53 PM
Response to Reply #4 |
35. No matter how cynical you get, it's hard to keep up. - Molly Ivins |
blondeatlast
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:28 PM
Response to Original message |
6. Yes. you are cynical and wrong. Proud to unrec this one. nt |
pinto
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:29 PM
Response to Original message |
7. No, I think the town hall meetings should continue, disruption or no. |
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Yeah, the media may well focus on the shouting, but apparently some real Q & A does get accomplished.
I think the legislators know what's up with the ploy.
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orleans
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Mon Aug-03-09 10:32 PM
Response to Reply #7 |
23. but the media needs to questioning what the hell is going on |
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there was a caller on ed schultz's radio show (i think it was his) who was saying he went to a town hall that keith ellison had and these assholes were passing out emailed question lists, instructing their "teams" on what to do--some go in early to get seats in the front so they will be called on, others stand outside with protest signs and then go in at the last minute--spread out around the back of room. this guy who was there said that they would get called on and ask a "question" and then leave before the congressman had the opportunity to answer their fucking questions. these people were bussed in -- who knows if they even live in that district.
i don't think canceling these are the answer; i don't know if arresting these freaks is the answer either--too bush like. maybe addressing the list of "questions" these right wingnuts are sending around before they get a chance to ask them and time gets wasted on them would be an idea.
maybe these congress people should open their remarks by addressing what the fuck is going on--that it's not a grassroots movement of protest, that many are planned simply to distract and are being bussed into these town hall meetings, etc. embarrass them and squash their bullshit before the meeting gets underway.
i don't think ignoring them is the right thing to do.
they are like those bullshit protesters that congressional aides & the like trying to stop the florida recount--remember that crap? ugh.
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pinto
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:38 PM
Response to Reply #23 |
29. It's disturbing, but I don't think it has legs, for some reason. They're obviously not intent on |
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any local Q & A. They're intent on disrupting. I suspect it'll backfire on them.
One thing, though - I'm encouraging DUers to meet and greet with their representatives while they are in state.
Make a phone call, find out when a staffer is available for some public input, when the legislator is available, etc, etc.
And mention the planned disruptions as a barrier to local input.
:thumbsup:
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orleans
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Tue Aug-04-09 12:45 AM
Response to Reply #29 |
40. get this: my R congresswoman, judy biggert, has a daughter |
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who is a LOBBYIST for the pharma insudstry!
somehow i think she's probably wetting herself over these desruptions at dem town halls by her crowd
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masuki bance
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:57 PM
Response to Reply #23 |
37. This clip is from the Ellison town hall |
MadMaddie
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:29 PM
Response to Original message |
8. Actually I have been thinking this could backfire in our favor |
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Think about it....other than a few dems that have been forceful - Pelosi is the big surprise as of yet. Most of the dems haven't been angry enough, I want them to go back to WA pissed and I want them to all finally say to themselves screw the Repugs and the lobbyist. I want them to all have the backbone and fortitude to get it done.
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frogcycle
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:32 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
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the reps are not all that accustomed to being treated like shit and they KNOW who is paying for these farces
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dflprincess
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:34 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
12. And if they aren't angry - |
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maybe we can scare them into doing what is right. If we keep hammering them about the money they get from the insurance companies they might get worried about their jobs. As much as they think they need the money from the industry in the end what they really need is our votes - we need to make them worry that we'll a) find acutal Democrats to challenge them in primaries or b) vote for progressives in other parties or c) stay home.
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MadMaddie
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:39 PM
Response to Reply #12 |
15. Absolutely, I won't do C because the less of us that show up |
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the more likely a Repug sneaks in.
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dflprincess
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Mon Aug-03-09 10:32 PM
Response to Reply #15 |
22. We just have to make them worry we won't show up |
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if they want to gamble that we will, that's up to them. But don't admit you'll be there - or admit you'll be there but tell 'em you're going third party (whether you will or not). For years they've taken our votes for granted because they think we haven't got anywhere else to go it's time to make 'em sweat.
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pinto
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:42 PM
Response to Reply #12 |
32. We need to stay in the game. |
dflprincess
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Tue Aug-04-09 01:14 PM
Response to Reply #32 |
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but we don't need to stay on the same team as those who vote against our interests.
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Salviati
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Mon Aug-03-09 10:45 PM
Response to Reply #8 |
26. Yeah, hopefully this will serve as a wake up call that the other side is not acting in good faith. |
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I mean it's obvious to all of us, but perhaps when you're so close to it, it requires a bit more volume...
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spanone
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:29 PM
Response to Original message |
9. i'm more cynical...that's the very reason they are holding these town halls |
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so the media can show that americans really hate healthcare
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frogcycle
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:37 PM
Response to Reply #9 |
14. Olberman showed the instruction manual tonight |
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The few actually progressive members of the media need to really howl about that.
This is a replay of busing protesters in to Florida to disrupt the recount. Look what rolling over for THAT got us!
It is such a cynical disruption of the supposed concept of representative democracy, one can hope that the media sheep will understand that the story (except for faux, of course) is the conspiracy, not the "protests." Once they get that through their heads, they may flock to be the first to trip up one of the jtp's by asking where they live, how they got there, etc.
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Critters2
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:36 PM
Response to Original message |
13. Those attending the town halls should be required to demonstrate |
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residence in the district, with a driver's license, a voter registration card, and/or a piece of mail with a canceled stamp. Some local crazies may still show up, but this would stop the practice of bussing them in from out of the district. Apparently, there's a lot of that going on.
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orleans
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Mon Aug-03-09 10:38 PM
Response to Reply #13 |
24. i mentioned the bussing crap in my post up thread (#23) |
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i like the idea of showing you're in the district--HOWEVER--districts run all over the place, parts of one town but not the other--there would have to be a more precise way than just a letter or id. but i don't know what.
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Critters2
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:03 PM
Response to Reply #24 |
27. It would have to be computerized, using the same programs they use |
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to filter the "out of district" e-mailers and the like, based on zip codes. A lot of trouble, I realize. But I think just the threat of doing this would keep the busses away.
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orleans
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:18 PM
Response to Reply #27 |
28. well, i certainly wish they would do something |
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because -- well, for obvious reasons.
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rucky
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:47 PM
Response to Original message |
16. We have to have them - and show up in droves. |
HughMoran
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:50 PM
Response to Original message |
18. I wonder if it would be OK to follow them after they leave |
havocmom
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Mon Aug-03-09 09:53 PM
Response to Reply #18 |
20. You are severly twisted |
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Edited on Mon Aug-03-09 09:55 PM by havocmom
I like that in a person!
Edited to add:
A photographer pal of mine used to pull out his camera with the big flash, when people were rude and/or disruptive at public gatherings. He would get in their faces, literally, and flash flash flash.
He's dead now, but what a ride!
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timeforpeace
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Mon Aug-03-09 10:13 PM
Response to Reply #20 |
21. But was it worth dying for? |
orleans
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Mon Aug-03-09 10:40 PM
Response to Reply #21 |
25. she didn't say that was why her friend died. n/t |
havocmom
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Tue Aug-04-09 09:33 AM
Response to Reply #25 |
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There is a shortage of critical thinking applied to what is read. Sorta explains a lot, doesn't it.
Yes, he did not die from taking pictures of imbeciles. But the faint joke went right over somebody's head while they may have been busy rushing to conclusions based on not enough facts. It's a lesson I try to teach, but some don't seem to learn.
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donheld
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:39 PM
Response to Original message |
30. People should not be allowed in unless they live in the district. |
pinto
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:48 PM
Response to Reply #30 |
33. Off the top of my head I'd support that for House members. Each one |
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is elected by residents of the district. A "home district" forum ought to be just that.
I'm sure there are other points of view, especially since they are part of a national body to fashion legislation. But my gut says, *talk to your district*. You can talk to broader coalitions when you get back to DC.
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donheld
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:51 PM
Response to Reply #33 |
34. Intruders take up seats that should go to residence. |
Iwillnevergiveup
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:56 PM
Response to Original message |
36. Xavier Becerra, CA Dist 31 |
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isn't having it. I posted this a.m. that he would go for a telephone/conference deal, but no town halls or public appearances are scheduled.
There HAS to be some screening. Which of the disrupters are travelling around? Get their I.D.'s and weed those suckers out right away. Also eliminate any from out of state - they're the "pro's." My fear is that people planning on attending their reps' meetings might see all this crap on T.V. and decide it's not worth it and stay home.
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SleeplessInAlabama
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:58 PM
Response to Original message |
38. There is no point to having these town hall meetings IF |
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We can't get some fucking Dems together to combat the Rethuglife tactics.
I *REALLY, REALLY* don't want a whole month of disastrous, shouted-down town halls all over the TV.
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dugaresa
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Mon Aug-03-09 11:59 PM
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39. the one I went to tonight was ludicrous |
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