Saturday, August 01, 2009

Group Hug???


August is always a good month here in DC. The president, Congress and the Supreme Court all abandon Washington for more comfortable climes. August is the hottest, muggiest month of the year and the tradition started before the invention of air conditioning. And once the government starts a tradition or program or policy, it almost never kills it, even when "global warming" gives us the coolest summer in memory. The country is safe for a month. This year, members of Congress might find their home districts hotter than DC. They are going to be held accountable for the astronomic spending that has been taking place since Obama took office, and for the bogus health care and cap and trade disasters that Obama wants. Some of them have already had that experience and it didn't turn out well.

Screaming constituents, protesters dragged out by the cops, congressmen fearful for their safety — welcome to the new town-hall-style meeting, the once-staid forum that is rapidly turning into a house of horrors for members of Congress.

On the eve of the August recess, members are reporting meetings that have gone terribly awry, marked by angry, sign-carrying mobs and disruptive behavior. In at least one case, a congressman has stopped holding town hall events because the situation has spiraled so far out of control.

“I had felt they would be pointless,” Rep. Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.) told POLITICO, referring to his recent decision to temporarily suspend the events in his Long Island district. “There is no point in meeting with my constituents and [to] listen to them and have them listen to you if what is basically an unruly mob prevents you from having an intelligent conversation.”

That's the ticket. If your constituents don't see things your way, just don't hold town hall meetings. Pesky constituents. Senator Dianne Feinstein handles things differently. When some elderly constituents showed up at her office, she had police "lure" them outside (with pieces of cheese, or something) and then locked the doors behind them. Pesky constituents. Don't expect much, if any, of this hilarity to be broadcast by the alphabet networks. I plan to watch a lot of Fox News this month.

5 comments:

Mark said...

Didn't the War for Independence start out with boisterous town Hall meetings?

The revolution has begun.

And just think. All the Reps have to do is listen to their constituency, and they would avoid all the fuss.

I've already written several E-mails to my Senators, Warner and Webb.

Warner replied with a somewhat enigmatic e-mail but he said he was not in favor of a single payer system which could mean he will vote against it, but one never knows, do one?

Webb replied with the old party line talking points, and then, after I pointed out to him that the 47 million figure was a lie, he replied with still more talking points.

Then, he suggested I keep giving him my input.

The last e-mail I sent him was much less respectful. I asked him what's the point? He doesn't listen anyway, and I will do what I can to see he is voted out next election.

Lone Ranger said...

It's no coincidence that these little protests are called tea parties.

Anonymous said...

Hey LR I hope you are doing well and your ankle isn't to sore. Well, James got a fishing pole for his B-day this year. He doesn't like it as well as his rattle paddle [witch he still carries around alot] but he likes to pertend he's fishing. I was sent a funny email a couple of days ago and thought you would like it. I was going to get your email address from Grandpa but never had time.
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AMERICAN JOBS
John Smith started the day early having set his "alarm clock [made in Japan]" for 6 am. While his "coffeepot [made in China]" was perking, he shaved with his "electric razor [made in Hong Kong]". He put on a "dess shirt [made in Sri Lanka]" "designer jeans [made in Singapore]" and "tennis shoes [made in Korea]". After cooking his breakfast in his new "electric skillet [made in India]" he sat down with his "calculator [made in Mexico]" to see how much he could spend today. After setting his "watch [made in Taiwan]" to the "radio [made in India]" he got in his "car [made in Germany]" filled it with "gas [from Saudi Arabia]" and continued his search for a good paying American Job. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his "computer [made in Malaysia]" John decided to relax for a while. He put on his "sandals [made in Brazil]", poured himself a glass of "wine [made in France]" and turned on his "TV [made in Indonesia]" and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job "in America and now he's hoping he can get help from a President MADE IN KENYA".
-----------------------------------
In the " " the words are supoes to be colored. I hope you liked it. Well, I hope we get to see you again sometime it was great having you in ND last year.
Jess

Joe said...

So what is it Ben Franklin said we have...a REPRESENTATIVE republic?

Who represents whom?

Lone Ranger said...

To get my email address, click on my name (Lone Ranger) to the left and then click on email. And, will I ever see those pictures taken at last year's party?