Thread: Not the sort of townhalls they're used to

Friday, July 31, 2009
Not the sort of townhalls they're used to


Politico covers the new environment at some townhall meetings that Democratic congressmen are enduring as they try to sell their votes for the stimulus, cap and trade, and health care reform to their constituents.

Some of their constituents aren't happy and they're letting the congressmen know.

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,â€

People are angry and they're taking advantage of their access to their representatives to make that emotion felt. They would do better meet with members of the protesters and answer their questions than to simply decide to shut down their meetings. That would be treating the symptom rather than the cause.

Damn straight we're angry! If they won't listen to reason, what else are we to do? We are sick and tired of their "explanations", we want to be HEARD and LISTENED to.

Town halls gone wild

News – Rep. Tim Bishop, D-NY.
Alex Isenstadt Alex Isenstadt – Fri Jul 31, 5:30 am ET

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,â€

[b]Democrats, acknowledging the increasing unruliness of the town-hall-style events, say the hot-button issues they are taking on have a lot to do with it.

“I think it’s just the fact that we are dealing with some of the most important public policy issues in a generation,â€

People are angry and they're taking advantage of their access to their representatives to make that emotion felt. They would do better meet with members of the protesters and answer their questions than to simply decide to shut down their meetings. That would be treating the symptom rather than the cause.

Congressman, if you cant stand the heat (the american people who represent) then you need go get out of the kitchen (your elected position)

I am hoping on hope that we can get rid of Pelosi, Boxer, Fienstein, Shumer, Franks, Dodd etc. That would be the hightlight of my life.

Originally Posted by agrneydgrl

I am hoping on hope that we can get rid of Pelosi, Boxer, Fienstein, Shumer, Franks, Dodd etc. That would be the hightlight of my life.

There's a whole long list of those who need to go on the unemployment scrap heap.

And, once they're out we need to make sure there are those in their place who will make sure that they stay out.....no recycling as appointees, staff, lobbyists.....nothing.

They've done their damage......no more