Posted on 11/05/2009 11:29:25 AM PST by TheArizona
I watched the rally and it seemed like a bunch of Republicans hijacked a conservative movement. The endless stream of Republican politician speakers became boring and sounded disingenuous. I couldn't help but wonder how many of these people have funneled pork back to their districts, were bought off to cast a vote, or slipped something in a bill at the last minute.
They sounded like a bunch of self indulgent windbags. I think it was a mistake to let the politicians speak with the exception of Bachmann. They offered nothing of substance. I would have preferred to see the people speak out. This event sounded more like a GOP party rally rather than a conservative grassroots revolt by people who are fed up with the government establishment of both parties. Where were these politicians last 2 years, 4 years, 6 years? The democRats do not have a monopoly on corruption and reckless spending. I find it hard to believe that every politician that spoke has clean sheets and a clear conscience.
Note for future, do not allow the politicians to hijack OUR movement. The only people that should be speaking at these events are the people who challenge the RINOs and the Marxists in the primaries.
My 2 cents worth.
TheArizona
I had the same impression. Even Fox was calling it a “Republican press conference”
Blech.
I had the same impression;it got tedious.Looks like a lot of bandwagon jumpers when it was Bachmann who did the heavy lifting.
Your thoughts?
Steve King ok, John Boner NOT ok.
Although the two events are closely united in their end goals, they are very different from each other in their approaches.
It was organized by a republican (who is also a conservative).
I have no problem with republicans getting on the conservative bandwagon.
(btw - I’m not a republican)
All things come down to this ... We can’t just do something, we have to do it through our representatives. I was somewhat encouraged by the short talks, windbag and all.
They actually said, well a few did, the words individual freedom and liberty. It wasn’t enough, but it was a start.
We could look at it that way I guess, but it was good to see the support from the Senate. Now the people can hold their feet to the fire. I can’t lump all of them into the same pot. I do have to believe that there are many that do the right thing. If we can’t believe that, then abolish the whole thing and accept what we get.
As someone watching it on C-Span, I will concur that after the first 30-40 min. it did appear that all those reps were there just to make spots for their reelection campaigns. A much stronger show of conviction could have been had by having a roll call “Vote” held, each rep introduced, and then him or her simply shouting “No”. All those quick speeches ends up diluting the message, which should be, they need to listen, not talk. JMHO.
HOWEVER, I give all due credit to Michele Bachmann, Tom Akin, etc. for pulling this off. Such short notice, so many wonderful American patriots who were able to be there and make their dissent to this takeover known — my hat is off to all of them.
I don’t know that I agree with you. They are the ones who have to go to the floor and vote. They were the ones that realized that we were being ignored and called for “reinforcements”. Shame on those who are ignoring the calls, letters, emails, and the Constitution. I saw it as a rallying of the troops.
Voight, Levin, King and Wilson were great! A few others had some good sound bites. The rest? Eh. Especially you guys pimping your future political plans...
I agree.
Bachman said that the people would be able to go inside and talk to their reps, did that happen? Remember she said to bring video cameras and not pitchforks!
The Republican party needs to be taken back by the conservative movement. I don’t have a problem with them speaking there - they are doing a lot of work opposing this bill in congress. Who do you want to win in next year’s elections? Conservative Republicans or Democrats? The fact of the matter is that the Republican party is the vehicle for the conservative movement. What we need to do going forward is to seize the reins of the party.
There were some good speeches, particularly
Bachmann
Voight
Levin
King
Foxx
but it felt like Bonner and the gang, bigfooted the thing and told Bachmann that under no circumstances will you lead a charge into the Capital offices.
Next time, the rally needs to be organized by us and we invite the politicians, not the other way around.
I am a bit disappointed that the actual “confrontation” of members did not take place — yet as far as I know
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Everyone who spoke wanted to be very publicly on the record about their agreement with the new energy in the Conservative base.
It makes sense, they know the train is ready to leave the station and they want to be sure of their berth.
Everybody wins. What’s wrong with that? Liberals do this kind of thing ALL the time!
Watching from here behind my computer screen...
Yes, it got tedious
I was surprised though, how many came out to speak at the event. I had wondered if any, if any, would join Bachmann and meet the people today on those steps? I am glad they did.
It was a bit much on the party war cry side, but it was a House event scheduled by Rep. Bachmann, who did a GREAT job.
AND the republican House alternate bill has gotten a fair scoring by the CBO, so I give them credit.
I’m waiting to hear more on the people who were arrested at the (D) Colorado guy’s office!!!! Any word on those folks?
Absolutely, Rep. Bachmann deserves big-time kudos for this. Part of what makes me scrunch up my nose at the Republicans on this is that she went to the leadership with this idea and they nixed it. She had the guts to go out on a limb with it anyway, and then they jumped on board.
I didn’t like what they did, but I’m not hugely broken up about it either. If they’re doing it to save their hides so be it, as long as they do the right thing.
I was not able to watch, but at least they got practice saying the right things and maybe will be emboldened?
Well, we were petitioning the Republicans and any democrats willing to stop the Obamacare bill. So, besides a few conservative speakers I would expect it to be proper to hear from those Republican congressional folks acknowledging our protest and speaking out in support of what we desire...the cup is half full here folks not half empty. Would you prefer Republican politicians ignore the movement?
Maybe I am too desperate for this kind of patriotic experience in these dark days, but I felt very cheered up by every word from every speaker and proud to witness this rally!! Hope their message is just beginning to reach every corner of this still sleeping giant of a country! I cant be cynical about today as the energy should be applied in a positive direction to encourage good behavior even in “our” politicians....if at all possible!
Years ago I would post here that we needed to have rally’s and every one said we don’t do that sort of thing, we are republicans.
Thanks God they have changed their minds.
I’m glad they are there on both sides of the mike.
They could have helped end the culture of corruption by not participating in it. They need to know that we will remember when they make the wrong choice. Earmarks, buying votes, backroom deals will not be tolerated. Just because they can spew the conservative speak does not mean their seat is safe. Their actions are what is important and their actions will be scrutinized.
Just because they have an R by their name does not mean their job is safe. Its time to clean house and they should be on notice, they should all know it, and they should fear for their jobs the same as any democRat.
That is my only point.
TheArizona
I think it was a great thing, regardless of how people want to spin it. Remember, this was organized in 3 days. I’m tired of the criticisms of those who are trying to take our country back. So what if the politicians were making election pitches? If they were there, then they agree with those who were speaking. IMO. We need the distinctions of those who are with us, and those who are against us. And, God bless those who showed up - even the politicians. They will get skewered by the left as well. Let’s stop being so critical, and work toward the common goal of getting these Marxists out of office, and taking our country back.
I was cheered also.
That’s what I was thinking.
That’s what I thought, too. Should have left it at Bachman, Levin, Voight and Cliff. We have plenty of opportunities to listen to Republicans drone.
They should have said, "Right John", as they marched orderly up the stairs past him and into the Capitol to seek out their reps and sens.
“Years ago I would post here that we needed to have rally’s and every one said we don’t do that sort of thing, we are republicans.”
How well I remember. In 1998 and 2000 when some of us held rallies for property rights in Jarbidge and Klamath Falls, we caught plenty of grief from the ‘gop faithful’ and were called names I wouldn’t repeat. Luckily, they were outnumbered by conservatives, just as they are today.
It was an event orginized by Michelle Bachmann (R). She asked people to come to D.C. and meet her on the steps of the Congress for what she called an Emergency House Call. All those who spoke were supporting Bachmann and the rest of the Nation and the thousands who showed up on short notice to oppose this bill.
It was a political event of Republican House members opposing Pelosi forcing a vote on this health care bill!
The Republican politico types who spoke were there as passengers and converts of a sort, not as leaders. The Republican party is in the process of becoming a more coherent, conservative, and consistent party. Today’s Capitol rally is part of it.
Amen to your good post. This event was CALLED FOR BY REP BACHMANN. It was great that so many did come, and it was important to all.
TheArizona,
I don’t agree with your approach. In our representative government, it is our representatives who vote on the law. Early this year, the Republicans were as dismissive of the Tea Party movement as the Democrats were, and when they tried to speak they didn’t say what the public wanted to hear.
Today’s rally was only a small fraction of the number of people who came to the earlier Washington, D.C. rally, but there were at least 20 representatives there, each willing to speak and go on record as stating their opposition to Obamacare. We should praise them, and call their offices to thank them for having the political courage to go on record with their opposition. This can only help us keep them on our side as they come under pressure to sign some sort of “compromise” bill that will keep them in lobbying money for the rest of their political careers.
In fact, I wonder if anyone has a list of speakers from the rally. I would like to call them all myself.
Yeah they were a bunch of leftists - including a fag in drag - protesting in Joe Liberman’s office - because he was not supporting the bill! <P.
Some of the reporting on this left out the key info - they were not part of the event Michelle Bachmann orginized!
You have to wonder if they would have jumped on board if the turnout had been low. In any case, they are the ones who ultimately cast the vote and I'd rather have them on board than not.
TheArizona
Since Jul 8, 2009
Welcome newbie. The rally is great, and it was called by Bachman, and the Tea Party joined in of their own accord.
So, no one hijacked any thing.
I’m hoping it is a Republican revival for Conservatism.
Welcome to Free Republic.
There are many conservative Republicans, you paint with too broad a brush.
I am having thoughts of nice Reuben sandwich for lunch tomorrow.
From your keyboard to God's ear.
I agree with you. I posted on another thread that we should take note of those that didn’t speak up.
The original plan was to have just a few speakers. No one anticipated the size of the turnout including the GOP establishment, which had not given any verbal support for the "House Call." Once the politicians realized the size and passion of the crowd, it became irresistible to them to appear.
The GOP is making a mistake if it believes it can hijack the Tea Party Movement. However, it is a mistake for the Tea Party movement to distance themselves from the GOP. Cantor said that not one Rep will vote for ObamaCare. That is a good thing. We should be moving the GOP more to right. The rally today put the fear of God in both parties. We have a huge motivated, angry group of voters who are engaged and ready to roll.
This was a very impressive effort given the short timeframe involved. Given the results in NJ and VA, the question is how many Dems want to go off the cliff with Obama. The second Revolution is underway. Bachman deserves full credit for her efforts and so does Mark Levin.
This rally was political whether we like it or not. So what if a lot of GOP representatives spoke for a few moments. Every single rally for our cause CANNOT be just what we want or run just by conservative lay people.
This was an event organized by politician Cong. Bachman. She was assisted in this massive undertaking with fast and hard work by others of her politician peers and their political staffs.
They had to do it IN A FEW DAYS and it had to SUCCEED. And it did!
So if a number of our own pols took the podium for a quick speech to the crowd and a mention to their own constituents, they deserve it. They walked the walk on this rally. They MUST be recognized and applauded in some way.
Let them have their few minutes in the sun. If you think that even our conservatives representatives don't need some attention, kudos and public recognition once in a while.....then you don't understand politics or human nature at all. They are like any of us who need a little cheering from our own crowd here and there when we do good.
So, curb your impatience if these rallies annoy your persnickety standards in some way......and thank God for the thin red, white and blue conservative line in Congress that's storming the Hill every day now in the face of vicious attacks and threats.
I watched every minute of the rally....and I was thrilled to death with the attitude and courage of every sngle speaker.
I'm sure they were fortified by the crowd, the cheers, the chants.....and will take the offensive now more than ever.
They are our comrades-in-arms!
TO THE BARRICADES !. STORM THE BASTARDS......er, the BASTILLE!
Leni
LOL.
Agree with you, Posts 10,12,16.
Unless we decide to throw out the Constitution we are bound to work through Congress. It looked good to have those Congresscriters jumping onboard even if only after a good boot in the pants.
Thank you so much for being there!
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