Posted on 08/04/2009 5:45:03 PM PDT by Indy Pendance
For the second day in a row, Congressman Steve Kagen asked Wisconsinites for their opinions about the health care reform bill.
Monday night the Congressman heard an earful from constituents attending his Green Bay listening session. Several hundred people packed the Brown County Central Library to speak out against the bill, and another hundred or so were kept out of the meeting because there simply wasn't enough room.
Tuesday the Congressman took the listening session south to Appleton to hear what people in the Fox Valley think about the bill.
"You said this is a listening session, now listen," one speaker said to cheers.
A mostly hostile crowd of 250 filled a room at the Thompson Community Center to express their displeasure with the health care reform bill, and another 50-plus who were locked out because of fire codes.
With several Appleton police officers present to help keep the peace after Monday's heated Green Bay meeting, constituents opened up about why they're against the present health care reform bill.
"I think you can extend existing programs without tampering with mine," one said. "I want the federal government to leave their hands off my health insurance and my body."
"We couldn't figure out the Cash for Clunkers program," another said. "The suggestion is being offered that in our infinite wisdom the United States Congress knows exactly what health care is going to cost in the next ten years? They're going to control it. Does anyone in this room really believe that? I don't."
But the talk wasn't all against the bill. One woman shared her story of the loss of her job and the loss of her health insurance. She believes Congress can't just sit still, and that action is needed to help people like her.
"It might not be a perfect bill, there might be things wrong with it, but it's some place to start," she said.
Congressman Kagen told the crowd he's on their side and understands their hesitation but says now is the time to act.
"There's a great deal of misinformation out there, and there just isn't enough time to focus on the misinformation so I'm focusing on the positive," he told them.
He also told the group their opinions weren't falling on deaf ears. He said he'll take their views to Washington, where he hopes to come up with a plan that makes everyone happy.
"I will vote for the best interests of my constituents. I'll do nothing that will harm our economy, not at this particular time. I think there's a better way of doing things, and I think by working together across party lines I'll find a way to do that," Kagen said.
It's a task those who came Tuesday hope the Congressman can accomplish with their best interests in mind.
"You just remember you're representing the people of the 8th District," one speaker told him. "You're not representing Mr. Obama, you're not representing Harry Reid, you're not representing Nancy Pelosi. You're representing these people here."
For the more than 50 people shut out of the meeting because the room couldn't accommodate everyone, many still have more questions than answers.
"I was hoping to hear what the Congressman had to say today and perhaps offer some suggestions as to what they might include" in the bill," Vern Romenesko from Grand Chute said.
Knowing there are many more opinions on the health care reform bill, Congressman Kagen hopes to hold additional listening sessions in larger venues so no one's opinion is left out.
Related FR post from yesterday, WI Rep, Steve Kagen-D, blasted at listening session in Green Bay
The key is, this is one of those ‘conservative democrats’ LOL. as if.
I suppose I would be accused of taking this out of context by the leftists, but isn't this the general mode of operation for Phlegmocrats?
So a flawed bill would be better then no bill at all according to the lady who lost her job ? Sorry toots while I feel compassion for your position its not enough to make me support a government take-over.
they handed pete visclosky a earful last night too
“Congressman Kagen told the crowd he’s on their side and understands their hesitation but says now is the time to act.”
What a piece of arrogant garbage.
Loved the last guy's comments: "You're representing the 5th district. You're not representing Obama, Pelosi or Reid. You're representing these people".
The libs are sick, plainly and simply, sick.
“they handed pete visclosky a earful last night too”
__________________________________________________________
In liberal NW Indiana? In the shadow of the Chicago machine? WOW!!
Appleton Wisc. is where the headquarters of The John Birch Society is.
Pelosi’s talking points are backfiring bigtime!
“I’ll do nothing that will harm our economy, not at this particular time.” Key words: “at this particular time.” So he’ll harm the economy at a later time.
Got vid? Love to see the post. We need to expose these roaches for what they are.
I give Kagen some kudos for holding back-to-back meetings, and for holding future meetings. He says he opposes it but believes there’s room from compromise (yeah right). That remains to be seen. But at least he acknowledges that people are pissed and doesn’t condescend to them.
I don’t think he was listening.
Everyone who has health insurance should be punished for those who do not have health insurance?
Part of saving for a rainy day is making sure that you have savings.
He’s having one tomorrow in Marinette, he’s a ‘conservative democrat’ and his seat is tenuous. He knows it, and the voters will not put up with it. He may vote against it, but the democrat label will be too hard to overcome. WI may be blue (purple, red in our hearts), but we’re not morons, the cities have taken over, like many states. Likewise with other states, the libs have overplayed their hand and will wish Obama was never elected.
Tax Increase. Cost Increase. Eliminate Competition. Mandate Coverage.
EVERYTHING IN THE OBAMBICARE BILL WILL HARM THE ECONOMY.
It's The Chicago Way.
” I’ll do nothing that will harm our economy, not at this particular time. “ Steve Kagen
IOW, he has no problem doing something to harm our economy at some other time....
Hmmmmm......
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