Democrats getting an earful on health care during recess (A Minnesota Angle on Things)

Minneapolis StarTribune (aka The Red Star) ^ | 8/06/09 | Mark Brunswick/Eric Roper - Staff Reporters

[MplsSteve]

Farmfest is typically a genial event -- a stop elected and aspiring officials consider an easy political must-do.

But at this year's gathering in rural Redwood Falls, as First District U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., put in an appearance, an audience member declared loudly that plans for national health reform were a "step toward communism."

Walz, a veteran, shot back: "I didn't spend 24 years in the military to be called a Communist, I can tell you that."

A similarly harsh reception confronted Fifth District Rep. Keith Ellison, when he struggled for control of the microphone at what should have been a friendly meeting on health care reform at a north Minneapolis clinic.

Fourth District Rep. Betty McCollum felt the wrath from both ends of the spectrum at a Highland Park get-together, when one participant questioned why they couldn't get single-payer health care while another bluntly told McCollum: "I don't trust you, I don't trust the Republicans, I don't trust Democrats, I don't trust conservatives, liberals, or politicians with my health care. I trust two people, that's me and my doctor."

Concerns over the pace and breadth of health care reform have birthed a fiery wave of activism during the congressional recess as fearful citizens make their voices heard with resounding vigor.

Across the country, congressional Democrats are being hammered by angry groups of protesters showing up at normally low-energy forums. Democrats suspect a well-organized effort, not a grass-roots uprising. Republicans say the concerns are genuine and the anger is real.

[Tublecane]

“I didn’t spend 24 years in the military to be called a Communist, I can tell you that.”

How long did Lee Harvey Oswald spend in the military? What’s the connection, there? All communists want is for all of us to live in barracks, on the dole, and work for below-market rates, right?

[astyanax]

Walz, a veteran, shot back: "I didn't spend 24 years in the military to be called a Communist, I can tell you that."
To which I reply: "Then you'll be voting against it?"

[Tublecane]

“What, exactly IS the Obama Health Care Plan?”

Among other things, a “public option” to compete with prtivate insurance companies. Ultimately, however, it means Canadian/British style single-payer univsersal healthcare. That is all ye need know.

[KansasGirl]

Yes, there is something seriously wrong when elected representatives are acting as if they are agents of the D.C., as if, it is their job to convince constituents that the Pelosi/Obama agenda is good for them. Let’s get something straight. It is their job to represent US not PELOSI! That is why people are so mad. They feel betrayed.

[Global2010]

Oregon Right to Life emailed me (I am a member of that mob) to of the issues on the bill with great links to the actual bill so I could read for myself.

Well guess what links to gov. pages not found.

Coincidence? Perhaps.

[markman46]

wonder what reception Oberstar will get???

[musicman]

Obamassiah: "“I would hope that we set up a system that allows those who can go through their employer to access a federal system or a state pool of some sort. But I don’t think we’re going to be able to eliminate employer coverage immediately. There’s going to be potentially some transition process. I can envision a decade out or fifteen years out or 20 out. “ "

[vicar7]

I went to Betty McCollum’s office to ask why they toke down her schedule on break. They said the national office toke it down. I called the national office and they said it was web problems. Betty is dodging the public but she is Grand Marshall at a parade in New Brighton. I am seriously thinking of picketing her office with a sign. Come Out! Come Out! Where ever you are, Betty and listen to the folks. I have never been one for activism but I am seriously upset with those that serve us.

[Born Conservative]

Well, Mr. Walz, no one ACCUSED you directly of being a Communist. However, if the shoe fits...

[Iron Munro]

How can these people be legitimate protesters when they don’t even belong to the NAACP, ACORN, SEIU, CPUSA, Black Panthers, etc.?

[MrB]

If you don't like appellation “Communist,” don't act like one.

[MrB]

“a public option to compete with private insurance”

IS A DECEITFUL LIE.

[colorado tanker]

The present RNC couldn't organize anything. This is for real and it's grass roots. Democrats will pass this turkey at their peril for what could happen to them in 2010.

[Jean2]

Hello,

Does anyone here know if there is going to be a town meeting in Honolulu?

[WOBBLY BOB]

you forgot LA RAZA and LULAC...

[Lion Den Dan]

***If you don't like appellation “Communist,” don't act like one. ***

So I am acting like a Commie?? If this is directed toward me in hostility, I am up for the fight.

[sergeantdave]

“I didn’t spend 24 years in the military...”

Which side?

[Little Bill]

MOS please.

[MrB]

uh, no...

I was repeating your post, and made it bigger, because I wholeheartedly agreed with it...

[Lion Den Dan]

********I was repeating your post, and made it bigger, because I wholeheartedly agreed with it...****

My apology for misunderstanding your intent. These are tempestuous times and I should not jump to conclusions.