Posted on 08/12/2009 6:16:22 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist
N.Y. Congressman: 'If Someone Thinks They're Going To Legislate By Mob Rule, They Don't Understand What It Means To Be A Democracy' As organized protesters mobilize to disrupt town meetings the question remains: will their fiery arguments prevent lawmakers from holding these forums?
Some legislators intend to keep listening to the masses, while refusing to get rattled.
President Barack Obama's health care reform plans are generating such anger and rhetoric that only the bold and brave politicians facing tough re-election campaigns like Pennsylvania's Arlen Spector or those who have their own plans to talk about -- like Congressman Anthony Weiner -- are holding town hall meetings.
"I don't think anyone has a concern about passionate people coming to meetings to talk about a legislative issue. I think the line gets drawn where one person thinks their right is to stop another person from asking a question," Rep. Weiner said.
Weiner has held a number of town hall meetings on health care. So far they have been respectful exchanges, like one Monday in Howard Beach. But one scheduled for Wednesday night in Fresh Meadows may not be. A group called "Tea Party 365" plans to turn out in force. And while their e-mail to supporters talks about the issue it also urges supporters to "bring cameras to capture the event" and post the videos.
"If someone thinks they're going to legislate by mob rule they don't understand that it means to be a democracy. Everyone gets their say but not everyone gets their way," Weiner said.
Lawmakers like Spector, Missouri Sen. Clair McKaskill and New Jersey Rep. Steve Rothman have had very tense town meetings. One reason may be a memo from Bob MacGuffie, a volunteer with the Freedom Works web site Tea Party Patriots, which advises demonstrators, telling them:
"You need to rock the boat early in the (congressman's) presentation. The goal is to rattle him."
Jeffrey Cool, the firefighter who was injured in the "Black Sunday" fire in the Bronx, doesn't want to protest. He wants to be reassured he'll have health care.
"I'm extremely worried. You know, I'm 42 years old and I'm in fear for my life. I survived a horrific accident and I'm still here and now I'm worried: am I going to be a horse put out to pasture?"
Congressman Weiner is one of the few New Yorkers ready to do battle. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's people said she has no plans to do health care forums because she has already laid out a full schedule of appearances at state fairs and other venues.
Others said they see no point because making themselves the focal point of protestors does nothing to advance the debate.
ACORN will push it to the brink.
“If someone thinks they’re going to legislate by mob rule they don’t understand that it means to be a democracy. Everyone gets their say but not everyone gets their way...”
I’m still waiting for the first tarring/feathering.
I would love to see Congressmen get re-acquainted with the Founding Fathers’ idea that politicians are a necessary evil. I’m not advocating anyone join a mob, but far be it from me to impose my morality on anyone.
One thing is for sure. The threat of a nice, healthy mob might take some of the elitism out of these Congressmen.
This ain't a "democracy" ASSWIPE wiener-boy.
It's a Representative Republic, and YOU, work for US, idiot.
How far? Mmmm..as far as the Constitution allows. That’s pretty far, IMO.
If someone thinks they’re going to legislate by mob rule they don’t understand that it means to be a democracy...
See this is a HUGE problem. WE ARE NOT A DEMOCRACY which by its very nature IS Mob Rule.......We are a REPUBLIC Drives me nuts
Excellent question and I like how you tied this into the book as it is both sitting (untouched) on my night stand and the book on tape is in my honey’s DVD player next door. Unplayed. Thanks for the reminder!
The answer is "quite a bit further than this." You ain't seen nuthin' yet, my friends.
Yes it is and the answer to that is to stay right up in their faces but hold our tempers in check. Show anger not rage. Show indignation not bluster. Rebuke their lies and persist in demanding answers without insulting.
So far, from what I've seen in videos, we've been doing pretty good. Don't let them push your buttons just keep bottom lining it.
This outstanding example of The Peter Principle needs to google "Republic versus Democracy," for starters...
Shouting down the braying Dem marxist jackasses and making them aware of the rage and emotional intensity of the opposition is the only option left to the protesters.
“...I’m 42 years old and I’m in fear for my life. I survived a horrific accident and I’m still here and now I’m worried: am I going to be a horse put out to pasture?”
This is important, IMO. While the donks seem intent on targeting the elderly at the end of life, most accidents, especially severe ones resulting in disability, happen to healthy young men in their 20s, because they are active and take risks. Add in firefighters and police and you have a large number of disabled dependent upon medical services. There is a good chance these were primarily Democrat voters.
They aren’t going to take kindly to being cut off from their lifeline.
Another demographic concerned about care are those in their 50s who have had hip and knee replacements. These generally are supposed to last 20 years. Many do not and I am aware of several people who have had to have their implants replaced within 5 years, due to an accident, or a fall or other outlier event. This is not inexpensive or inconsequential, either.
Likely there are a lot of folks who are not elderly who are personally terrified of the consequences of this legislation for themselves or family members. zerO and the donks, of course, are only aware of their supporters with protected policies.
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