Town Hall meetings have become quite visible over the past couple of weeks. In many ways, this is a throwback to the 18th Century when patriots rose up to question what was going on in their country and to have a voice in shaping its future.
Our government is clearly out of touch with the citizenry or they wouldn't be acting as an elite class.
That's what has precipitated the Town Hall meetings - although I'm not sure it's really having that much of an impact on the elected officials. It's more like something they feel they need to do just to say that they "listened" to the people. They showed up. Listened, not sure. In some cases, probably not.
It has shown that the American people are tired of being ignored and pushed around.
Have you heard the latest wrinkle on the Town Hall meetings? Just phone it in. That's right, some Congressmen including Ron Klein of South Florida - are going to be conducting their Town Hall meeting by conference call. Isn't that special? Nothing like going out of your way to meet with your constituents.
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It's going to make little difference IMO.
The "people's representatives" faded years ago in favor of the lobby juicing the politician's PAC.
Representatives are corrupt and vote in line with party politics representing special interests or personal benefits.
Can't say I blame them for phoning it in. Too many clowns carrying guns and shouting down answers to talking point questions. Personally, I like Barney Franks approach, grow a pair Dems!
Lenn - absolutely right.
It is so much easier to deal with the public when you do not have to look your constituents in the eye!
With all the right-wing wackos running around carrying loaded weapons, it's not surprising.
I'm curious as to why you think it's a throwback to the eighteenth century. Throwback? I've been going to townhall meetings hosted by my representatives for over thirty years now, and my parents went to town hall meetings for decades before that. They used to drag my brother and I along, which we hated at the time. Now I thank them for introducing me to civics.
We're hearing about town halls now because of the right-wing wackos who don't understand how to have a civil conversation wtihout yelling or carrying loaded guns around.
I can't go into my local court house with a loaded weapon, or even an unloaded weapon. Why can right-wing nuts carry them around in a public place where thet President is speaking, and why would they want to? Makes no sense to me other than believing that the right-wing wackos truly are mentally disturbed.
Meeting face to face requires the ability to intelligently answer questions as they come...a phone call only requires a script to read from...Thanks Steve, I agree with you!
Lenn,
That's why I support the position of a clean slate in 2010. If you're in now, you're out next year. :)
Steve
John,
The politicians deserve everything that they're getting and then some. This is mostly just for show. :)
Steve
Gary,
That's right. What's a little multi-tasking (watching the game, etc.) while the conference call is going on? :)
Steve
Jim,
Yes, town halls in some arenas have been around, but not to this widespread extent. :)
Steve
Wanda,
Why not just cancel the meeting? It's clear that they don't care enough to show up so they won't care about what's said either. :)
Steve
Steve, I try not to watch too much of that stuff, but I have definitely come to the conclusion that they are not interested in what the citizenry think of the plan - their only interest is to convince us that we should want it.
Steve, if they just phone it in they can't have the pushing and shoving matches we have seen lately.
Mike,
I don't think they are interested in anything but staying in office which is why I say they all need to go. :)
Steve
Gary,
That makes good TV, but the Members of Congressclearly are disconnected. :)
Steve
For each of the extremists that channels like MSNBC show over and over and over there are probably thousands of concerned and passionate individuals who want details and answers from their elected leaders. Those who duck town hall meetings today will find a difficult road during their next campaign.
Steve, It so much easier to screen your questions when you phone in. You don't have to bus in paid supporters, which saves fuel and money. You don't have to look rude when you have to make a cell phone call in the middle of a question. It just works out better for all involved...
Steve - Perhaps meeting with your constituents should be a requirement for holding office. They might even learn how to listen.
John,
I certainly hope so. They need to go. Good points. :)
Steve
Paul,
Obviously you've read the playbook. Plus you get to sit there all casual and eat a pizza while your callers are talking. :)
Steve
John,
That's asking a lot. It's a little like the leading a horse to water adage. :)
Steve
Hi Steve
What sad is our elected officials no longer represent us; only their own special interests.
Oh well we can clean house and vote them out.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Steve,
It is a shame but in some cases what is the point of a townhall, if they are only going to insult anyone who dares to challenge them. . yOU WATCH THESE FOOLS(CONGRESS) GRILL PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE FORCED TO COME BEFORE THEM FOR BOGUS HEARINGS, BUT GRILL THEM A LITTLE AND THEY BECOME RUDE. Why did Barney Frank become so rude after the Nazi question unless of course it was a little to close to home for him.
Lou,
I really would like to see that - get rid of seniority and all the little cliques. :)
Steve
Hugh,
If Congress truly wanted to hear what people had to say, they wouldn't even talk - just listen and take notes. :)
Steve
Steve,
I've called his office and sent several emails to my representative, John Sarbanes, MD, complaining that he's hiding behind the phone call in on one of the most critical issue for his constituents.
I'm sure I'm on his _hit list.
Rich
Rich,
That's OK as long as he is on yours (for removal from office next November). :)
Steve
I also feel these meetings have become dog and pony shows. They bring in people from hundreds of miles away who have the same opinion as the person speaking so as to have less opposition. (Then they feed them the questions they want to answer)
Todd,
A "true" Town Hall has no scripts and no limitations on how many people get to speak - possibly just the amount of time. Thanks. :)
Steve