As I watch some of these Town Hall meetings, I am appalled at the behavior of the elected officials.
You can comment on the behavior of the citizens, but they get a pass in my book. They're the boss - even if they are minimalized and trivialized by the elite running the meeting.
Citizens are mad, they are seeing things slip away from them, they are being presented with one set of proposals after another to tax them more or restrict their freedoms. They don't speak in public everyday. Forgive an emotional outburst, a mis-speak, or a little shouting. They've had it.
On the other hand, the politicians speak in public or on the floor of Congress constantly. They should be on their very best behavior. Comparing someone to a dining room table and then telling her that you refuse to talk to her is unthinkable, Barney Frank.
Politicians have gotten it all wrong. The Town Halls are not for them to talk. It's for them to listen. They probably shouldn't even have microphones.
People are tired of seeing Congress act like they're doing us a favor by enduring all of the hardships of a 4-day work week, private health care, around the world junkets, and many of the other perks of office. People are tired of hearing that they are so busy that they can't possibly read the legislation they're voting on.
Next November I propose that as Americans we issue pink slips to all 435 House Members and the 34 Senators up for re-election. Then they'll have time to see it from our side of the equation.
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You couldn't have said it better. It's time to send a message to Washington by sending the self proclaimed elites packing!
Jon,
Thanks for your agreement and support. Now let's get them packing. :)
Steve
I really wish that someone with an evil wit would show up and give them a serious heckling.
Frank "What planet are YOU from?"
Person "I'm from Earth, which apparently doesn't have representation in Washington, DC."
Frank "Talking with you is like talking with a dining room table."
Person "Coming from a first class Thanksgiving turkey, I'll take that as a compliment."
I do not think Barney Frank is one of our finest shining lights, sorry to say.
Lane,
Maybe you could hire out as a writer - good stuff. I know they wouldn't be able to handle this. :)
Steve
Steve,
Let's just say he is the reason why we had the subprime issue. :)
Steve
Nice post. We are all getting tired of these elected idiots. Keep up the good work.
Kevin,
Thanks. Keep up the pressure. Let them know that we are not happy. :)
Steve
I have seen so many politicians act in a condescending, arrogant manner that I have to change the channel. I hope there is a big turnover next year!
Steve, the public should be given a pass on their behavior. Not the same for politicians. They accepted public scrutiny and ire when they accepted the office.
The citizens who are speaking out now are not professionals. They are the hardworking masses being pushed to the ground by the boots of Washington. They are furious. They are scared. They feel ignored.
Anger is not usually expressed by a metered and tempered delivery.
Would the media be showing the town hall meetings if they were not contentious? I believe the actions of a few have awakened the passions of many.
Hopefully we will all exercise our right to vote next year and send the message Washington needs to hear.
Barney Frank needs to have a career adjustment. So does Sheila Jackson Lee.
It is time for them to go! A little quote from algore there.
Gary,
There are more and more of us feeling this way. :)
Steve
Bonnie.
Very well said. You left off dozens of names from your list - 435 in all. :)
Steve
Kevin,
Go and do not come back. Their service has been noted. :)
Steve
Steve - sorry for the abbreviated list. I know you all read between the lines.