The most powerful man in the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), announced on Friday that as a result of recent protests at town hall meetings he won't hold any such political gatherings during this month's Congressional recess.
Instead, he will only do what's called "telephone town halls" where he and his staff have complete control over the questions being asked and who's asking them.
Should have been big news, right?
Well, according to LexisNexis and Google news searches, not one major media outlet felt it was important enough to share with the citizenry.
Not one.
Despite the ensuing silence concerning this matter, the Las Vegas Sun broke the following seemingly important story Friday (h/t Terri Green):
A day after holding up a square of Astroturf to denounce the orchestrated attacks on Democratic town hall meetings on health care, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office said he would be talking with his Nevada constituents this month over the phone lines.
Reid’s office is scheduling a telephone town hall meeting for August, opting to avoid the shouting matches and microphone speeches that have erupted at events across the country. The senator expects to reach thousands of Nevadans, including those in the state’s rural expanse.
“It’s a forum that obviously lets us reach more people, but also provides a more respectful environment that allows all sides to be heard,” said Reid spokesman Jon Summers.
“It’s more the dialogue that town halls were meant to be, as opposed to the organized disruption we’re seeing in other town halls,” Summers said. “This is so Nevadans who want to be heard can voice their concern, support and their opinions.”
Once again, from what I can tell, not one major media outlet shared this with the citizenry.
Why?
After all, this is apparently a growing trend, for the Mercury News reported similar decisions by Democrats in California:
IA contacted three South Bay members of Congress — Democrats Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, and Anna Eshoo — and none currently has plans to hold a town-hall meeting on health care during Congress' August recess. At least, not in person.
Honda and Lofgren each plan to convene a "telephone town hall" on health reform before Congress reconvenes in September. But for now, they won't be subjecting themselves to a potential smackdown.
This refusal to face one's constituents is now sweeping the nation. Washington state's Rep. Brian Baird, after claiming he received death threats, has canceled all of his town hall meetings this month opting for the telephone version:
Random voters will receive automated phone messages asking if they have a question for their Congressman. If they do, they will be asked their location and the subject of their question. Sitting at his own telephone, Baird then will choose a name based on its location and the topic. After the call is over, the recording will be posted on his Web site.
Hmmm. Gives the Congressman an unlimited amount of control over the content and questions, doesn't it? Not REALLY what a town hall is supposed to be about, is it?
That said, because of the death threat element, Baird's announcement did receive some national attention although not much considering the media's current one-sided fascination with town hall meetings.
Another such announcement to go teleconference came from Florida's Rep. Kathy Castor after videos of her town hall meeting on Thursday went viral. Sadly, media were far less interested in her decision to only speak to her constituents via telephone for the rest of the month.
North Carolina's Blue Dog Rep. Heath Shuler will also avoid face-to-face town hall meetings. According to LexisNexis, not one major news outlet other than Human Events reported this revelation (no link available):
Some lawmakers are meeting constituents only by phone. They include Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), Chet Edwards (D-Texas), Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), John Tanner (D-Tenn.), Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Larry Kissell (D-N.C.).
"Tele-townhalls" are popular with Congress. Their best use is when a member can't appear in person because they must be in Washington. But that's not the case during this five-week break. Lawmakers can speak with large numbers by phone, but constituents can only speak if their phone is activated. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) used this system last week to talk to 15,000 via phone. She took questions from 14 of them -- but 500 unsuccessfully signaled the operator that they wanted a chance to talk.
Tele-townhalls are mostly one-way communication. There is no face-to-face. The politician has complete control and keeps inconvenient constituents out of sight. Questions can be limited or screened. Best of all, it leaves no embarrassing videos on the Web.
Interesting stuff, but not if you're a major national media outlet.
Why is that?
(Readers are advised that television transcripts of segments aired from Friday evening on may not be available until Monday. As such, it is possible that some of the above was covered by networks that have not made transcripts available yet.)
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
This is as rigged as his
August 9, 2009 - 10:25 ET by kgThis is as rigged as his land deals. He is tanking in the polls and is a chicken sh*t to face the citizens of Nevada.
"DumbAssity of Dope"
The Bunker Mentality
August 9, 2009 - 13:07 ET by farstar99Isn't that supposed to be the first sign of a doomed regime?
Agreed
August 9, 2009 - 14:38 ET by JustAlI made a similar observation on another blog the other day:
"
This has been a great week. Many predicted the communists would over reach, few predicted the rope would go taunt this early, or this strongly.
The anti-American forces have now committed all of their reserves, the so called media have long since abandoned any pretence of "unbiased journalism," and now the union thugs have joined the fray, the only thing left is the black panthers with their nightsticks (again).
The head of the AFL-CIO is openly calling for organized units of storm troopers to crush the counter revolution and the Gestapo chief has called for neighbors to inform against neighbors.
This may not be the beginning of the end, but it is the end of the beginning, and quiet possibly the high water mark of communism in this country. The bunker mentality will become even more evident in the coming months. Once the chairman realizes that the people no longer believe his lies he will withdraw from view, six months from now his media appearances will be reduced by half in my opinion. This will give him ample time to reflect on the "supporters" who surround him, who will be plotting his replacement when he can not advance the revolution further.
Yes, this was a very good week."
It's ashame I can not attach the photoshop I did to commemorate the onset of the bunker mentality.
A little brush mustache?
August 9, 2009 - 16:34 ET by needle“It's ashame I can not attach the photoshop I did to commemorate the onset of the bunker mentality.”
Hmmm. Just wondering: Did that photoshop include something resembling a little brush mustache?
- Relying upon the State Run Media for your information is like relying upon an embezzler to manage your portfolio.
A lot of the citizens of Nevada are crazy. Reid is smart.
August 9, 2009 - 13:58 ET by Daniel BakerHarry Reid is being accused here before the question selection is seen. Online Townhalls can reach more people.
-------------------------------------------
Liberal judges are the high priests of redefined marriage. Good men want freedom, Evil men want license
Reid is smart
August 9, 2009 - 22:35 ET by merlin61That's a laugh, he's a coward, not smart. I hope he loses dramatically in the next election. Not only is he a coward, he's a hypocrite.
Scary Harry WhoDingy!
August 10, 2009 - 07:17 ET by GeneralAlThis loser needs to be tarred and feathered1 He has all kinds of nerve as long as he can stand in the well of the Senate and give his "This war is lost!" speech but no cohonees to face his voters! Commiecrats are afraid of the truth and he knows he will be tongue tied if he tries to use his somber mortician talk on the dissenters! No offense to morticians, by the way! Isn't it rather interesting that there is no reference to Republican town hall meetings? Hmmm! I live in Bill Foster's district [A seat formerly held by Denny Hastert], who is supposed to be a moderate Democrat [Would someone please define a moderate Democrat?]. He has yet to demonstrate anything but an allegiance to the Democrat Presidium! I will be facing him down at one of his meetings. I met with him back in April and asked him to distance himself from the memo put out by Commisar Janet calling veterans and Conservatives a danger. His programmed response was that was part of the Bush Administration and Messiah Obama stopped that immediately upon taking office! Yeah! Right! Anyway, Dirty, Dingy, Scary Harry is a Wimpy Weasel who could be beaten down by the average Yard Bird!
My Congressman is coming
August 9, 2009 - 10:26 ET by Iowa BoyRep. Steve King (R), 5th District, Iowa, has lots of Town Halls planned over the next few weeks. I plan on attending to congratulate him and encourage him to keep standing in the way of these other alleged "representatives".
"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." Official Motto of the State of Iowa
Marked Contrast, Isn't It? Meanwhile, Obama...
August 9, 2009 - 13:11 ET by farstar99Obama is giving Bozeman, MT the Austria treatment.
Attecndance will be by invitation only, pulled from a list of ONLY ObamaCare supporters.
The route to the building, which has no sidewalks, is also by invitation only
Isn't that an ADA violation?
August 9, 2009 - 13:43 ET by Iowa BoyI'm just sayin'.
"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain." Official Motto of the State of Iowa
Isn't that an ADA violation?
August 10, 2009 - 07:27 ET by GeneralAlHey Iowa Boy, since when did the Tele-Prez Messiah worry about violations? This is the poster boy of Chicago politics gone national!
Pretty soon he will collectiveize all Iowa farms under his control in the manner of his heroe, Vladimir Lenin as he exerts his Communist control over his new America!
You state continues to vote Democrat and sends Comrade Harkin to the Senate1 When are you guys going to wake up! Don't forget, it was the Iowa Caucaus that started the Obamessiah on his way to the Federal House [Its racist to refer to the White House!].
You guys need to throw all these guys out with the bath water!
Typical and More Typical
August 9, 2009 - 10:27 ET by BlondeDingy Harry's a candyass, and the media flies top cover for him and his absolute cowardice.
Sheesh!
I hope he fails, too.
I wonder
August 9, 2009 - 11:17 ET by KC MulvilleWhat does the media get out of this arrangement?
All of this, in exchange for surrendering the principle that lawmakers have to answer questions from their constituents. The media gets to be the approved vehicle for those questions.
I doubt the Founding Fathers imagined that the public would be denied the right to question their lawmakers directly.
Of course they couldn't imagine it
August 9, 2009 - 11:25 ET by BlondeBecause the message was much slower to reach the audience back then.
The media, however, still believes they have a monopoly on information. The internet has become the great equalizer...just witness the phenomenon of "going viral".
While I suspect you are correct that the media believes they are the de facto and (in their own minds) de jure "filter" by which the public gains access to lawmakers, they are just kidding themselves. This incessant media "cover" will be the death of the media, and I truly hope and believe, the downfall of these demagogue politicians.
I hope he fails, too.
I know I'm beating a dead horse
August 9, 2009 - 16:33 ET by KC MulvilleI have no doubt that Katie sincerely thinks that the media should control the public's worldview. That's what really struck me during her interview with Sarah Palin. Katie demanded to know what media outlets "shaped her workdview." Katie just took it for granted that the media is supposed to shape that view.
Sorry about the dead horse comment ... nothing personal Katie
I have heard that there are
August 9, 2009 - 11:21 ET by d1carterI have heard that there are going to be townhall meetings at the offices of those that do not meet face to face. Just saying...
Or protests
August 9, 2009 - 11:28 ET by BlondeI recall a piece on Fox not long ago. A baker had one of those changeable signs outside of his manufacturing plant. After the Cap & Tax vote, he changed his sign to "Rep. X just voted to put this factory and all of my employees out of business". Within hours, he had the Rep. on the phone.
We need to hit these arrogant politicians where it hurts, smack dab in the old public relations machine. They can't stand bad publicity....and voters protesting "chicken representatives" outside of their office will force them to do the right thing....face the voters themselves.
I hope he fails, too.
Monty Python predicted this
August 9, 2009 - 17:18 ET by KC MulvilleMINSTREL (singing): Brave Sir Robin ran away
ROBIN: No!
MINSTREL (singing): Bravely ran away away
ROBIN: I didn't!
MINSTREL (singing): When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled
ROBIN: No!
MINSTREL (singing): Yes Brave Sir Robin turned about
ROBIN: I didn't!
MINSTREL (singing): And gallantly he chickened out Bravely taking to his feet
ROBIN: I never did!
MINSTREL (singing): He beat a very brave retreat
ROBIN: Oh, lie!
MINSTREL (singing): Bravest of the brave Sir Robin
ROBIN: I never!
Is it just Dems that want
August 9, 2009 - 10:30 ET by d1carterIs it just Dems that want to have telephone townhalls?
I think that the MSM is going to take a big hit on this controversy. If the MSM will not cover this issue what else are they willing to cover up?
anyone surprised?
August 9, 2009 - 10:31 ET by sawing battathis will only enflame his constituents - and for good reason. (i hope he rationalizes his reason for tele town halls is that the $500 million in new Gulfstreams havent been delivered yet)
unbridled liberalism has turned to socialism, command and control with a hint of militaristic enforcement...via our friends at SEIU, white house email snitch program, the Black Panthers (see UPenn polling place incident) and so on.
pretty incredible to see in what was once the United States of America.
August 9, 2009 - 10:36 ET by jessieHThis is a coward. This is a man with no answers. No one should call. No one should even show up. He is saying "to hell with the people." He wants respect. He thinks he is royalty. Why do we have guys like this as public servants? This guy needs to be in jail, not congress. People, this is not about healthcare, anymore. It's about the corruption in the federal govt.. The elected servants won't take our questions, unless they are screened. Sounds like obama. I can't believe the blatant disregard of the people! I think we are wasting our time with the townhall meetings. Let's just leave them to their glory & we will see them at the voting booth. Let's see how they react when no one shows up. Angry Mobster
Harry Reid
August 9, 2009 - 10:41 ET by BondPlainBondNow a known liar and an admitted coward.
What's the point?
August 9, 2009 - 10:45 ET by BKeyserWhat's the point of preaching to the choir? (and shouldn't that be spelled "chior"? I had to look that one up...)
I also looked this one up while I was at it:
de·bate
v.
de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates
v.
intr.
//-->v.
tr.
//-->n.
//-->
[Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre : de-, de- + battre, to beat; see batter1.]
//-->
de·bate'ment n., de·bat'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Re Dingy
August 9, 2009 - 10:49 ET by slickwillie2001This is as much about Dingy's personality as it is healthcare. He's an atrocious public speaker, has no people skills, and is one of the most unlikeable people in Congress. He has his job only because like Princess Nan, he's as mean as a snake and knows where the bodies are buried.
Damn, that is disappointing.
August 9, 2009 - 10:57 ET by SickofLibsDamn, that is disappointing.
The Dinginator had promised to give a live boxing demonstration afterwards, where he was going to spar with a sunflower and knock the seeds right out of it's head.
August 9, 2009 - 11:07 ET by jessieHYou know, we were planning to go to town hall meetings and washington in september, but what's the point? I can just call in my concerns. I know the congress won't listen, but we can't afford to waste time on trying to get my voice heard. I'm done with trying. The corruption is too thick in the govt.. I don't care about healthcare. That's just smoke & mirrors to keep the people from seeing the real truth. They are trying to re-write the Constitution to fit their views. And the way the people are letting them get away with it, they will get it changed. If the people can let them get away with not even reading the bills they pass, why care about healthcare. They will just pass the bill, anyway. I'll go to jail for not registering to participate, but then I'll have free healthcare. Waste your time and money, if that's what you feel you should do, but I'm done. I'll vote against them. That is, unless ACORN or the black panthers stop me.
And Harry's face in that
August 9, 2009 - 11:10 ET by motherbeltAnd Harry's face in that photo says it all, doesn't it?
Don't like it? Lump it.
Cowards with delusions of grandeur, every last one of them who won't face the people they are
supposed to represent. These idiots have the idea that going to
Washington means they get to "govern" (i.e. rule) rather than represent.
Cone of Silence
August 9, 2009 - 11:21 ET by ThisnThatWhy doesn't he just use Maxwell Smart's Cone of Silence? Get Smart always used that when importing things were discussed. Prevents others from hearing; keeps anyone from disrupting. Sounds perfect to me.
Of course, it didn't work for Agent 86; won't work for Reid and the other dims either. They're doomed.
___________________________________
"Tax the rich" is a basically unstable way of governing - The NYT
Harriet Reed
August 9, 2009 - 11:24 ET by well99Typical of "we lost the war" Reed.Or maybe he forgot about the people he represents.Just like the land he sold.Here to you Reed and you dont need a new bridge for it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOKK8mAkiUI
My Congress critter is doing the same thing.
August 9, 2009 - 11:30 ET by c5thenI have never campaigned for a politician in my life before. I certainly never imagined campaigning against anybody. That has all changed. I will now actively campaign against all the incumbents in my district, county, state, whatever. None of them deserve to be paid by the voters because none of them care about or listen to the voters. They all just want to tell us what to do and further their own careers.
Being elected to an office was never supposed to BE a career. It was supposed to be what you did for a short time and then went back to your REAL job.
Throw 'da bums out!
no incumbent re-elected, with very few exceptions!
www.loyaltoliberty.com
The ask the right quetions...
August 9, 2009 - 11:32 ET by retroconFolks in their constituency...
get on the tele-townhall, tell them how much you love Dinghy Harry, or whoever, tell them that you want to ask some wishy washy pro-obamacare question, then nail them with a real question.
Kiss their butt then whack them in it.
Note, this will probably only work once, before they start pre-recoding the questions (if they don't already).
The people will see through this, if they get the honest information. I'm more worried about how to get past the propogandists MSM.
Sad, to avoid the downfall of freedom we merely need to get the truth out there. Tragic, that the guardians of free speech now guard us from the truth.
Calling from a bunker beneath the Reichstag, er, Capitol...
August 9, 2009 - 11:39 ET by wnaegeleSigh!
Hopefully his constituents
August 9, 2009 - 12:02 ET by katiejanewill remeber this treatment when election time rolls around. If they re-elect him they deserve to be treated like morons.
PlanetHarry
August 9, 2009 - 12:30 ET by GloriaJeanThese people are all cowards and Little Harry is the worst. This telephone crap alone should be enough to get them all booted out of office. No guts making laws for a brave country.
Harry is coming to Utah on the 11th to fundraise for HIMSELF. Being a Mormon he sees Utah as an safe haven. He could NOT be more wrong. People here are outraged. BUT do you think they will publish when he is going to arrive and where he's going to be? NO! Can't find it anywhere and the unruly masses are clamouring. Maybe he's cancelled it by now..... who knows. My perfectly good sign is going to waste "What's that Smell?" in honor of his telling the world the tourists at the capital stink. I'll tell you who stinks. HARRY LOSER REID!
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7428474 The only news about this I could find locally. Read the comments!
I think that people should
August 9, 2009 - 12:09 ET by Ryan Mc.I think that people should grab a few hundred family and friends and go have their own town hall meeting at their congressman's office. He won't come to us, we should go to them. Call the local media and invite them too. Bring your own camera and post on you tube. It could be a lot of fun.
HARY MUST GO
August 9, 2009 - 12:16 ET by desertphreakHarry MUST go! Let's throw out the lot of them!
Man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is a neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts. -Ronald Regan
Now Reid tells me!
August 9, 2009 - 12:27 ET by jefflebowskiI just had booked my trip to Vegas to get me some of that spineless wimp Reid! I'm going to enjoy tremendously watching him go...just as I did with that scumbag Daschle. Long live the tea party!
Angry White Dude
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Tele-Turfing
August 9, 2009 - 12:30 ET by BarkerAstro-Turd Harry Reid will have Tele-Thugs manning the lines for his Tele-Phony Town Hall "meetings".
I have a new game to play.
August 9, 2009 - 12:34 ET by Ryan Mc.I have a new game to play. Its called pick out the callers who reads question from a tele-turf cue card. Bonus points for picking the union the card was manufactured by.
Vegas Mob vs
August 9, 2009 - 15:08 ET by BarkerPrince Harry and his Band of Telethuggies
I'd imagine Heath Shuler
August 9, 2009 - 12:33 ET by fitzfongI'd imagine Heath Shuler would do about as well in front of a town hall of his own constituents as he did in the face of protected pass rushes in the NFL...get sacked, fumble or throw an interception. No wonder he's decided to turtle it.
As for Harry "the Body Odor" Reid: if his incompetent, arrogant, thuggish "leadership" on behalf of the constituents of Boston, the Upper West Side, San Francisco and West Hollywood isn't enough to run him out of office as Nevada's Senior Senator, certainly his sheer cowardice in this instance must tip the scales.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
And what ...
August 9, 2009 - 12:45 ET by SentryDanAnd what else would you expect from a coward like Reid. In fact, what would you expect from most all of the liberal cowards in Congress and the media, except the lying and name calling that they have been doing since the rise of the opposition to this so called healtcare reform.
These clowns (sorry don't mean to impugn the integrity of all the real working clowns out there) refuse to listen to "We the People". They also refuse to address to of the major problems with healthcare in this country; 1. tort reform, and 2. the limited number of primary care doctors and other healthcare professionals. There can be no reform of healthcare unless and until these issues are addressed.
Here is another question (I don't know if this has been addressed): Will "We the People" be able to sue for medical malpractice under the Obamacare program?
Remember folks, Freedom isn't Free. It was bought with the blood and sacrifice of the men and women who are serving and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know.
Also remember folks, that the way to SUPPORT THE TROOPS is to support their mission. Anyone who says that they support the troops but don't support their mission is lying about supporting the troops. And if you want to know, yes I do have a dog in the fight, he is a United States Marine.
Reid "dialing" it in?"
August 9, 2009 - 12:47 ET by metaphorsbwithuGive'em (Ma) Bell, Harry!
metaphorsbwithu
Reid = Man of the People
August 9, 2009 - 12:46 ET by SterlingReality Check friends. Harry Reid is the leader of the Democrats in the Senate; do any of you realize how many paid right-wing protestors from around the country would show up to demonstrate at his town hall meetings? It would be so counter-productive for him to have a listening session because of these organized activists. It’s about Nevadans; it’s not about you. Spare me the false outrage. What does this leave us with? Mr. Reid is going over these protestors heads and taking it to the people by having thoughtful conversations over the phone.
Not too sterling an attempt ...
August 9, 2009 - 12:52 ET by metaphorsbwithuReality is what you see in front of you, not what is orchestrated and packeged.
I wonder how much stimulus money has been "earmarked" for call screeners?
metaphorsbwithu
What, do you have any idea what you just suggsted
August 9, 2009 - 13:00 ET by general companyIt’s about Nevadans; it’s not about you.
He is the Majority leader of the US Senate, he sets agenda, he blackmails OUR reps. He is an idolog of the worst sort. Go find a clue, your ignorance is astounding
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Civics 101
August 9, 2009 - 13:05 ET by SterlingYour lack of knowledge about the Constitution is astonishing. He is the leader of the Democrats in the Senate. His party put him in that position. His first job is to be the Senator from Nevada and give voice to Nevadans in the Senate chamber.
Advance Idiotics: Prerequisite in Dope 101 and 102
August 9, 2009 - 13:14 ET by SickofLibsReid controls the Senate.
The Democrats control the
August 9, 2009 - 13:22 ET by SterlingThe Democrats control the Senate.
Reid is the top
August 9, 2009 - 13:51 ET by SickofLibsReid is the top Democrat.
Jeez.
What?
August 9, 2009 - 13:19 ET by general companySo taking in consideration everything you wrote, it still means he is the Majority leader of the Senate and set the agenda. YOUR lack of understanding this is what is so astonishing. His first job might BE stealing from the rest of us and giving it to those that elect him, but it still chaps my butt. He is a moron and is as unethical individual as the Senate has ever known
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
What??
August 9, 2009 - 13:24 ET by SterlingHave you ever heard of a figurehead?
Is that like a feisty little
August 9, 2009 - 13:54 ET by SickofLibsIs that like a feisty little bulldog without teeth?
Yea ok
August 9, 2009 - 15:28 ET by general companyFigurehead? good grief
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Harry Reid's first job.....
August 9, 2009 - 14:01 ET by motherbeltHis first job is to be the Senator from Nevada and give voice to Nevadans in the Senate chamber. - Sterling (emphasis mine)
Give voice to Nevadans???
That's the funniest thing I've read today!
You might want to clue Dingy Harry in on that.....
Hes' not even interested in listening to them unless he has his finger on the "mute" button!
But thanks for the laugh.
"Listening session?" Bwahaahaa!
August 9, 2009 - 13:12 ET by SickofLibsYeah, somebody needs a reality check, all right.
Reid and Pelosi don't even listen to their OWN Democrats who don't fall precisely into lockstep, in case you haven't noticed. That, pal, is why these town halls are even taking place, otherwise it would have been passed prior to the recess.
BTW, you swiped that from Hillary, didn't you, you little devil? Difference is on Hillary's "listening tour" to facilitate her carpetbagging of NY she actually left the house instead of cowering in the bathroom via telephone like your hero "Man Of The People" Reid.
If that's what you look up to, that explains pretty much everything to me.
Harry Reid = Intimidator of Special Interest
August 9, 2009 - 13:21 ET by SterlingHarry Reid is the man of the people. His story is the story of America! He was born in a house with no indoor plumbing; it was a one room house on the wrong side of the tracks. He had one light bulb- that is it; not even a lamp to put that light bulb in! Yes, I highly doubt a feisty little bulldog like Harry Reid can be intimidated.
Man of the people
August 9, 2009 - 13:45 ET by fitzfongThose people being Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jong Il, Daniel Ortega and the rest of our enemies. Funny how Reid, having allegedly been born into a household with one light bulb and not a lamp to put that bulb in is so eager to return America to that very existence. And you can bet that "feisty little" bulls*** is intimidated...he's about to have his ass kicked out of the Senate.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
"The Legend of Dingy Harry" by Francis Q. Stircrazy
August 9, 2009 - 13:46 ET by SickofLibs"... he had to crap on the prairie and owned one light bulb but had no electric service or even a lamp to plug it into!"
BFD.
Why that little bulldog is our very own Winston Churchill! Except for the coward part and the fact that he pisses on the common man...
Golden showers might be your thang, but it's not mine.
Perhaps you could now grace us with an Homage To Pelosi.
If it was about Nevadans,
August 9, 2009 - 13:30 ET by fitzfongIf it was about Nevadans, this coward would show up to face his constituents. But it's not about Nevadans to Harry Reid: it's about San Franciscans, Brentwoodians, Cape Coddites, Southamptonians, Martha's Vineyardians, Park Avenueans and the rest of the entitled parasite class he actually represents. But here's the rub: these wealthy donors might keep his campaign war chest heavy, but it's the Nevadans who will get to take him down next year.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Calling On All...
August 10, 2009 - 10:39 ET by Wildcatter1980...our fellow Nevadan Americans to vote his pompousness, the dishonorable "Dingy Harry" Reid, off his high horse otherwise known Senator from Nevada.
--
We need to stop calling them "Progressives" when in reality they are big government "Socialists" who no longer value the individual's rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
SEIU T-Shirt & Cap
August 9, 2009 - 12:54 ET by moovovaI'm actually considering buying one of the purple SEIU t-shirts to get into townhall meetings early...undercover so-to-speak. They're cheap at the SEIU website...$7.95 each.
Normally, the SEIU t-shirt wearing union members are allowed in to these meetings early, and giving preferential treatment at the podium.
Shoot, they may even give me a "Support ObamaCare" sign that I could rip into pieces as I stand at the podium asking why 20 or 30 lib supporters were allowed in the meeting PRIOR to the doors being opened for the "general (rabble rousing) public".
Uhm...just might work
One size fits all?
August 9, 2009 - 12:58 ET by SterlingUnfortunately, I believe there was a run on XXL… why were all those SEIU people so chubby?
Never mind
August 9, 2009 - 13:12 ET by general companyDelete
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Dont wear it in a Right to Work State
August 9, 2009 - 13:11 ET by general companyYou may NOT be well received. I have been in touch with our Health Care union in our state, many of us in-fact. I have talked to 2 union leaders at our local Hospitals. They are very much against the HC bill, we are hoping they will express these beliefs publicly. They are understandably aprehensive, and they are receiving flack from the Union head's, who BTW dont work at the hospitals, or even in the state.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
>>>gc
August 9, 2009 - 13:22 ET by BKeysermy view of the SEIU
BK.. Perfect. Obama's a
August 9, 2009 - 21:05 ET by bigtimerBK..
Perfect.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Good point...
August 9, 2009 - 20:59 ET by moovovaGood point...thanks for the warning.
A Democrat is not showing up...shocked I tell ya shocked
August 9, 2009 - 13:01 ET by upcountrywaterRemember voter the town hall style is for lecturing.
It's rude for anyone speak out; be quiet pay more taxes.
Here is a chance for republicans to shine, question will they?
Reagan VS Liberalism
I don't think the GOP has
August 9, 2009 - 13:56 ET by mattmI don't think the GOP has the brains to take advantage of this. They have a history of punting on first-and-goal.
But a few true representatives of the people, if there are any, could shine as a result of this. My guess is that most of them will be republicans - Michele Bachmann, for one. But the RINO Party as a whole - I have my doubts.
The big-government elitists in both parties have shown their hand, and the people no longer feel represented. No matter how they spin it, this won't go away until all the bums are out on their ear.
I am being redundant here but
August 9, 2009 - 13:50 ET by DelsaSOBama and the left in the Congress and Senate have
only a small window of opprotunity to push their Socialist agenda through.
With that in mind, I believe the Left in our institutions will push ahead with their agenda before the the next election cycle.
They will ignore the voters and take chances with their re-election, because they know, all they need is the socialist nose under the proverbial tent and they win.
Once they are in, the sky is the limit.
The health care bill will pass, cap and trade will pass, investigations of our CIA will go on, the loss of life in Afganistan will grow under NATO control, because SOBama need us to loose, and the American people will be screwed!
Harry and Nancy will lead the charge!
Remember the Conservative Coalition?
August 9, 2009 - 18:33 ET by TheHistorianWe'll see if the "Blue Dogs" have guts enough to buck the northeast liberals. Remember, that is what did away with Roosevelt's WPA.
What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."
G. W. F. Hegel
Delsa... don't forget The
August 9, 2009 - 18:50 ET by bigtimerDelsa...
don't forget The Amnesty Dream Act...and whatever you do, be sure and include card check.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
HMMMMM
August 9, 2009 - 13:51 ET by rick007Goverment take over of health care would release billions for the unions to use for personal use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What?
August 9, 2009 - 13:55 ET by Jack Herman"This refusal to face one's constituents is now sweeping the nation. Washington state's Rep. Brian Baird, after claiming he received death threats, has canceled all of his town hall meetings this month opting for the telephone version:
Someone tell him he's going to be covered by Obamacare?
"This refusal to face one's
August 9, 2009 - 14:07 ET by motherbelt"This refusal to face one's constituents is now sweeping the nation.
As I've said elsewhere, it's delusions of grandeur.
These people are under the misguided impression that they go to Washington to govern (rule), not to represent.
They think they have subjects, not constituents.
Open Letter to Senator Harry Reid:
August 9, 2009 - 15:15 ET by BarkerMr. Reid,
Your war is lost.
Barker
Re Boxing
August 9, 2009 - 15:16 ET by slickwillie2001Dingy Harry had an earlier life as an amateur boxer, which I believe may explain his demeanor. Early onset Parkinson's/Senile Dementia, aka Muhammad Ali syndrome.
Hopefully, when this guy
August 9, 2009 - 16:06 ET by RR GOPHopefully, when this guy gets voted out of office he won't be able to show his face where normal people go because he'll be booed and insulted mercilessly.
There again, hard to say with the American sheeple.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
I knew the Fearless Leader
August 9, 2009 - 16:42 ET by bigtimerI knew the Fearless Leader (as I have always called wimp-wristed Reid) would do exactly as he is doing, along with the other duck and cover gutless wonders.
Of course the msm isn't going to mention this...I imagine they helped egg this on with both thumbs up.
My hope is people remember this....each and every one of them.
Radio ought to be fun next week!
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Its official...
August 9, 2009 - 17:34 ET by sam12663we have a bunch of cowards leading this nation. If they aren't guaranteed a stacked deck at these meetings, they want no part of it. But, then, what can you expect when they see the commander in chief doing the exact same thing. They are only playing follow the leader. Weasels all of 'em.
President Obama is nothing more than a lying empty suit; a Hollywood
style special effects smoke and mirrors show that has shown itself to
be a total fraud.
WAKE UP AMERICA! SAVE OUR CONSTITUTION!
Probably a good thing he
August 9, 2009 - 18:26 ET by TheHistorianProbably a good thing he doesn't show. Who wants to listen to this smarmy, lying land swindler talk about a bill he hasn't read, but he sure as heck has orchestrated the preparation?
I liked the suggestion that was proposed on one of the conservative shows: have your own town hall meeting, invite him, and put an empty chair up there to answer questions. Just like when they want to control a debate. Use their own tactics.
"What experience and history teach is
this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history,
or acted on principles deduced from it."
G. W. F. Hegel
Pasty faced pantywaist
August 10, 2009 - 06:31 ET by bolivarIs it just me or does this guy look like he is already embalmed and is just waiting for somebody to cover him up? Don't worry Reid, even a cat would not bother to cover you up if you were in it's litter box. I am so sick of these people - lie, cheat, steal and when somebody calls you on it THEY are the bad guys. To hell with that you pantywaist.
I have no use for liberal thinking - it is just so......passe.
Democrats are scared stiff!
August 10, 2009 - 10:02 ET by Mary Louise Turner"Dingy" Harry and his Democratic Party and media pals can dish out all the abuse they want, but they can't take it. That is clear with all these stupid "tele-town halls".
This possible health-care takeover by Big Government and Big Trial Lawyers has people angry, to say the least. What do the Democrats do? They do cowardly stuff such as tele-town halls. They are scared stiff, folks!
British English slang for
August 10, 2009 - 10:13 ET by Jack BauerBritish English slang for the telephone is the blower. So you could say to someone "I'm on the blower" ...
In Britain you could legitimately say during his idea of a Townhall meet, that "Yellow Stones" Harry Reid blows.