Civilised town halls make for boring tv!

[slm76.livejournal.com]

Attended a health care Town Hall with our Congressional representative this evening. Was meant to last 2 hours, went on for 4! Eric Massa (D-NY) didn't look down on any of us, and even admitted when he didn't understand something! Sure, some folks got a little riled, but nothing like we've seen on tv.

Sadly, the disparaging and mocking came from those evidently in favour of the healthcare plan as it stands. I say this, because they opened their mouths whenever someone spoke out against it. Yet none of them were willing to get in front of a microphone. There were a few right-side/conservative/libertarians who shouted on occasion, but it was to rebut or refute a statement.

Overall, I'm happy to say we could have a much worse representative. He let us talk, was respectful, and stayed much longer than scheduled. He also made clear a few things, like he believes you should not vote for a bill you've not read, and that he welcomes a slow-down of this Administration's desire to completely overhaul healthcare.

I did get up to speak, reminding folks that not all us non-citizens are illegal and that we pay our taxes, because it seemed like some folks were saying there's only citizens and illegals. I cited the appalling examples of NHS, including the fact that folks from Canada and France were horrified by it. I held my own against a dude who didn't understand certain things about the British political system or about how my HR department made sure we got the best value for money for our employees. Afterwards, a radio station dude got me for a couple of soundbites, and folks came up to me to thank me for citing the personal experiences with the NHS and for commenting on my coming to this country and going for my citizenship.

All in all, it was a fairly tame Town Hall and nothing like we've seen on the tv. Our representative didn't shut us down, nor did he take a phone call in the middle of it. After all, that's what he has staffers there for. They were even tweeting for him! I don't think my views have changed any, but at least I know there are aspects of the current bill he doesn't like either!

Comments

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

You should have thrown a rotten tomato or something. Just because.

[regalpewter.livejournal.com]

Um no, Once you drop to the level of the the mob then you are there and have to work twice as hard to get back where you started. It also gives the listener a damned good reason to ignore all of your points, and it's kinda like acting like the other side a bit too much.

I am hoping that you meant this in jest.
But if the right is to get back to any sort of power you need to remeber to act twice as good as the other side, for the public opinion will be turned against any wrong action by the rabid media.

YIS,
WRI

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

"I am hoping that you meant this in jest. "

I did. Did you see my tribble icon? That episode was amusing.

[regalpewter.livejournal.com]

I apologize, I missed the subtley there.

I am used to the "end humor" tag or "/humor". On the internet it is sometimes hard to tell. Thank you for taking the time to correct me.

YIS,
WRI

[pastygothchick.livejournal.com]

Claim it was a run-by fruiting. :)

[mosinging1986.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it went well! Now that we're constantly being accused of behaving badly, we need to make doubly sure we do not. I know the double standard is not fair, but that's how it is. This issue is too important to let the other side have any real ammunition to toss out against us, you know?

[autumnjoy.livejournal.com]

So good to hear stories like this! The town hall meeting I went too was also with a NY Dem who handled the crowd with a lot of respect and listened to everybody. And although I seriously doubt that it's going to impact how he votes, you never know. It's great that you got to say your piece, and awesome that people came up to compliment you on it!

[regalpewter.livejournal.com]

Glad that it went well, however did you see any sign of folks from SEIU, or ACORN at the meeting. I only ask as they have started sending busloads of folks to the meetings here.

YIS,
WRI

[slm76.livejournal.com]

There were no purple SEIU or red ACORN shirts. A few folks looked like they were in a group, but nothing too organised.

[caromiofic.livejournal.com]

Great job, and glad it went well.