Town Hall Outrage
For some time now, I have wanted to comment on the raucous series of townhalls which have taken place across the nation. And instead of focusing on the issue itself, I would rather approach the phenomenon from a more political angle.
Many Democrats seem to be completely taken aback by the protester’s passion and anger, which is not always centered around the issue of healthcare. And while media personalities, pundits, Members of Congress, and even the President himself, attempt to discount much of populist backlash against the healthcare bill, the fact of the matter is, there is fierce opposition to this proposal and a building consensus against much of the President’s economic agenda.
The claim that these protests are simply, “astroturfing” (a term being employed now, ad nauseum) by special interest groups is hardly realistic (DO YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT CRAIG MILLER WAS PAID OFF?), considering the sheer numbers and diversity of protesters. Surely there are plenty of individuals defending their own “special-interests,” but even so, isn’t that why we all get involved in politics? Furthermore, considering the credentials of our current president as a community organizer, you would think that there would be a little more consideration towards a clearly disenfranchized body of American citizens (no, I won’t call them a “mob“).
The response from the Left to these episodes has been constant and arrogant, and as with the TEA-party demonstrations, these self-proclaimed elitists have had a hayday revealing how unsophisticated and “irrational” these Americans are. What Democrats don’t realize is, by insensitively categorizing these citizens as “rabid right-wing extremists“, “un-American“, and likening them to “nazis“, they are alienating a vast cross-section of society. And worse yet, they are completely dismissing serious concerns from their most politically active constituents.
Democrats are doing their cause a great disservice by refusing to acknowledge the legitimate points poised by millions of Americans, and instead, branding all opponents as racists, reactionaries, and lobbyists. Protesting is not “un-American,” in fact, it is an integral part of being an American. And no matter how unsophisticated many of these protesters are, they have serious fears over the direction in which this administration is trying to lead the country on the issue of healthcare. The burden of proof is not the responsibility of average citizens, these politicians are obligated to sell this plan to the American people. And so far the President has done a poor job of doing so. While pundits and politicians continue to criticize and demean these objectors, millions of Americans will continue to have serious doubts about whether or not this “healthcare reform” is the right thing for them. Democrats will LOSE on this issue, not because of special-interests, not because of a mobilized group of neo-nazi conservatives… it will be because Democrats are failing to connect with millions of concerned Americans, it will be because Democrats refuse to even acknowledge the serious issues themselves.
Because of this inability to focus on the legitimate objections of millions of American citizens, Democrats are going to pay for it come election time, not to mention, they will risk the very passage of the legislation itself. Not all opponents to these bills are extremists, in fact, most are not.
All elected officials, yes even Democrats, should represent their constituents to the best of their ability. They should appreciate the impact of populist movements and address the true fears and concerns from their constituents. Failure to do so may be costly come election time.
- Marc
UPDATE: You know a political party is in trouble when they would rather demonize the opposition instead of engaging on “the issues.” Democrats are unleashing a campaign to brand all protesters at these town halls as “racists.” But even some Dems are calling this tactic out for what it is: a dishonest political cheap shot. I mean, come on! When pundits start asking if the word “socialist” is a new “code word” equivalent to the “N-word,” you know that their cause is no longer on the offensive, it is on the defensive.
Leave a Reply
Aug 12th 2009 • 19:08
by Richard Okelberry
Here! Here! Marc!
I just don’t think that many Democrats, still glossy eyed about the election, can bring themselves to believe that there is true and legitimate decent over this issue. This is why they will lose! No matter how many clever and even vulgar names they come up with to demonize their opponents.
BTW: tonight on the Show… Tyler was wrong when he discounted your statement about Socialism in Cuba. While he was right that they are Communist, what he doesn’t seem to understand is that Communism is simply total Socialism where there is little if any private markets. In Cuba everything is Socialistically controlled and therefore considered Communistic.
Aug 12th 2009 • 20:08
by MichaelR
Good points, Marc. It’s ludicrous the extent to which liberals and democrats will go to alienate and demonize people with legitimate opposing views when they themselves were so recently victims of the same (and very whiny ones, at that). Anyone who discounts their opposition out of hand is a hypocrite of the worst order.
Aug 13th 2009 • 02:08
by Nigel
Well said Marc.
In a nut shell and with over-simplification to a degree that will. Surely inflame the left…from recent events I’ve learned that if you’re a conservative (something that not all of the town hall goers are) and protest, you’re disruptive, disrespectful, part of a mob, a Nazi, uneducated, ill-informed and maybe a ‘nut job!’. If you’re a liberal or progressive and protest, you’re simply exercising your constitionally protected right to free speech.
Aug 13th 2009 • 06:08
by Jason Williams
There is nothing “elitist” about recognizing half-crocked education on an issue, and “populist outrage” that — based on the commentary of these protesters alone — is more about a dislike for Barack Obama and the Democratic majority than it is actual issues, and contentions based on actual fact, rather than emotional rhetoric and trumped up talking points.
By very definition, the lack of information the protestors have consistently displayed (the one’s getting on the TeeVee, at least) justifies the definition of “mob.”
You may find reason to be indignant about them being mocked, or their portrayal in by the media, Marc, but you cannot justify the inherent nobility you see in this “movement” funded and organized by the insurance industry, and carried out by those who really don’t understand what it is they are so angry about (just like the TEA parties).
Aug 13th 2009 • 07:08
by Richard Okelberry
Strong allegations Jason!
I must say that your inability to wrap your head around this issue is showing more blind obedience than any amount of ignorance on the part of the protestors. I have read their claims and they are legitimate. You seem intent on basing your entire opinion on this subject on a few skillfully found quotes by the national media of the most ignorant of these protestors.
You know how this works Jason. Heck Shaun Hannity does it all the time when he sends a reporter into an area with a bunch of Obama supporters and finds a bunch of liberals that can’t even name who the vice president is let alone the speaker of the house.
So where is your proof that the insurance industry, which Tyler has labeled as “Evil,” is funding these protests?
You talk about “half-crocked education” on this issue, but between you and Tyler, you both seem to think that oil revenues in Alaska, the Hoover dam, the FCC and a whole other myriad of government agencies are all examples of Socialism. As such, you have repeatedly shown a complete ignorance about what Socialism is and where it eventually leads a society.
Aug 13th 2009 • 08:08
by Richard Okelberry
For those of you who don’t believe that the protestors have a legitimate complaint regarding Obamacare, here is a list of a few objections with the page references so you all can look it up yourself!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2300451/posts
Note that this list only goes up to page 494 out of 1017. But this certainly is a good place to start. Should we start with discussing Page 16?
Here’s a link to the Bill so that everyone can look things up for themselves.
http://health.burgess.house.gov/UploadedFiles/AAHCA09_001_xml.pdf
Also, for a much more detailed look at Obamacare, here is the analysis of Duke Professor John David Lewis. Now I understand that some of you liberals shrouded by the cloak of Hope and Change will want to discount this accounting outright or try and somehow discredit the entire piece by finding some personal way to attack Professor Lewis. So I ask that instead of killing the messenger you would address objections to his analysis directly. If you think he is lying, then be specific if you can.
http://www.classicalideals.com/HR3200.htm
Aug 13th 2009 • 08:08
by North Logan Tyson
Whether or not I agree with what the protesters themselves are saying, I agree that both sides should be more careful in dismissing the concerns of the other.
For one, everyone recognizes that there are some serious problems with our health care system, where insurance companies work as hard as they can to deny coverage to those that really need it. Rising costs are also a huge problem.
We all have different opinions on the best approach to solving these problems, and you are right… I should be more careful before lumping everyone with concerns about health care in with “death panel” wing nuts. Valid concerns from each side should not be dismissed because fringe elements seem to want to shout louder than those with real concerns.
Aug 13th 2009 • 08:08
by MichaelR
@Jason Williams
– “By very definition, the lack of information the protestors have consistently displayed (the one’s getting on the TeeVee, at least) justifies the definition of “mob.””
Again, leave it to the liberals to think in broad groups.
– “You may find reason to be indignant about them being mocked, or their portrayal in by the media, Marc, but you cannot justify the inherent nobility you see in this “movement” funded and organized by the insurance industry, and carried out by those who really don’t understand what it is they are so angry about (just like the TEA parties).”
This whole movement is funded by the insurance agencies? Talk about a nutcase conspiracy theory.
Jason, I understand the proposal. I understand the theory, the logic, the numbers, all of it, and I oppose it vigorously. What’s more, I am receiving no payoff from anyone. I know many, many people like myself. Does that change anything in your way of thinking about this?
Aug 13th 2009 • 09:08
by North Logan Tyson
“Again, leave it to the liberals to think in broad groups.”
The irony of this statement is hilarious.
Aug 13th 2009 • 10:08
by MichaelR
Thank you!
Aug 13th 2009 • 11:08
by Federal Farmer
Jason, Michael is right. If anything smells like a conspiracy theory, it’s the series of exaggerations coming straight from the White House, accusing these protesters to be agents of greedy self-interest groups. Come on, Jason! You know as well as I that this is a timeless political tactic! Astroturfing! That should be the last nail in the coffin. Of course insurance companies are investing against the healthcare bills, but honestly, an easy majority of these citizens are nothing more than average Americans representing themselves.
If the opposition was simply being mobilized by special-interest groups, the polls wouldn’t be reflecting a general consensus against these proposals! A quick look at both Gallup and Rasmussen should remind you that special-interest groups aren’t the only ones opposed to the plan.
We all know that when Democrats begin accusing anyone and everyone of racism, they are losing control of an issue. This healthcare proposal is becoming a debacle for this administration, and when Congress actually votes on a bill, we will see the true impact of these protests.
Aug 13th 2009 • 14:08
by Nigel
Jason, I would have to agree with Marc & Michael…imagine that!
At least some of the points you brought up were good for a chuckle.
…the ones getting on the TeeVee…ROFL! “mob” HA!
Aug 13th 2009 • 14:08
by Richard Okelberry
@Federal Farmer
It might be that Democrats simply can’t imagine a political uprising that is not orchestrated by well funded political operatives like ACORN. “The Rat’s are in the Corn, and the Rats are his!” – Steven King, The Stand
Aug 16th 2009 • 22:08
by Tom M
Yeah, what Regan said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdLpem-AAs
Aug 19th 2009 • 07:08
by Richard Okelberry
@Tom M
That is one of the best links I have seen in this debate, Tom. Sorry it took me so long to listen to it! It certainly is a MUST for anyone, liberal or conservative, who wants to be informed about the issue of socialized healthcare in this country!
Aug 19th 2009 • 17:08
by North Logan Tyson
Learning about medicare is very relevant to the discussion about the current healthcare proposals.