TEA Partiers Rattle the Cages of the Political Elite
Written by CHQ Staff on July 31, 2009, 12:27 PM
"There is no point in meeting with my constituents and [to] listen to them and have them listen to you if what is basically an unruly mob prevents you from having an intelligent conversation," Rep. Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.) told POLITICO after making a decision to suspend town hall events that have been frequently swarmed with members of local TEA Party groups.

And, Bishop isn't the only Congressman greeted by a coterie of angry constituents at town hall meetings.  According to POLITICO, Democrats (and some Republicans) across the US have been swarmed by what they call "mobs" of seething citizens, furious about these Congressmen's votes in support of key components of Obama's socialist agenda. “The days of you having a town hall meeting where maybe 15 or 20 of your friends show up — they’re over," says National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas).

Democrats are on the defensive despite their attempts to appear welcoming of this new breed of citizen activist.  The increasing occurrence of these "town hall protests" has turned a once tame event into a pillory for Obama-associated politicians. 

For grassroots activists, this is a positive sign that their efforts are working, and should be continued with all the intensity and passion displayed during the TEA Party protests. 

It doesn't take much to put together a town hall protest, but their effects are resounding.  The comforting insulation of "going back to the district" has been removed for many Democrats who rely on the distance of constituents from Washington politics.  Now, politicians are held accountable at both their D.C. offices and during trips back home.

Already public outcry against Obama's attempt to nationalize the healthcare has ruffled the feathers of liberals in Congress and caused "Blue Dog" Democrats to think twice before going along with their colleagues.  As more politicians know that their votes are watched and they can (and will) be held accountable, it could put a wrench in Obama's plans as his coalition crumbles around him.

This trend could present an interesting backdrop for Congress' August recess.


See the video here:



Search

Blog Comments

Jack
If we need to be unruly mods to get rid of these tyrants - i accept the title.
Russ
If they don't want to encounter an unruly mob than they either neet to REPRESENT their constituents or step down befor they are removed from DC on a rail whearing a new suit of tar and feathers
Don T
Send and Email to your Dopey Democrat and any "turncoat" Republican. Ask where they are holding a town hall meeting while on summer recess. Tell them you cannot wait to discuss health care. You are organizing the Seniors and wish to attend.
Valeria Lindholm
Honestly I AM organizing but for next years election. We don't give them a second chance once they screw up. You may fool me once but you won't fool me twice.
John
Watch as those blue dog democrats get bought off by the radical leadership in Congress. This is such a farce, as if they really cared what the citizens of this country think! They are enjoying their power and in the destruction of our Republic. They know that the GOP can't and will not do anything to stop them accept whine. It will take a major effort by the grassroots to get their attention and that of the national media. So far they have scuffed at the tea parties, so it looks like more civil unrest is needed.
Sharon
What a great video and a great crowd. They still don't listen when we just show up. We have to get loud and let them know we mean it.
Christiane
This gives me hope. America is waking up to the SOCIALISM/COMMUNISM that is RAPIDLY approaching.... GOD BLESS AMERICA!
John
I agree with Russ. After watching the u-tube video of Tim Bishop and his body language, it is plain to see that he is an arrogant s.o.b. who needs tar and feathers. He couldn't care less about his constituents. We must get tea-partys in every city, everywhere thru-out August. Even at airports when the fraidy-cat Senators and congressmen sneak into town from wherever they've been hiding.
Sara
Specter tried sneaking into Franklin for a set meeting with "all Democrats welcome" last week. He was met with about 30 protesters. When he made a comment that "I respect my constituents", this protester very loudly asked "Which ones?". I also commented when he was going in to his set-up meeting with - as the paper said - a friendlier crowd - that "He took the Republican voters who put him in office and threw them under the bus and he will do the same thing to the Democrats". A nearby gentleman said "She's right". He also refused to answer a yes or no question as to whether he still stood by his stance of a few years ago that he would listen to his constituents and then vote his own conscience (do any of them have one?). When pressed as to why he would not answer yes or no he said "Because I don't have to". WHY NOT ? Have they all exempted themselves from ever giving a yes or no answer even to their own stances just as they exempt themselves from everything else they pass as law for the rest of this Nation ? I better get off my soap box now. I was registered Constitution Party but re-registered as Republican in order to work against Specter and Casey also. And the Rep. for this area (Kathy Dahlkemper)who has turned out to be a Pelosi zombie.
9 Found

New Comment




simple_captcha.jpg
(type the code from the image)