American Morning
Health care hecklers: Can we talk – civilly?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/08/05/dogget.art.jpg caption="Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett says he was a victim of a health care heckler."]
This August, lawmakers on summer break are holding town hall meetings so voters can ask questions and get answers about health care reform. Except, as some describe it, in some districts those town hall meeting have turned into a kind of town-hell – with lawmakers being met by groups of angry hecklers.
In Texas over the weekend, Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett tried to talk to a constituent about health care reform. He says it was nearly impossible.
"The crowd certainly was angry, I suppose some might have been concerned to see a beautiful full color photo of a marble tombstone with my name on it, or might have had a negative reaction to the poster that said 'Lloyd Doggett, traitor to Texas, devil to all people,'" he says.
"But I found it more amusing than I did something to be fearful of." Doggett adds: "This is not a grass roots, pitchfork operation. If anything, it’s pure Astro turf." He claims local Republicans organized the protests; a Texas GOP spokesman denies that. Max Pappas, of the conservative group Freedomworks, says they encourage members to attend the town halls, "to sit down and talk with the congressmen."
But, some Democrats say Freedomworks doesn't want that at all. Some claim it urges its thousands of members to participate, not in a discussion about health care reform, but a shout down. "You get some instances where people get so passionate," Pappas says. "When they get into discussion they start yelling or chanting. But it's not fake outrage."
Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, was shouted down himself in a town hall meeting Sunday. But he appeared to take it in stride. "My preference would be to have it more sedate, but listen, a democracy is robust, it can be rough and tumble. Nothing really surprises me anymore."
What do you think? Is it possible to talk about health care reform and come to some sort of compromise? Or are passions too inflamed for a reasoned debate? Can we talk – civilly?
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I am a Canadian and i have universal Health care.
Citzens of America
The Government does not have anything to do with our health care.
in regards to picking outr Drs. We pick out Drs, specialist, hospitals etc. The Government does not choose for us.We pay according to our income tax . We can go to any hospital of our choice. We don't have to ask our Government for permission .We don't have to worry about losing our homes because of hospital costs. If u lose ur jobs ur still covered.all u need to do is contact the medical service plan in your area and summit a copy of your income tax and ur payments are lowered or u have to pay nothing. We get excellent health care and all people are equal in the quality of health care they receive..No one is turned away because of their finacial situation. No Dr. tells us its going to cost so much for this treatment or that treatment. We get no hospital bills when we get home. Theirs been lots of jobs lost due to the economy but their still covered. We don't have long waiting lists.
Sure we could improve our health care but every day i'm thankful for my health care system. Thank God I'm Canadian
Bill Bartlett... If the Govt is going to be the "Decider" on how tax dollars are going to go toward a 'single payer system' (Or whatever they are calling it since that didn't go over so well) and they send the money/payment they approve to Dr's and Hospitals... the Private Practice will be a thing of the past... our hospitals will start to look like the DMV... only with brighter lighting. Any students that would have considered going into the medical field... will be looking at an industry that is nothing like what we are used to and may change their major.
I know Doctors see everyone... if you need proof... go to any hospital and watch the emergency room door... no one comes out of there because they have been turned away.
These "hecklers" at town hall meetings make Americans look like a bunch of mean spirited, ignorant people looking to make a scene. What I don't understand is how grown adults, especially seniors citizens, can treat an issue like this. If you all are so passionate about it why don't you hecklers shut your mouth and let people speak and be heard. There is no compromise or hearing either side of the issue when nothing but rhetoric is being spewed out by every carried away heckler. Take the time to sit back and think of how universal health care can help you, and start working constructively to make the bill better. Yelling surely wont get that process moving forward successfully. I am a college student, passionate about this topic, especially cause I loose my health care in a year, but my mother taught me better than to yell and degrade a public official at a public event, you just don't act like that.
I have questions for the congressmen, and want to hear their answers. The hecklers aren't interested in anyone's questions or thoughts, and have no regard for democracy. They are most likely paid by big-money interests.
I was disgusted to watch some of the footage of the health care town hall meetings the last few days. I am not sure if the people at the meetings were plants by the GOP or various lobbyist groups as some have suggested. It seems plausible given past events, but who knows. In any event those individuals that would not allow a proper discourse of the issue in those meetings should be ashamed. They acted like children. Some of us do want to hear and understand the details surrounding this proposal.
Wealth is made, not given. Without wealth there would be nothing to give. But one thing is for sure – there is no price or limit on stupidity!
How about thinking about this – You can not get out of this world alive. Health care is about prolonging life not saving life – in the end you will still get some desease and you will still die – and you will still need doctors and nurses, and insurnace companies and if these are run by the government you will need them sooner than later.
If anyone has been paying attention, there are documents from Republican lobby groups instructing people how to best disrupt town hall meetings, and how to make their numbers seem larger when they are there. These documents are being shown on other news organizations. There are also spread sheets informing their "cast" when and where town hall meetings are being held. Some of these groups are being transported from meeting to meeting by bus. NO, THESE ARE NOT REGULAR CITIZENS TRYING TO LEARN ABOUT THE BILL ON THE TABLE. These are actors – organized mobs, sent out to disrupt the democratic process by drowning out the discourse. The mere fact that they get the floor, and they get to parrot their talking points, but they won't let ANYONE ELSE be heard ought to make the situation clear enough. Truthfully, I can't even believe you asked the question, aking how real these people are. If CNN needs the documentation, I would be happy to send the links.
Not only does the heckler not understand the issues – the heckler doesn't know how to demonstrate respect. Healthcare Reform, including an impact on the legal system, specifically malpractice, is a must. Rationing is already taking place. Look at what insurance companies are doing. The Obama plan would open up healthcare for all. I have worked in healthcare as a provider and business owner for over 30 years and Obama is on the right track.
Will someone please help me:
Exactly what freedoms have been lost?
Exactly what new taxes have been enacted?
Where do you get "increase deficit by $10T over next five years?"
Where do you get information that says healthcare reform will kill senior citizens?
Where do you get that all medical professionals will be government employees?
Where do you get the notion that "doctors see everybody"?
I really need to understand this
If this is true, why haven't you used the following point to question the notion of becoming a 'Socialist Nation' ??
THE KEY POINT TO REMEMBER – for consumers to buy into the public plan, there is a firewall built-in if you are already part of an employer-based health plan. If your plan costs more than 12 1/2% of your annual salary, then you can contemplate switching to the public option. If not, then you are stuck with your employer-based plan, whether or not you are satisfied with it. It's a cost containment decision, with the hope that competition from the public plan will, over time, shift the operations of private insurers.
DOES THE RIGHT THINK THE INSURANCE COMPANIES WON’T KEEP THEIR PLANS BELOW 12 1/2 % ? THEY ARE JUST GOING TO LET THEIR CLIENTS DROP COVERAGE ? THAT’S NOT VERY SOUND FISCAL MANAGEMENT, IS IT ?
The Republican strategy is this: Being that we have no real ideas and no real solutions and no real Leadership, we'll just scream and shout and throw a tantrum like most immature babies do. And just like babies who are just learning to talk, isn't it interesting that the only word that they have learned so far, is "No." "No", Cash for Clunkers to move us a step closer to oil independance. "No", Stimulus to help stabalize the economy. "No", diplomacy with other Countries, which improves our image around the World. "No". health care for millions of Americans that need it. "No" to a policy to deal with immigration etc. Most Republicans are not capable of having a civil conversation. The only conversation that they are willing to have, is to give big tax cuts to those who are already wealthy.
Your comments were nothing more than repeating the "spin" from the DNC. Look in the mirror.
Can we just talk – are you kidding me! Congress and both administrations ramming things down our throats at break neck speed – no time to discuss, no time to read the bill – now you want to talk. Contact your congressman or senator and get some dribble back about what a great job they are doing – can we just talk – NO ONE IS LISTENING – no wonder why people are frustrated to the point of yelling!
How stupid – call these people members of some right wing group – look after we get finished yelling at both political parties, we are going to start yelling at the media and then we will yell at the insurance companies and then we will yell at the banks and then we will yell at the car companies – Cash for clunkers – it should be renamed How congress bribes us with our own money – I am mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore – is that clear enough!
How about some real journalism – or don’t they teach that in school anymore – or are you just surrounded by stupid people or worse?
i think it is very funny that all of the people who claim to be so concerned about the government taking over health care leading to the government making all their person choice decisions and violating their freedom of choice, but they are not concerned about private insurance companies making those decisions for them as we stand right now, telling us what procedures we can have and not have, who gets covered and who does not, denying care based on preexisting conditions, and raising your premiums at will. is that really free choice?
It seems that the CNN listeners are very misinformed. Maybe if the the journalists for CNN , ABC, and NBCwould get their heads out of our presidents butt , they might be able to see what was really going on in our country and report on the truth. These journalists have too much investsd in Obama though. I do not believe the people who shouted at these meetings are "hecklers" as CNN calls them. They are just people who see whats happening and don't like it at all. "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN"? Is Socialism the "Chage" we are supposed to believe in? Our president wants to buy up everything (maybe he played a little too much Monopoly when he was little) . How is it good for America for the gov. to own everything? Why should it be up to them to decide who gets the medical treatment we need and who doesn't. Thats what this health plan will be like in the future. The elderly won't get the care they need because they won't last much longer anyways. Our cancer survival rate will drop drastically because they won't be able to get treatment right away.Small businesses will struggle to survive due to being over taxed to pay for all of this and everything else Obama wants to do . Ask you government officials if this is such a wonderful health care plan , why they wont be using it!!!!
The typical left wing, Democrat reaction to public disdain for its policies - call them hecklers, fringe elements, Republican backed - everything but tell the truth. These are not a few hecklers in a crowd of supporters. This is the majority of the crowd! This is the main stream trying to be listened to instead of Congress only listening to each other and the President! These are Democrats, Independents and some Republicans. Congress better wake and listen or they're all going to be looking for real jobs; and hopefully a replacement Congress will cancel the great retirement plans they have put in effect for themselves without the public having any say in the matter.
The town hall meetings are just the tip of the iceberg. Middle class people are expressing their dissatisfaction with the federal government meddling in every day lives & ignoring the principles that make our country great. Obamacare is extremely unpopular and many feel it is being stuffed down our throats. Our representatives have lost touch with main street, their only agenda is to get reelected and not, to vocalize the wishes of the people they represent........regardless of their party affiliation. Expressing anger at meetings is one way of gaining the attention of Washington.
Dear Carol and CNN, I truly believe that those people who were being disruptive concerning Health Care were paid and planted by Insurance Companies and many Republicans who don't want their tidy and lucrative business touched and watched over by the Federal Government. Shame on them! Why can't more Americans have the health care available to them that money can buy for the rich and powerful???? Medicare works, as does Medicaid. We just need to eliminate those doctors and practioners who should no longer be practicing medicine out of the system. These 'medical professionals' should not be part of our health care system. Let them practice on the rich and famous, then see how long they would be allowed to make mistakes.
I've been following this health care debate very closely. The way I see it at this time this health care bill is a total take over by the government which no matter what name you put to it it's socialism. I'm a registered nurse and I work with a Canadian nurse and I also wrote a Paper on socialist medicine back when Clinton tried to do it–wake up people government socialist medicine does not work. The Government can only tax the people so much and when the budget runs out for that fiscal year there is no choice but to ration care, deny medicines that are to expensive and waiting lists. what I see with these town hall meetings are frustrated middle class people that are getting an unfair plan shoved down our throats. The middle class people that will ultimately pay for this bill like all the other entitlement programs. Yes Health care reform needs to happen but what I want to see is a bipartisan plan with as little government involvement as possible that's fair to all and paid for by all.
Civil reactions are at a very high level because "We the People" would rather be spending our time with our family and working at our own job. Having to stop living so we can tell the people we elected, that we do not want our Doctors to be Government workers. Tax money that We the People will be giving, will go to ALL Health Care Workers, Hospitials, Clinics, Pharmacy's ... This is a giant burden on the American's that do go to work everyday... keep in mind... thousands of Americans are being laid off daily. If we put American's back to work... there will be more tax dollars contributed to the kitty...THEN we can all breathe and think straight... the money will be there to take care of those that are not covered... Right now... Doctors see EVERYBODY... I don't trust that when the Politics gets involved... we will have anything remotely close to the care we have now. Can't we just help insure those that don't have money to purchase their own insurance? I don't think any American would hate that idea.
It would be CIVIL for Democrat congress people and Obama to tell the truth!! They are proposing fundamentally changing our healthcare system to socialized medicine at a cost that will finish bankrupting the country. All the people who think they are going to get something "free" will find that when American enterprise is completely destoryed by a governemnt that can't meet its debt payments, they will not have improved their situation. Rather, at that point ,we will have little hope of EVER improving our situation. The Democrat spending spree must STOP! Yes, I know the Republicians spent alot of money and Bush left a 1 Trillion Dollar debt but adding 10 Trillion to that over the next 5 years is not going to solve the problem. Have you personally calculated the annual interest on even 1 Trillion dollars? I have. How about 10 times that much debt??...and that is without the cost of whatever national healthcare might be added. Congress is killing the golden goose and they do not listen to civility because most of them want the votes of all the non-productive people who are out to get, get, get from the government. If we allow small businesses to be destroyed and deny corporations a profit , from where will jobs come?? Do you think you can afford to pay enough taxes to cover all the money Congress can give away and waste? They are in the process of showing you just how expensive that might be and the expense is not limited to dollars....it includes the quality of American healthcare. You think free enterprise is not necessary to a country's financial health?..........the USSR proved that it is. Some Russians are now laughing at us while others are concerned about us!! Have you read the editorals being published in Pravda?
As DeepThroat said, "follow the money"
The health insurance system appears to be based on insurance groups: larger groups = corporations = cheaper insurance. Nobody has offered the idea of having the large GROUP of people having difficulty getting insured lumped into one huge group, to be taken on by either a large cluster of insurance companies or by the government. If private insurance companies can be convinced to take a chunk of this GROUP, divided equally among them, this may result in a cheaper way to achieve insurance for everyone. Make biting off this chunk of the GROUP a requirement for insurance companies' existance. I agree with the idea of stopping the pre-existing conditions barrier heretofore used by insurance companies. In this way, private insurance companies can continue, while many more of us can be insured for less. For those who can't afford insurance, something similar to Medicaid could be devised. It amazes me how the Republicans decry government run healthcare, while ignoring the acceptance of medicaid and VA benefits. I am amazed at how the Republicans continue to misconstrue everything the Obama administration has had to say and how the ignorant are willing to accept every scare monger's internet text, simply because it is on the Internet. It is as if an Internet posting is as believable and has the same standing as the Bible that they would prefer to take literally, but selectively, to support their particular narrow views, but I digress..
OK I won't go in to what happens in colleges, etc. where speakers are not able to speak or who get food thrown at them–all organized by local organizations. That was all right–free speech.
Here, despite polls which show people do not want what's coming down the pike, people are being ignored. Look how you downplayed the tea parties and despite proof to the contrary, simply put the participants as extremists.
Now comes the opportunity to tell these Congressmen (and look at their polls to see what the GENERAL PUBLIC thinks of their job) to begin to listen. Only numbers MAY work. And these Congressmen are generally not used to opposition. Anyway, you're very willing in your coverage to marginalize the protestors, and the other viewer comments go along with that. You're giving the impression these are all far right people. Not.
Listen to Schumer. He's willing to use reconciliation to get the bill through. How's that for abuse of power!! Why not report on what that means? What about the White House telling Democrats to have slips to allow people to talk at town meetings–like he screens speakers at his meetings? Then the voters get slammed by "friendly fire." These are issues people are concerned about, and their frustration makes them stand and vociferously applaud the speakers.
What's the quality of the response that a Congressman says that you want gov't out of healthcare. Do you want us to drop Medicare?
What about Gibbs saying this is not a grass roots movement but as astro-turf movement?
There is NO RESPECT FOR ANYONE WHO DARES TO QUESTION, and there is nothing but DISRESPECT WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION DEIGNS TO RESPOND.
Republicans who can no longer filibuster congress refuse to do their elected duty of engaging their peers in finding solutions to real socio-economic issues that can benefit the people this great nation. Instead seek to subvert political process, through their time tested use of use of scare tactics, caving to conflicts of interests (greed) caused by lobbies lining the pockets of those who preventing solutions.
FOX NEWS promotes the idea on its (all the news that is fit to contrive) entertainment segment by
having its FOX NEWS commentators promote the idea of filibustering town meetings in order to prevent rational discussions on the legitimacy of issues.
FOX NEWS then reports “AS actual NEWS” the fact that radical elements of its ideological base (which FOX NEWS stirred up) did disrupt the political process by heckling these fact finding meetings.
As a life long republican I naively believe in the greatness of this nation’s two most venerated institutions: our political leadership and the truthfulness of our free press.
I don’t know which of my beliefs, I should be disappointed in. Believing over history that I have voted for exceptional men with vision (only to find them mediocre), or through growing up in an era of Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley believing in the integrity of the American press. . .
I should have remembered my college professor’s quote “Those who don’t remember history are doomed to repeat it!”
I should be believing in Tammany Hall and William Randolph Hearst!
I must first say I am caucasian. 1) I agree with President Obama: the Cambridge policeman acted "stupidly". 2)The Boston policeman who wrote the horrible e-mail should be fired. 3) Hooray for the correspondents and their families former President Clinton, Secretary of State Clinton, former Vice President Gore, President Obama and all the rest who made their release possible. I love Obama and his family.
Lynn Marlowe
Exactly what taxes have been raised? I haven't seen any.
I'll bet that you don't see one heckler in a suit at these protests.
Just saying
I cannot tell you the number of times I have contacted my elected representatives concerning an issue and have their response barely address my concern. They don't seem to listen to my concerns and only want to get out their message with a spin favorble to their political party. How many time is the current year have we heard about these officials acting on bill without first reading the bill. This is absurd. And Senator Specter says he needs to act fast. There is absolutely no reason to act fast on a bill like health care. So when the concerns of citizens fall on the deaf ears of our elected officials, yes it is time to get more vocal. They are on their break to meet with their constituents and LISTEN to their concerns. Not just hear them and put a party line on their response. Maybe now after all this press they will honestly listen and act in regard to the concerns of their constituents.
I don't know how people can argue so vigorously over something that we don't have the true or final details on. People stating that the government will decide who will die is absurd – that decision has been in the hands of the insurance companies for many years.
Town Hall Meetings are set to provide details then people in attendance act like spoiled brat children with no manners. They don't want to know the details. It is embarrassing. If you want to be heard, screaming and chanting may work but it hinders the other people who are interested in hearing the speaker. Find somewhere else to go and do your screaming.
Pictures of President Obama as the Joker – more examples of rude behavior at the least. That just makes me sick..
If I was a legislator, I'd single out a protester, and ask:
"Do you have health insurance?"
"How much do you pay?"
"What's your deductible?"
"Have you ever been denied payment by your insurance company?"
"Do you think its fair that subscribers get dropped after paying years of premiums once they get sick and need the coverage?"
"Do you know anyone that was denied coverage?"
"How much have your premiums/deductibles gone up in the past four years?"
"Do you think its fair that executive compensation of these insurers has gone up at your expense?"
"Do you have a relative on Medicare, and do they like it?"
"Do you honestly believe that Democrats want to kill senior citizens?"
If they answer these questions honestly, they could be quieted. But then again, that is not the purpose of these tactics. They are 'simple folk' who are wound up by talk radio, then bussed to these events to vent their robotic rage. I think someone is going to get hurt.
I am self employeed with 60 employees. I pay way more in taxes than the vast majority of these rude, inconsiderate nattering nabobs (a possibly incorrectly spelled line from another former conservative) who typify what is becoming the m.o. for the Republican party; when someone is trying to respond or opine with a line that you know in advance you probably won't like, shout them down. Don't listen.
For those that want to listen to the issues, it is glaringly obvious that we have to do something about the mess that we have created over the past 30 years. My generation is responsible for this mess and we have to attempt to fix it. I for one am willing to pay more taxes, which anyone willing to listen to the issues will have to admit that we are going to have to do. And I will also say, to all of those screaming folks who have never had to make a payroll or even worse, in my case, laying long term employees off due to horrible business conditions, that nothing the government will do will ever stop me for building and growing a business. It is in my blood. And I would contend that any business person worth their salt would, if they are honest, would say the same thing. No one wants to pay taxes. Including me. But if we want to continue having the greatest country in the history of mankind, we have to pay the price.
Oh, one last thing; those who shout down will say something like," yeh, you want communism, then let what is happening continue the way it is now." They forget that government grew faster and larger during the George W. Bush era than at any time in the history of the country. And I know they would have responses to that too.
Go Obama. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
I agree that it is political terrorism! I can't think of a better term. I encountered it when our Congressman Patrick Murphy spoke in our area this past weekend! Even the pictures the local paper published were angry! I am conservative in many of my views and am a former member of the Republican party.
All I can say is that it is the only strategy the party has because they don't have strong candidates that appeal to the people so they have to rebel rouse! They can't accept the fact that they lost the election and are trying to appeal to the ignorant masses. Logic then cannot prevail! I heard Rush Limbaugh say on the radio yesterday that there are no uninsured that need National Health Care. ??????
I would like to know what people out there think we should do with people who are injured or who have catastrophic illnesses and don't have health care? Let them die? Who do you think is paying for the people who are uninsured at the present time?
Do you really think the insurance companies would like for us to get rid of national healthcare such as Medicare, Medicaid or other healthcare programs available through the government so that their payout would be larger? Don't kid yourself! If the private insurers have their way, they will be competitive all right. Our premiums, deductibles and services will go out of sight in order for them to make their profits. Just look at what they are doing now. Many elderly are paying out-of-sight premiums for minimal payout by all gap policies. Medicare pays 80% and the insurance companies pay a minimal amount on the rest. Of course, doctor's office visits are a bit more compensated after deductibles. I didn't realize this until after I retired with full paid coverage and was "forced" into subscribing to Medicare B in order to keep my coverage. The word was "forced" only to realize that my so-called "gap" paid policy pays very little in the long run.
Please someone out there explain that to me. No wonder Medicare and Medicaid programs are being depleted. In my opinion the words are INSURANCE LOBBYISTS AND GREED FOR PROFIT! HEALTH CARE SHOULD NOT BE A FOR-PROFIT INDUSTRY!
The GOP would be better served by joining the town hall meetings with productive input instead of attacks and yelling. I fear for the conductors of these meetings. Soooner or later someone will come with a gun if these spectacles are encouraged and allowed to continue. So.. so much for FREEDOM OF SPEECH... these hecklers are going against everyone's freedom by bullying their way through. I want information and feel confident we elected the right man. These problems were inherited. It will take more than 200 days to make the changed needed to fix these issues once and for all. I agree with Obama's "tack" and hope and pray it results in changes that can get us on the right track. I have seen nothing from the other side with any better ideas... only criticism and obstacles.
These hecklers (mobs) are nothing more than members of the GOP uneducated base who are following instructions from insurance lobbyist and other fringe Republican groups to shout down Representatives who are trying to educate voters who really do care about health-care reform. It's a sad reminder of just how weak minded the GOP thinks the American voters and press are today. The good news is it will not work!
What has happened to this country when free speech has been replaced with "thought and hate crimes"; when the right to protest is replaced with "free speech zones", and town hall meetings are becoming censored by the "emotion police". OF COURSE PEOPLE ARE ANGRY. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALLOWED THE BANKS TO STEAL 23.7 TRILLION (YES, TRILLION!) DOLLARS FROM US, AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO TRUST THIS SAME BODY OF THIEVES TO MANAGE SOMETHING AS CRITICAL AND EXPENSIVE AS OUR HEALTH CARE? THE SAME GOVERNMENT THAT KEEPS TRYING TO TAKE AWAY OUR RIGHTS TO USE WHATEVER TREATMENT WE DEEM BEST INCLUDING NATURAL REMEDIES???? You should be embarrassed for asking.
The hecklers are anti-american and un-patriotic. They are trampling on the rights of others who are there to ask questions. They should be charged with disorderly conduct and fined. They are costing cities and towns money to have a police presence at these meetings to maintain law & order. Maybe these same cities and towns could send them a bill for the extra cost. It's pretty obvious who's behind this, the health care lobby and insurance companies.
Just remember the novel by Sinclair Lewis "Elemer Gantry" where the mob was greatly portrayed to heckle down the main characters after a personal disaster in the novel, Hecklers come and go and are as prolific as any public meeting, Call them protesters, or just disrupters, yet altternate points of view are becomming more and more public held by more and more individuals and groups to the point where how does one satisfy all people well enough to pass good legislation?
I dare anyone who believes these are actual constituents who are screaming like preschoolers so that the congress persons can't be heard, to check their ID's... they ain't local....
If you think this is just "a right-wing mob", you are seriously mistaken. What's to talk about? Obama and his Socialist Left-Wing extremists intend to ram this abomination down the throats of the American people.
And how do you discuss this anyway? These spineless politicians have modified the plan a number of times, to the point that even THEY don't know what's in the bill.
I wish you would cover Moveon.org with the same zeal you do mainstream Americans.
"Why is that if a protest is made against a Republican function it is reported by CNN as a grassroots protest and the people are saying what is on their mind. When a similar protest is made against a Democrat it is always a mob that has been organized by the Republican party?"
Because this one was actually organized by a former Republican Congressman?
On the topic of Town Hall Meeting, I think it's great that the people that are elected are trying to face the people that elected them. I also think it's only right that they do this in person.
If the these elected people choose to do these town hall meeting via teleconferance, then they should not be reelected to office.
They need to hear and see what there decisions in Washington are doing to what we used to call a Free Country!
If they can't take the Heat, get them out of the kitchen!!
The media has been reporting a "few hundred here and there" when the truth is thousands have appeared at these meetings. ( check the Ohio papers lies on a speech by Judge Nepalitano about the Constitution)We are anrgy Americans who were hoping for positive change. We are not only getting more taxes but all the lies that were thrown at us during the campaign and the fact that this congress will not listen to us. If we were so well organized where are our leaders. Anyone who states we were paid, should find out the names and proof of those actions. We are Americans who are finally doing our homework. Sorry we can't act the way you in the media think we should act! But we are the ones who will pay for all these wasteful unmagaeable programs of a what now appears to be a government leaning to socialism!
Why transfer focus to the hecklers? Keep it on the real issue – health care reform. Yes, law makers face a horde of extremely angry people; while not a heckler, I am a member of the outraged group and wonder who could possibly make up the 25% pro-reformers. Ahh, yes. Youth. If this bill passes, it could be a hard and fatal lesson for them in years to come. While opposed to the heckling, I was pleasantly surprised to see many young people in the crowds. Perhaps they have parents and grandparents they love and would like to see live long, productive lives. Or maybe they just have a firmer understanding of long-term effect for themselves.
Congratulations on showing the connection between these disrupted townhalls and corporate lobbyists. But you could go further. These orginizations have published and distributed instructions http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/townhallactionmemo.pdf. These demonstrators are being bussed across district lines. The GOP leadership in Congress supports these tactics. Protestors push the insane claim that if health care is reformed that senior citizens will be put to death. I wish this network would come out and debunk that.
They are not interested in participating in the conversation. They want to stop the conversation. This is about the most UN-American thing that I can think of, and it's shameful that a major political party supports that.
sorry that was defendyourhealthcare.us
No suprise that there are those out there that want to "fuel the flames" of anger against any type of health care reform because there is alot at stake for them. Money is to be made and politics is to be played. This is a game to those that have money and power to gain (finding people to use as pawns is easy), but a real life issue for many others that are in desperate need of affordable health care for their family.
I guess some believe they know all there is to know about health-care reform. I'd like to hear BOTH sides of the issue. One's got to wonder why insurance company's profits are up 450%... how do they explain that?
Angry mobs? Lets get real. People are tired of the rhetoric and will not be standing by silently while our esteemed congressmen completely bankrupt what we have all worked so hard for, our freedom, our liberties. When these elected officials understand that they are accountable to us, the people who put them in office,then maybe we can see real change. To just blindly push through health care reform without even knowing how its going to be paid for is ludicrous and outrageous.These rocket scientists which I helped elect, are they going to participate in the government sponsored health care program? Will they be willing to sacrifice the possibilites for their children and grandchildren to get ahead? Go after the drug companies and insurers-they are raking in billions of dollars in profits at our expense. Governement run health-care- Medicaid is a disaster-there are more abuses and fraud in the system than can be imagined. And senior citizens? With what's proposed-why even bother to get old-lets counsel people on end of life options now-Medicare Part D is a disaster as well-but hey!! Lets keep spending paper money to throw more at a government system that's completely broken. Emotional issues, no? And, I do know what I'm talking about- I'm a registered nurse on the front lines.
I do not think that these hecklers reflect the overall opinion or desires of the American people. If you would dig into the backgrounds of these people you would find that they are still disgruntled over the election results. I also think that you (CNN) could do a better job of reporting and exposing the corporate insurance ties and organized backing these people have. If you follow the money you will see why our insurance costs are so high. We now have a pay or die system that needs to be changed. I am still hopeful however, that we will get a meaningful bill with a public option that benefits the people of the country and not the insurance corporate interests.
heres another one of those programs that will cost us the tax payers more tax money to pay for like we could afford any more taxes i can't being on disability and my wife working at walmart and none of obamas programs have helped us we own a single wide home we can't get a low intrest loan on for a refi and we bought a new car last year we couldn't afford but at 4.00 per gallon on gas and now health care from what i've seen with other countries i'd have to watch my mother or even me die some day all because the government has the say so on who gets care or who waits for a doctor its bull wake up america before we really do have a third world country to be proud of with no jobs at all and very little health care as well
When did the news begin accepting "pre-packaged news footage"i.e youtube, rather than its own first hand reports.
As CNN and other major news outlets allow people or groups provide their own footage and coverage of their own events, it becomes increasing hard for many of us seeking unbiased news to give much credence to what we see being reported as news.
Where is your reportage, verification, in depth questioning of what you show?
And when did polling people on what they believe is true or not true become a substitute for reporting the facts?
I think that these developments in what is called "news coverage" is part of the reason that you folks are getting rated no better than a "D" in your recent poll on" the second hundred days" that you are currently conducting.
EJ
These hecklers are acting like children and need to be treated as such. Some responsible adult needs to give them a "time-out".
WE THE PEOPLE have a constitutional right to assemble and address our elected representatives. Would you prefer that people be required to submit their questions in advance and be selected by staffers (like in many of the staged "town hall" meetings that we've seen before)? If the Founders of our country had quietly voiced their concerns with the British Crown and settled for a "civilized" discussion of our differences over taxation, we would not be a free and indpendent country today. To all the whining members of Congress – "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"
I am very well read on the president's proposal and have a very good knowledge of HR 3200. I have been a lifelong Republican but I do favor health care reform including the public option as I watched my mother's HMO dump her coverage when she got breast cancer for a second time. My only remaining question regarding health care is about the cost. Our small business premiums for health insurance have doubled over the last 7 years. I'm not a Wall St professional, but if my premiums keep doubling every 7 years, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to keep providing and/or prescribing. I want to know how the plan would rein in costs over the long run. If I went to a town hall with my congressman and people were so rude and tacky that I couldn't get my question asked, let alone answered, I'd be very upset because this is a personal issue for me.
Just so people are clear. page 16 of the bill talks about you switching ur hcare within 5 years to a government run hcare. if ur policy changes at all (copays for example) u will be randomly put on a govt program. page 59 talks about the govt having all americans bank acct info so they can real time take out money for hcare. pgs 433-438 is pretty much a handbook on how to kill yourself when the govt wont pay for your sevices anymore. maybe people like reagan need to be more informed. you can go to defenyourhealthcare.us to read the bill for yourself. its pretty scary stuff.
Passion, "smassion", I'm sorry, I'm so sick of politics getting in the way of something so important, and dear to my heart, as I am directly affected by healthcare.....or in my case lack of.
If Republicans cant stop their antics, which remind me of "high school mentallity. Whats next, them sticking their fingers in their ears and mumbling, so they cant hear. It's immature, and I think the majority of the americans out there, would like to actually talk about these issues rather than play games as usual. They(Republicans"grass roots", whoever they are, are just complicating matters, and its time stop, and act like adults. They are actually spending un-Godly amounts of money to make a mockery of one the most important issue this nation has faced in decades.
Maybe they should be focusing their attention to, "at least" come up with some sort of alternative, instead of getting in the way.
Obama said this would happen, but I had no idea how childish and stupid, the opposition would react.
They are actually trying to make private health-care the victims, are you kidding me, have not so early in this administration, have seen what greed can do to this country(AIG).
So the fact they want to call it socialism, I believe it to be "babysitting" corporations, thats fine with me. This administation didnt ask to be in everybody's business, but when business' have to be regulated, then so be it!
I'm all for giving the little man a chance!
It would be nice to have an intelligent conversation and hope of compromise, but I don't think it's possible. Elected official, both Democrats and Republicans, are out of touch with the people. The Republicans were in control and wouldn't listen about illegal immigration that we the people out here beyond the beltway didn't want. Now Democrats are totally in control and aren't listening to more proposed legislation we the people don't want – government run health care. No one listened when we didn't want bailouts. They aren't listening now. No one who has to vote on this bill has read it, so how can they answer questions at town hall meetings? They won't even pass legislation requiring that they be on this same plan. The whole thing makes me angry. I will be attending my first town hall meeting, and certainly will try to be civil. But, I won't be patronized and lied to. It would be hard to control my anger . I can understand how people get out of control. BTW – there are many of us out here who aren't affiliated with any group who have just had enough.
I don't think the actions of these thugs who are taking over the town hall meetings have anything to do with passion. These are power plays and theater, as evidenced by the fact that the thugs just happen to be filming the takeovers and videos editted to only show the takeovers are showing up on Republican websites.
Healthcare is a very serious and important issue. The thugs taking over these meetings and the leaders organizing them have no respect for the citizens trying to get real information or for our democracy.
I have a question for CNN. First a bit about myself – I am a non-affiliated voter that listens to both sides of the aisle and then makes an informed vote. I have consistently voted for the best candidate during elections, both Democrat and Republican. I watch many different news channels to get as much information as possible to help me in my decisions.
Now to the question. Why is that if a protest is made against a Republican function it is reported by CNN as a grassroots protest and the people are saying what is on their mind. When a similar protest is made against a Democrat it is always a mob that has been organized by the Republican party?
I have observed this for a long time and finally had to ask the question. I have found that your new channel has gradually become a backing force for the Democrats rather than a news channel. It is very discouraging for someone like me that is interested only in the facts and not the politics. You would think that a news leader would want to report the news and not an opinion. Oh how I long for the good old days with Walter.
I find it amazing that Democrats still don't understand how Americans from ALL PARTIES are not happy with their representatives, feel ignored, and don't like the direction the country is headed. Instead, the Dems refer to anyone who doesn't agree with them as "hecklers" or "organized" or "Republicans". Get a clue. Most of these town halls occured in Democratic held districts. These are not people who are from ACORN that are bused in. These are the voters expressing their discontent with the government. I was a Democrat until Obama was elected. Now I am a Libertarian. People are angry that our government is becoming more controlling, exercising non-stop spending, and taxing us to death. We are sick of it. Wake up and lay off the koolaid!
shame on CNN for presenting these "protests" as legitimate voices of interest in it's report. It's clear these "protesters" are not concerned citizens, but are rather purposely placed hecklers with the intent of disrupting town hall meetings held by Democrats. They're obviously intent on blocking any discussion regarding health care reform. No Republicans are holding meetings and without any "overly emotionally concerned constituents?" Gimme A break.
I did'nt see any minorities in the crowds.,And i willing to bet that most ppls there had health care coverage!!!IF ya really want to know how ppls feel about HC ask the millions who work like me and can't afford it and their employer don't provide it.The republicans seem to be back to their scare tatics,And it appers it might be working, especially on the elders.I'm a first time voter who voted for Obama and I'm very proud of him,although I must point out i dont agree w/everything he does,however I do feel that THIS PRESIDENT MAKE YOU FEEL AS IF HE CARES!!!!!
Good Morning Carol!
I agree with you completely about having an intelligent discourse over health care reform. Unfortunately, I think the conservative (Republican?) organizations have placed a certain number of hecklers at each Town Hall to stir things up and literally scare the congressional representative into thinking he'll be voted out of office if he votes for reform. After all, it worked in 2000, when they were recounting the votes in Florida! So we know it's a tried 'n true strategy from the Republican Party's playbill.
My hope is that our congressional representatives will see this for what it is and vote in accord with what they feel is truly right for the nation. We don't even have a bill yet for anyone to get riled up about! So, like you said, let's just all get along!
these accusations of an organized angry mob are untrue. it's just an attempt to marginalize the opposition. these people are ordinary INFORMED citizens that just don't like the smell of a govt. run a healthcare system. there are other ways to improve healthcare other than the so called "public option", which is just a foot in the door to a complete govt. takeover. we will ultimately not get the healthcare we want, but what the govt. allows. if all people at the federal govt. are required to be on the public plan, then i'll listen.
Hello Carol, I believe that the republicans and the insurance industry lobbyist are trying to turn the health care discussions into a campaign of fear and are causing a mob mentality. The insurance industry is spending $1,400,000.00 a day to defeat health care reform. They are trying to scare people away from these town hall meetings so they can stop reform and continue with their huge profits. It's time for our politicians to stop selling their souls to the insurance and pharmaceutical industries for campaign contributions.
I am 76 years of age but did not realize the ultra consevative movement could be so visious. These town hall heclers deprive others from asking the speakers legitamate questions concerning the health care plan. We know these heclers are organized by the likes of Fox News, O,Riley, Beck, Limbaugh and Nuet. The conservative radicals can not win against free discussion.
I think those hecklers are paid actors just like in the movie.
Those people should be ashamed of themselves for attacking someone that just wanted to help.
They need to ask themselves this question: Whats really wrong about Mr. Obama health care reform plan that they need to harass the lawmakers ?
Those hecklers should put on an ignore or black list where they aren't allow to attend any future meeting since they won't contributing anything intelligently anyway but cause troubles.
My advice: Grow up and ask tough questions that concern you the most about the health care plan.
Thanks CNN
Sounds just like Acorn, I did not hear you call them "hecklers". I would call them community organized. Right out of the Obama playbook! What comes around goes around. Have a nice day....
Hecklers are provided by the Republican party, lobbyists, and the
insurance companies....just check for yourself what the insurance
companies are spending on this "say no" with these bullies on a
daily basis. It is one sad day in American when we cannot have
a civil discourse on matters that are so extremely important for
many Americans. This is such an unintelligent way to behave on
the part of these unruly, rude hooligans.
I am glad that the news media is at least suggesting, albeit somewhat mildly, that the town-hall hecklers are organized by the Republicans. We are just now learning that the Republicans organized the hecklers that disrupted and ended the vote in Florida concerning the election of Gore for president. AND we all know now that Al Gore did win the election over George Bush. The media was terribly negligent during that election and also in the years of the George Bush administrations. Why can't the Republicans for once in the history of this country put the country first instead of their party.
I think it's disgusting that hecklers take over any meeting in a free society. Screaming and yelling are symptoms of weakness and the inability to reason. Animals scream and yell in order to gain dominance over others. We are supposed to be the thinking species. I have no respect for those who can't listen, talk and – yes – argue (or debate) with civility.
If our Senators and Congresspeople would listen then people would not have to shout. For too long they have voted as they please ignoring what their constituents want. When you write a letter and you get a form letter back that makes it clear your letter was not even read it gets frustrating. This is a reaction to that. I find it upsetting that people are being labled corporate hires, nuts and so on by our elected representatives and new people.
The American people don't need to "discuss" or ask questions about Mr. Obama's proposed takeover of our health care system. We understand exactly what it is and we want it thrown in the trash where it belongs.
The best face we can put on this is that Republicans are poor losers! Democarats have suffered under Reagan, Bush and Bush for a total of 20 years. Dems finally won. A little fair play is not too much to pay. This is the same crowd that would have supportied the Brittish in 1776.
The hecklers and mobs that are appearing at town hall meetings are sponsored by industry. Patients United Now is sponsored by Americans for Prosperity which was founded and funded by Koch Industries, one of the nation's worst polluters. The billionares who own the company, arch conservatives, also funded the "Tea Parties." Industry also pays for frightening ads against health care reform. The same greed that caused the Wall Street collapse is now driving the health care fight., and the Republicans are using it to "break" the President. Will the American people win or will corporate interests who control the Congress continue to manipulate public policy?
No – you cannot talk cvilly to a politician. They just DON'T listen. I cannot tell you how many times over the past year I have told my friends I just want to slap them, get them to WAKE UP.
People are out of work. The Democrats LOVE to say how this is the worst economy since the depression but then they turn around and raise taxes on EVERYTHING possible. Property, sales, additions to ALL utilities and phone lines, cigarettes, gasoline, etc., etc. I cannot open my mail or look at a newspaper without the GOVERNMENT raising taxes. And....if they aren't raising taxes the UNIONS are going on STRIKE!
Listen?!? They DON"T listen. That is why we have to SHOUT!!!
"The Democrats said, ...", "The Republicans said, ..."
I can remember when news reporting was done by journalists, but now you seem to leave the actual fact-finding to comedians and bloggers. Was it worth it to sell your journalistic souls to become talking bobble-heads on CNN, the most trusted name in Info-tainment?
People need to just stop & listen first before they speak. This is not people being passionate, but ignorant, & as long as they continue to be ignorant they will be ignorant of what the issues really are.
so let me get this str8 CAROL. When Bush was heckled, mocked, and shouted down over a bunch of issues throughout his presidency those people were COURAGOUS. Now that working americans are standing up against this socailist healthplan, they're hecklers. nice double standard again by CNN. It seems that CNN got the white house talking point this week
this is not a hard one to fix.If people want to speak to their congressional representative they should not be denied that right by professional hecklers.Simply ask for a drivers license or a proof of residency before allowing them to assemble inside the meeting.If others want to protest outside that is their right.That representative answers to the people that vote in that distict not a traveling circus act with no interest in the communities they are disrupting.
Why can't CNN be honest about who the hecklers are, and what their purpose is? These aren't "passionate" people with strong opinions on health care. These hecklers are as manufactured as the participants in the "Brooks Brothers Riots" after the 2000 election in Florida.
If FreedomWorks operates in the public interest, then why don't you mention that their Chairman is former Republican Congressman Dick Armey? Or that their movement is sponsored by the health industry lobby?
These hecklers are footsoldiers of an industry that will do anything in its power to disrupt health care reform, and casting them as "concerned citizens" just representing the "other side" of the health care reform issue is both intellectually dishonest and harmful to the discussion. They are only there to poison the well, and your organization is lending them legitimacy they don't deserve.
They are only there to scare people into opposing health care changes, you heard them...Waterloo?
It's only a mater of time before some right wing zellot brings a gun to one of these town hall meetings and I fear the worst. Do these people want a civil war? Are they that crazy? Eigth years of Bush, Chenny and Rumsfield, have bred just such crazy's.
This is ridiculous; plain and simple. The Republican party is trying to hijack the democratic process and kill health care reform. It's unbelievable that these hecklers are so simple minded and superstitious to be swayed so easily by the Republican fear machine. We've seen this all before...they're simply desperate for some type of attention; allbeit the wrong kind.
How can the town meetings get anything settled until ALL the facts are know about the Health Care proposal. I am well read (hopefully) and I cannot articulate the plan details.
Why can't the authors of the plan do a simple power point presentation that shows the plan content, the pros and cons, etc. and THEN talk about it like adults versus a screaming horde that I see on CNN showing some of the town meeting behavior.
You cannot form an opinion on a lot of unknowns.....or is this too simple a concept to grasp.
Those who prevent Representatives from hearing or responding to questions from constituents are disrupting the democratic process and therefore unpatriotic, whether the issue is health care or cash for clunkers.
They can legitimately be called a mob if they persist is prevent an genuine exchange between an elected representative of the people and their constitutents.
Wingnut is not too extreme a label for people who behave in such an uncivil, undemocratic way.
THE MORONS THAT ARE HECKELING ARE PROBABLY REPUBLICANS. THESE PEOPLE DONT HAVE BRAINS TO SIT DOWN AND TALK LIKE HUMANS.CHILDREN HAVE MORE BRAINS THAN THESE MORONS.I AGREE WE DONT WANT TO BE TAXED ANYMORE. I AM A MIDDLE TAX WORKER AND I CANT AFFORD TO PAY MORE TAXES.
Didn't these "hecklers" learn way back in kindergarten that yelling will not accomplish anything other than obstructing any possible discussion? The reason these people are resorting to shutting down any possible discussion on the issue is that they have no valid argument against Obama's plan. When you actually challenge their assertions, they have nothing credible to say and so have resorted to obstruction rather than discussion. The desperate actions of republicans who are losing the argument on health care reform.
If I have an opportunity to attend a town meeting with my representative, it will not be to ask questions but to express my opposition to the "health care" bill.
I've heard the "discussion" already.
Thanks...
this heckling smacks not of passion, but orchestrated premeditated tactics by the insurance companies and the republican party to disrupt these town hall discussions from taking place. this is not democracy in action. we need discussions, we need questions answered by our political representatives, not silencing.
It's possible to have a civil discussion, but folks like Rick Scott are trying to make that impossible. They've issued strategy memos urging people to "intimidate" and "rattle" members of Congress and "disrupt" the conversation. This is the health insurance industry using vile tactics to maintain their hold on the obscene profits they make from Americans' health concerns. If there's a God in Heaven, Rick Scott and his minions will fail. Because if they succeed, no one but the very, very wealthy will be able to afford health care in the future.
In America we have freedom of speech. But shouting someone down isn't speech. It's thuggery.
We can't have some form of compromise because any form of compromise will lead to government controlled health care. You can't create a compromise because the people that are against have such a strong opinion they don't want any form of government in their health care. Most people that are against it believe it will be the first step towards a 1984 type world where Big Brother watches everyone. You can't argue against this logic so a compromise is impossible.
Carol, Thanks for the info on these town halls. I think the people are rude and disrespectful. These representatives are coming out to give information to us the public and also to listen to our questions. How can they do that with all those angry faces shouting and being plain rude. Some of us want to know the information and I feel it is rude for the ones who come out for the information and then others shut it down for those who really have questions. I hope they see their hateful angry faces on TV and realize how stupid they were!
The angry protestors against Obama's healthcare plans represent the citizens who actually pay taxes and have even more to lose under those plans. Bad healthcare policies and totalitarian leaders are not appreciated by responsible people like the protestors.
This is a very sad thing, I regret seeing people argue and shout at the person who is trying to answer their questions. I really thought we were out of the stage where we yell and banter at something we dislike, and not allow a healthy debate and idea exchange. Are people still that immature in this country? It makes me sick that there are entire political organization just made to tell people NEVER LISTEN ONLY YELL AT THE PERSON YOU THINK IS WRONG. Obviously, at this time, America is not mature enough to sit down and talk with one another civilly.
Utah: Our Congressman, Jim Matheson, had a 'phone' town hall meeting. It was very organized & informative....if you didn't get on while it was active, you could leave a message.
a story on hecklers? where were you the last 8 years as democrats threw pies in the faces of conservative speakers. for 6 years our maine vacation has been ruined by hecklers and protestors at kennebunkport. where were you?
All this screaming amounts to political terrorism. What needs to be done is that the congressmen need to have police at the meetings to enforce order. Yes these protesters amount to a MOB and that is not democracy it is rather an attempt to silence information in favor of rabid political emotion fostered by racist republican who cannot handle the fact that America has grown past their hate and has grown up enough to elect a Black man for President.