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Left Shoe, Right Foot
Author: BobR    Date: 04/27/2011 11:59:51

There is a certain attitude towards government (generally fostered by those that hate government) that government is NOT of the people, by the people, nor for the people, but instead some nefarious "Them". In the minds of these people, the government is the enemy. For some, this mindset is promoted as a rationale for privitizing government functions. Ultimately, our government suffers. Most people in public service (whether elected or hired) do good work, and take pride in helping the country. Those with law degrees in particular could make much more money in the private sector than they do serving their country in the halls of government.

This is why it is so important that those elected to office do their work transparently, and are open to dialogue with those they represent. Like most jobs in customer service, the people you hear from are not those that are happy, but those that have problems. For those in these positions, trying to avoid their voices (or silence them) will make you look bad, and those seeking your ear even more angry and determined.

In the summer of 2009, Congress was working on a bill to overhaul the healthcare financing system (essentially - revising how health care is paid for, and rules for those providing the financing, ie: the insurance companies). A disinformation campaign by those interested in maintaining the status quo drove crowds of angry voters into town hall meetings of Democratic House representatives, encouraged by political commentors from an erstwhile news channel. They were loud and disruptive. They cried that Congress had overstepped its bounds. Some had to be removed to ensure that all attending could have a chance to have their voices heard. Were any arrested? I don't remember that being the case. I could not find any archived news articles reporting that.

This year, the shoe is on the other foot. Republican Paul Ryan (R-WI) put forth a bill that he claimed would balance the budget, with Medicare as the primary casualty. The uproar from the electorate has been resounding. Republican Congress members who voted for the bill have faced constituents - armed with intelligence and facts - in town hall meetings, asking them to explain why they voted to replace Medicare with a "voucher system" (video). The Republicans - apparently unaware that they overplayed their hand - are suddenly now in damage control mode. Speaker Boehner is distancing himself from the plan, as Democrats take advantage to court older voters.

Unfortunately, at least one Republican is reacting to the protests in a way that's all to familiar for them - by arresting the protester. Radio or Not radio host Nicole Sandler was arrested in Fort Lauderdale while trying to ask questions of Rep Allen West (R-FL) (Note: article is written with definite RW slant). This is reminiscent of peaceful protesters being arrested outside of Bush events, or Bush's Residence, or the UN. How long will it be before Republicans began creating "Free Speech Zones" outside their town halls? (Free Speech Zone is a prime example of Bush-era 1984 NewSpeak).

In 2009, Democrats weathered the blistering verbal anger of voters as they tried to explain their actions. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, one can only hope the Republicans will act as benignly as the Democrats did. One can only hope that the actions of Rep Allen West are a singular disturbing exception. Shuffling dissenting voices off to prison are the actions of past Kings and tyrants, rejected when the Constitution was written. These are the types of actions that drive a wedge between the government and the people, where none should exist.
 

117 comments (Latest Comment: 04/28/2011 02:21:31 by livingonli)
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Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 12:42:07
Morning

You know the 1 major thing I've learn while listening to Randi it that when they show who they really are believe them. The Repub's are showing who they really are now and people don't like it.

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 12:50:07
I cannot believe that They arrested Nicole! I just got done watching the video and HOLY CRAP!

That man is a sociopath, first and formost. I am looking forward to the entire video. Nicole hasn't been on her twitter steam since before the town all.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:07:20
ARGH! This Crystal girl on FB is pissing me off!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:09:52
Quote by wickedpam:
ARGH! This Crystal girl on FB is pissing me off!!!!!!!!!!!

same place?
can you send me the link again?


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:14:38
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
ARGH! This Crystal girl on FB is pissing me off!!!!!!!!!!!

same place?
can you send me the link again?



yes
here

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:22:47
Quote by wickedpam:
yes
here
HUNNY???

She is pulling the equivalent of * I have a black friend* argument. This reminds me of the discussion I had with a certain Marion a few weeks ago. I think I still have the transcript of that chat...


Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:23:34
I think that you could gently point out to her that her experiences may be unfortunate but that you are the one in the trenches actually working to make things better.



Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:27:45
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
yes
here
HUNNY???

She is pulling the equivalent of * I have a black friend* argument. This reminds me of the discussion I had with a certain Marion a few weeks ago. I think I still have the transcript of that chat...



southern translation for "hunny" - bitch

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:29:01
Quote by Raine:
I think that you could gently point out to her that her experiences may be unfortunate but that you are the one in the trenches actually working to make things better.



Yeah, as soon as I'm done I"ll PM you the response. I'm trying to make a reasoned argument but all she is going to be is negative


Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:31:26
There. I left my two cents. and I wasn't nice.


Comment by TriSec on 04/27/2011 13:35:25
Morning comrades!

What's this I hear about the President caving in to the birthers today?

Won't change a thing. "It's counterfeit. We want more proof".



Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:38:53
Raine!

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:39:31
Donald Trump is a frucking racist pig.

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:40:08
Quote by TriSec:
Morning comrades!

What's this I hear about the President caving in to the birthers today?

Won't change a thing. "It's counterfeit. We want more proof".

He re-released it today.


Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:40:59
Quote by wickedpam:
Raine!

Sorry Mala. She pissed me off too.

BTW, what did happen?

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:41:36
So lemme get this right. Trump muddies up the waters and then says he doesn't want to have muddy water?

ASS

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:42:09
Trump is more Bi-polar than patty Duke.

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:46:17
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Raine!

Sorry Mala. She pissed me off too.

BTW, what did happen?



still don't know - all that I saw on the way home was what looked like a FIre Chief's car, and ambulance and a firetruck, on Whispering Pine (which is a street behind me)so I posted the question to InsideNova and was told there was a shooting and someone even PM'd me a link to the police scanner I could listen too online. I did see an chopper fly over but didn't know what it was for. And that's all I know - still trying to dig our info for other sources

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:49:33
Love this!

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:50:19
I am so sad that this is what the President must waste his time on.

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:54:44
That was amazing! HE basically called the birthers carnival clowns!

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 13:56:44
Caller Dude

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:56:57
Oh, I want to give this caller a

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 13:58:44
Caller is SO right. As we have pointed out time and time again here on the Blog, OUR MEDIA is failing us. Especially our TV media.



Comment by TriSec on 04/27/2011 13:59:07
And now just reading the blog:


There is a certain attitude towards government (generally fostered by those that hate government) that government is NOT of the people, by the people, nor for the people, but instead some nefarious "Them". In the minds of these people, the government is the enemy.


I wonder how much of that is from ignorance and not paying attention? Even before I did this online business, long before I ran for public office, I always knew who was doing what in my town, state, and country.

Even today...
My ward counselor lives on the next street over; I've known him for years.
Another member of city council is in my Scout Troop. Using his connections, I'm friendly with the Mayor of this city.
Until this year, my Representative in General Court lived 2 doors down from me; the last time we visited the State House with the scouts, he tried to get us in to meet the governor between meetings (but he couldn't do it.)
(and by extension, the governor is friendly with the President, but that's more of a Kevin Bacon exercise for me.)


So, it's not "us vs. them" as far as I can see it....the true battle is between the "smart and the ignorant", or if you'd prefer, "the indifferent vs. the involved", and I fear that's one we can never win.




Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 14:01:46
They go to the Apollo, I am SO going to NY! I that place!

The last time I was there was the weekend after the WTC attacks to See David Byrne. He personally photocopied letters for everyone and left them on our seats. It was chilling, I have that letter around here still.

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 14:05:50
Quote by TriSec:
And now just reading the blog:


There is a certain attitude towards government (generally fostered by those that hate government) that government is NOT of the people, by the people, nor for the people, but instead some nefarious "Them". In the minds of these people, the government is the enemy.


I wonder how much of that is from ignorance and not paying attention? Even before I did this online business, long before I ran for public office, I always knew who was doing what in my town, state, and country.

Even today...
My ward counselor lives on the next street over; I've known him for years.
Another member of city council is in my Scout Troop. Using his connections, I'm friendly with the Mayor of this city.
Until this year, my Representative in General Court lived 2 doors down from me; the last time we visited the State House with the scouts, he tried to get us in to meet the governor between meetings (but he couldn't do it.)
(and by extension, the governor is friendly with the President, but that's more of a Kevin Bacon exercise for me.)


So, it's not "us vs. them" as far as I can see it....the true battle is between the "smart and the ignorant", or if you'd prefer, "the indifferent vs. the involved", and I fear that's one we can never win.



They don't have to pay attention when the media guides people around like cattle.

This is another reason why LOCAL news is so important. Local papers, local TV. That is the biggest problem. People like you and Mala are actually personally connected, and THAT is what makes a difference.

I am still getting to know my representatives, and I am finding that most are highly accessible. My state Delegate is running for State Senator! Adam Ebbin -- he actually has meeting in people houses. How cool is that?

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 14:18:17
my state del. is the asshat Jackson Miller - the one who yells that "His city is on fire" after a domestic violence incident. I can't stand him

Comment by Scoopster on 04/27/2011 14:25:48
Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 14:37:44
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all.. it's Humpdee!

Hey Donnie Combover..

Mistah Trump?

Tax returns please?



Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 14:38:33
oh lord, idiots again

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 14:38:34
PREACH HAL!!!

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 14:39:34
Did you here what the caller said?

"She's A black and a woman."

Comment by BobR on 04/27/2011 14:53:02
Quote by Raine:
Quote by TriSec:
Morning comrades!

What's this I hear about the President caving in to the birthers today?

Won't change a thing. "It's counterfeit. We want more proof".

He re-released it today.

This is actually very nice of President Obama - this gives Trump an "out". Either Trump now agrees this is nothing and drops the issue, or he becomes even less relevant

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 14:53:38
For those wondering. @nicolesandler has not been seen on twitter nor on her FB page.

I'm not sure if she was supposed to guest for Randi today, but usually she makes some kind of announcement on her FB page.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:01:19
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by TriSec:
Morning comrades!

What's this I hear about the President caving in to the birthers today?

Won't change a thing. "It's counterfeit. We want more proof".

He re-released it today.

This is actually very nice of President Obama - this gives Trump an "out". Either Trump now agrees this is nothing and drops the issue, or he becomes even less relevant



I think he doubled down saying that they have to see if its real

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 15:20:16
What the FRUCK was that? OMG I need to listen to that again.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:22:00
Quote by Raine:
What the FRUCK was that? OMG I need to listen to that again.



what? the Pat Robertson stuff?

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:22:34
Oh Raine - InsideNova is reporting that looks like it may have involved a pellet gun

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 15:25:59
http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/joseph-farah.gif


Trump Adviser: Even If Long-Form Birth Certificate Is Genuine, It Doesn’t Prove Anything


YES. this advisor looks like a dude that serviced Howard Hughes.

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 15:27:12
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh Raine - InsideNova is reporting that looks like it may have involved a pellet gun
Oh No! those dangerous Terrorist Pellet guns?

IT kinda re-enforces what you and Inside Nova originally said.



Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 15:28:09
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
What the FRUCK was that? OMG I need to listen to that again.



what? the Pat Robertson stuff?
Yes. That was a whole fritatta of ovarian dystopia.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:29:36
Quote by Raine:
http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/joseph-farah.gif


Trump Adviser: Even If Long-Form Birth Certificate Is Genuine, It Doesn’t Prove Anything


YES. this advisor looks like a dude that serviced Howard Hughes.



are we sure that's a real mustache?

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:31:24
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
What the FRUCK was that? OMG I need to listen to that again.



what? the Pat Robertson stuff?
Yes. That was a whole fritatta of ovarian dystopia.


after years and years of parts of my fam listening to him I've learned to tune him out - he is sincere in his beliefs but as a christan, I think he's completly off base, in fact he's not even in the stadium


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:33:20
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh Raine - InsideNova is reporting that looks like it may have involved a pellet gun
Oh No! those dangerous Terrorist Pellet guns?

IT kinda re-enforces what you and Inside Nova originally said.



I mean I know if you get hit enough times in the right place you can possibly get nerve damage. But sheesh, she got all in a panic over this acting like a killer was roaming our alley's dodging the police and that we're all hiding him cause we're this horrible place to live.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:36:15
34 year old man robbed of bike, shot with pellet gun and flown out the fairfax hospital



Comment by BobR on 04/27/2011 15:39:42
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/joseph-farah.gif


Trump Adviser: Even If Long-Form Birth Certificate Is Genuine, It Doesn’t Prove Anything


YES. this advisor looks like a dude that serviced Howard Hughes.



are we sure that's a real mustache?

It looks like it was drawn on with a magic marker

Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:41:00
Quote by Raine:
Quote by TriSec:
And now just reading the blog:


There is a certain attitude towards government (generally fostered by those that hate government) that government is NOT of the people, by the people, nor for the people, but instead some nefarious "Them". In the minds of these people, the government is the enemy.


I wonder how much of that is from ignorance and not paying attention? Even before I did this online business, long before I ran for public office, I always knew who was doing what in my town, state, and country.

Even today...
My ward counselor lives on the next street over; I've known him for years.
Another member of city council is in my Scout Troop. Using his connections, I'm friendly with the Mayor of this city.
Until this year, my Representative in General Court lived 2 doors down from me; the last time we visited the State House with the scouts, he tried to get us in to meet the governor between meetings (but he couldn't do it.)
(and by extension, the governor is friendly with the President, but that's more of a Kevin Bacon exercise for me.)


So, it's not "us vs. them" as far as I can see it....the true battle is between the "smart and the ignorant", or if you'd prefer, "the indifferent vs. the involved", and I fear that's one we can never win.



They don't have to pay attention when the media guides people around like cattle.

This is another reason why LOCAL news is so important. Local papers, local TV. That is the biggest problem. People like you and Mala are actually personally connected, and THAT is what makes a difference.

I am still getting to know my representatives, and I am finding that most are highly accessible. My state Delegate is running for State Senator! Adam Ebbin -- he actually has meeting in people houses. How cool is that?



Tri - I wish people were more interst in getting the facts of what's going on around them - instead they only want to run on gossip.


Comment by wickedpam on 04/27/2011 15:41:55
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/joseph-farah.gif


Trump Adviser: Even If Long-Form Birth Certificate Is Genuine, It Doesn’t Prove Anything


YES. this advisor looks like a dude that serviced Howard Hughes.



are we sure that's a real mustache?

It looks like it was drawn on with a magic marker



It does! Its darker then his hair! I bet he combs it with masscara

Comment by Raine on 04/27/2011 15:42:00
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh Raine - InsideNova is reporting that looks like it may have involved a pellet gun
Oh No! those dangerous Terrorist Pellet guns?

IT kinda re-enforces what you and Inside Nova originally said.



I mean I know if you get hit enough times in the right place you can possibly get nerve damage. But sheesh, she got all in a panic over this acting like a killer was roaming our alley's dodging the police and that we're all hiding him cause we're this horrible place to live.
Exactly. Perhaps she should be presented with such information? (I have noticed she suddenly went quiet...)

Chrystal is indicative of so many people in this nation. They don;t realize what they are really saying. It's filled with low level bigotry and a justification to let fear run their opinions as opposed to those who would wait for facts.