Government

GOP Freshmen Share How to Handle Town Hall Anger

ELKTON, Md. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Andy Harris answers Medicare questions before his Maryland constituents even ask them. Clear across the country, fellow freshman GOP Rep. Paul Gosar does the asking, in very generic terms.

“Did your own personal health care (concerns) get heard?” Gosar asked about 40 people gathered to hear him speak in Tusayan, Ariz.

“No,” came the answer.

Democrats are spending big money to generate public outrage at the Republican plan to replace fee-for-service Medicare with government vouchers, but Harris‘ and Gosar’s on-camera town halls were holler-free.

For these two lawmakers, mission accomplished.

The town hall techniques Republicans have honed are no accident. Gosar and Harris both say the 87-member freshman class routinely trades tips on how to manage, or avoid altogether, the town hall spectacles that Democratic campaign material is made of.

“That’s one thing about the freshmen lawmakers, we do talk,” Gosar said. “We spend some time (on) ‘What happened to you, did you have a town hall, how’d it go, what was the major issue of the day, how did you respond?’”

Six months into their jobs, the newcomers are acclimating to their roles, to Congress, to their constituents and to the reality that the 2012 election, when every House member is on the ballot, is under way.

On this year’s budget, next year’s budget, Medicare and Medicaid changes, national security and the nation’s debt, these GOP freshmen are coming to terms with a few facts of congressional life.

Most decisions aren‘t as simple as the tea party’s “cut-it-or-shut-it” motto. The Senate can be maddening. Leaders sometimes must compromise. Revolutionizing Congress doesn’t happen overnight.

So when Republican leaders acknowledged that their plan to overhaul Medicare and Medicaid stood no chance of surviving Democrats in the Senate and the White House, the GOP freshmen, so uncompromising in January, did not rebel.

Divided government is just reality. So is this: Democrats already are making the Medicare proposal the leading theme of the elections, with a battery of automated calls and radio ads lambasting Republicans by name.

So the first-termers traded town hall tips on how to defend their votes for the GOP budget and its Medicare plan.

Capitol Hill veterans, the old guard that was part of the same Congress the rookies trashed in the campaign last fall, are watching with patience as the newcomers climb the learning curve.

Home in Idaho during a recent recess, GOP Rep. Mike Simpson recalled watching television with his wife and seeing footage of a Republican freshman trying to conduct a town hall, and getting hollered at about the GOP’s budget.

“Maybe,” Kathy Simpson remarked, “they‘re learning that this job isn’t as easy as they think it is.”

The freshmen have seen footage like that, too. Some have starred in it.

On May 16, Rep. Ben Quayle showed the GOP’s budget presentation, “Path to Prosperity Restoring America’s Promise,” to about 225 people gathered for a town hall in Anthem, Ariz. Quayle identified Medicaid, Social Security and Medicare as expenses that drive the country’s debt and pointed out that the GOP budget proposes to privatize government health care for people under age 55. When they reach retirement age, they would get a government subsidy to buy private policies rather than participating in the current government-run system.

People held up signs that read, “Hands off our Medicare,” and shouted at and challenged each other and Quayle.

“I’m not making these things up,” Quayle said at one point, according to the Arizona Republic.

The scene in Maryland was somewhat milder last week for Harris, a doctor and professor who served in the Legislature for 12 years before going to Congress.

After consulting with colleagues, Harris settled on a presentation: show four slides that establish the drag of entitlement spending on the economy; emphasize that GOP budget proposal would change Medicare only for people under 55; acknowledge that it’s a tough plan, but insist that it’s necessary if the United States is to remain economically viable.

Then, he asks for questions. He got some, including some challenging the GOP’s opposition to cancelling tax breaks for rich people and oil companies. But on Medicare? None.

“What we find is that if we explain those to people, they usually don’t have any more questions about it,” Harris said later.

It didn’t work that way at an earlier town hall meeting in Ocean City.

Resident George Benton told Harris that the GOP budget plan would “kill Medicare as we know it,” according to Ocean City Today.

Thousands of miles away in Tusayan, Gosar doesn‘t bring up Medicare by name and doesn’t get any questions on it, even though he‘s one of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s targets.

“Congressman Gosar has has made all the wrong choices,” reads the script of an automated call to Gosar’s constituents and those of 41 other House Republicans who voted for the GOP budget plan. “He actually voted to end Medicare, rather than end taxpayer giveaways for Big Oil.”

Gosar, a dentist who represents a sprawling district that takes up more than half the state, says he brings up health care at his town halls “because this is near and dear to me. When I ran I saw we need reform, but I don’t like the reform that was forced upon us” by President Barack Obama’s health care law.

____

Fonseca reported from Flagstaff, Ariz.

Comments (129)

1 2 3
  • Moonbat
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 2:39pm

    It’s not about how to defend it, or how to sell it to the public. Medicare was enacted because there was a need for it, and there still is. The Ryan subsidy doesn’t begin to cover the actual cost of insuring someone over 65, and many, many elderly people can’t afford to do it on their own. (And it doesn‘t matter if we’re talking about elderly people right now, or thirty years from now.)

    Is Medicare expensive? Of course. Medicare is expensive because we have a broken healthcare system. We spend more money on healthcare per citizen than any other developed country, and we have a lower average lifespan.

    We need to have a serious, commonsense discussion about healthcare in this country that’s not so loaded with namecalling, BS and politics. And we need to keep Medicare. It is not morally wrong for people to come together and decide to live in a country where nobody dies just because they can’t afford it.

    Report Post »  
  • Robert999
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 2:35pm

    Capitalism is always better than socialism. That‘s why the GOP needs to take up President Bush’s idea for individual accounts instead of government run Social Security. But, a program to make the public understand the advantages of privatization is needed. Once this is carried out, the public will support privatization of all government social programs including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, VA, etc.

    Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:37pm

      Yes, please, please bring that “privatize Social Security” horse back into the race. :^)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Dannowood
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 8:17pm

      Yes Tifosa lets not touch the progressive piggy bank.

      Report Post » Dannowood  
  • powpow20
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:30pm

    We know where Captainkook got his kook.

    Report Post »  
  • psadie
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:20pm

    The GOP needs to do a better job of explaining what is coming with changes to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. The freshmen are correct in getting out front on the issues because the elderly are very worried. I know because I hear it from my parents (85 yrs. old) almost everyday who ask me questions. The change is necessary because we cannot survive if we don’t change the current status. Simple, plain language is best. Forget the speeches and LISTEN to what they are asking. GOP needs to make their plan the BEST PLAN possible and explain why some issues will be the way they are. Do not speak over their heads or you will be the loser when you confront them. This generation does not like change; they have worked too hard for everything to be taken away. Do it calmly and respectfully unlike the Democrats who yell back and tell their constituents to sit down and shut up. NOT A SMART THING TO DO. Keep sharing info that is the way to go and LEARN from it.

    Report Post »  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:14pm

    I am 57 years old, with some physical limitations, (I don’t call them disabilities, we FIND A WAY). I am sandwiched between a single-mom daughter, (her choice), and an 83-year-old mother, neither of whom understand and respect that when you are dependent, you have to accept the limitations of other generations to support you in “the style you would prefer”. From what I’ve heard I think the Ryan plan is the best POSSIBLE solution; – It recognizes those limitations while showing respect for those who have paid into the system, and do not have enough years left to shift their plans from the current one.

    Report Post »  
  • rdsxfn
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:57pm

    @ DCHART – Thanks for the link! Allen West is the type of person we need running for POTUS in 2012!

    Report Post »  
  • rienheart
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:48pm

    If the Dems and RINO’s Keep up their Charade, We will NOT have a Country. Simple.

    Report Post »  
  • tiredofprogressives
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Its really about how Liberals need to control their hate and anger Folks!

    Report Post » tiredofprogressives  
  • Windsong
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:45pm

    It’s sad. If Americans are going to fight to keep the debt, most of which is in entitlement programs, then there is no sense in attending ANY political rally for any party.
    The United States is broke. We have a choice of paying off our debt to foreign countries OR being owned by them. While you fight for your ‘social’ programs, you wil have failed to notice that Cass Sunstein has regulated you to the point that you can’t have heat, air conditioning, cars, guns, a vegetable garden or a vote. When that happens, you will have no right to complain. After all, you still have your Medicare and Social Security, right?
    This is the first time in any of our lifetimes that we stand a chance of losing freedom and sovereignty in the United States of America. The decisions you and I make in the next few years will either make or break this nation. I choose to stand for freedom. If that means I give up Medicare and Social Security, so be it, There are families and churches and synagogues and organizations in place to help me if the need becomes great. But, I will have my freedom and my honor.
    I also won‘t have to tell my children and grandchildren that they will never know freedom or be allowed to ’be anything they want to be’…because I decided I needed Medicare.
    The next election is truly simple. It has nothing to do with party or race or religion. For the first time in my life, my choices in the election are between Socialism/Communism…and freedom.

    Report Post »  
  • Outlaw_Josey_Wales
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:38pm

    Republicans should tell it like it is at town hall meetings.

    People we are screwed, the economy of the United States is going fail within 6 years. The only thing that we can do at this time is prepare, have plenty of provision to last 3 years. We have a 14 trillion dollar debt, when annual interest rate on the debt goes back up to normal levels of about 6% from 3% interest payments will double. That’s when the debt will spiral out of control and lead to the collapse of the United States economy as we know it. We can get through this and be a better and stronger United States after the economy resets. In the end freedom and liberty will prevail.

    Report Post » Outlaw_Josey_Wales  
    • kerf
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:52pm

      There is no reason for the economy to fail. If I may use an analogy, if the boat is sinking, first plug the hold then bail like the devil was after you. If we bring the spending level into line with revenue, that alone will stimulate growth in GDP, the unemployed will come off unemployment and begin paying income tax and FICA. We will begin to move away from the cliff and that will buy time to further cuts into the spending, size and intrusiveness of the Federal bureaucracy. Just do what got us in this mess, only in reverse!

      Report Post » kerf  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:25pm

    Learning the art of double speak! One question is NAGGING me? What EXACTLY excuses seniors from partricpating in the pain? Whose greneration benefitted from exactly these programs. Yeah, baby boomers! Who profitted from a whole host of PIA regulation, laws and rules? OOPS , seniors again! Which generation decided that moving from a production society to a “amnagement and consumption” society was going to work? DING!! Right again! You want to make changes; MAKE THE DAMN CHANGES! Do it for good and do it now!!! And yeah, I remember the debatesin the US congress on TV about the defict- in 1959!

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • kerf
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:14pm

    The Democrats will use the Ryan budget plan to demagogue the 2012 election. Why is the GOP always so stupid that they hand over the very club that they get beat with. Obama has spent trillions since he took office, he’s hired hundreds of thousands of new bureaucrats, the only sensible solution is to begin cutting there. Last in, first out!!!!!!!

    Report Post » kerf  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:12pm

    You all can debate all you want, but since the politicians of past, have dipped and dipped into the plans and have given out benefits to people that have not payed into them. They are the ones that have robbed future generations of benefits. From what I see, it is just like the UNIONS. While they had a job to perform in the past, they have outlived their usefulness. All I know is that I don’t like the government telling me which plan I have to use, or fining me if I can’t afford their plans. That is not a free America. Just like smoking or drinking. If it’s really so bad for everyone, then why don’t they banned them? Because they bring into much tax revenue. Makes you wonder why we are giving all this money to people that hate us.
    Just watch what the other hand is doing is all I am saying.

    Report Post »  
  • tifosa
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:50am

    Allen West’s brave strategy, pre-screen questions and shut-down dissenters!

    Report Post » tifosa  
  • angelcat
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:48am

    What people need to clearly understand is that if Medicare isn’t changed, EVERYONE will lose it as the nation goes bankrupt – over 55, under 55, EVERYONE.

    Report Post »  
  • Kai Wan
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:47am

    wahhh wahhh wahhh dbagocrats up to their typical tricks. try to fool the people with lies to hide their own devious plan. you dbagocrat sheeple really are losers.

    Report Post » Kai Wan  
  • GTurner
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:42am

    Give a dollar to “big oil” in the form of profit on fuel, and history shows that there will be fuel the next day,

    Give FIVE dollars (for that same dollar of profit) in fuel TAX, and history shows that there will be an increasing number of potholes, increasing traffic with no associated management plan, and a feeble attempt to stir-up anger over the dollar of profit.

    Give a dollar of tax in support of Medicare, and history shows it’ll be absconded with to support some OTHER BS program unrelated to my eventual health-care, and be replaced by an IOU in the form of depreciating teasuries. Oh, and a feeble attempt to stir-up anger over the attempts by Conservatives to reign-in the mushrooming Medicare program…

    When I spend a dollar, I look for the best VALUE, designed to maximize the quality of my life. When GOVERNMENT spends my dollar, they look for the best POLITICAL POSITIONING, designed to maximize their POWER.

    I dont mind the Ryan plan, since I see that Medicare is a doomed program. I want the folks who are DEPENDENT on it to be able to finish out their years without fear. I ALSO want to be able to cut our losses. As a “Gen Y-er”, I’m USED to having to come along and clean-up the mess left by the ‘boomers…

    Report Post » Liberty not Lisence  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:47am

      “Give FIVE dollars (for that same dollar of profit) in fuel TAX, and history shows that there will be an increasing number of potholes”

      I get it – let’s stop paying for road maintainance and the potholes will go away.

      interesting concept.

      Report Post »  
    • GTurner
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:55am

      Ha. You’re infantile logic is POWERFUL STUFF…

      For those “riding the short bus”: The implication was NOT to “stop funding road maintenance”, but to limit the resources at the disposal of douches like KooK and BHO…

      Report Post » Liberty not Lisence  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:00pm

      OK, we spend LESS on road maintainance and that’ll do the reick.

      I need new shocks already…

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:14pm

      With all the Trillions of dollars Barry stole from future generations you would think every Shovel Ready Road Project would have paved every mile of road in the US. But the UNION COFFERS have swelled , almost as much as BARRY”S EGO.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Get out of the way of oil companies,and let them develop,what we already own,as in oil, shale,natural gas resources,power plants, and a number of productive results will re-appear. jobs,employment,lower oil,gas, did i say jobs, bears repeating. its not rocket science,its called common sense.

      Report Post »  
  • kerf
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:36am

    I know and understand that SS and Medicare are issues that must be addressed but IMO the GOP Representatives are doing things in the wrong order. The first cost cutting should be aimed at the increases that have taken place since January of 09. Then every department of the Executive branch should be examined for extreme cuts or outright abolishment. Every state has a Dept. of Education so why do we need a Federal Dept. of Education? We already have the FBI so why do we need the ATF? Do we really need the EPA to be as large and intrusive as they currently are? Why do we even need a Dept. of Labor, they’re only a shill for unions?

    First go back to 08 spending levels and then begin cutting all Federal bureaucracies to the bone before you try to tell American seniors that they must bear the brunt of spending cuts.

    Report Post » kerf  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:24pm

      The president and congress are not about reduction of spending, As last two years indicate. His budget this fiscal year is more of the same. 2+Trillion with a T ! its spend,spend,and spend some more. it is seemingly crazy, but is it ? Not if the goal is to destroy the financial foundation of the country. Nothing is ever is done “consistently” by accident!

      Whats the old adage,”If it walks,talks like a duck, it is a duck. Judge these political type,both sides, by their actions. Forget the dang labels,folks. We are in the end ,Americans,who were handed a representative Republic. What have we now? Think about it? Is this the country ,we wish to leave to our children,and grandchildren?. We can and should do better.

      Report Post »  
  • Trestin Meacham
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:32am

    Almost everyone under age 40 want to see medicare reform. The problem is the AARP. Next to the ACLU they are the most dangerous lobby group. They gave us the perception drug program, and Obama care. No one wants to see people suffer, but if we don’t get these entitlements under control everyone will suffer.

    Report Post »  
  • eflow504
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:26am

    if obamacare is so great why does obama give vouchers to all his democrat friends? if obamacare is so great why did all the democrats in congress vote against getting on that plan? the democrats know ryan’s plan is so much better fo the country thats why they are running ads to scare the elderly. the only thing the democrat party knows is scare tactics.. 14 trillion dollars in debt people

    Report Post »  
  • thermonator
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:23am

    There won‘t be any benefits for anyone if we don’t reform the system. The politicians have lied and now it is time to pay the piper. More lying won’t solve the problem.

    Report Post » thermonator  
  • publicuss
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:15am

    In late 2009 there was an alleged DHS report that was uploaded for only a couple hours before it was removed. Here is some of the alleged information…

    Illegal Aliens in Country
    35,000,000
    Other Than Mexican Illegals in Country
    600,000
    Money Wired to Mexico Since 2008
    $300,000,000,000
    Money Wired to Latin America Since 2008
    $400,000,000,000
    Cost of all Social Services Since 2008
    $500,000,000,000
    Illegals in Public Schools
    6,000,000
    Cost of Illegals in K-12 Since 2008
    $250,000,000
    Illegal Aliens Incarcerated
    500,000
    Cost of Incarcerations Since 2008
    $30,000,000
    Criminal Illegal Alien Fugitives
    800,000
    Anchor Babies Since 2002
    7,000,000
    Skilled Jobs Provided to Illegal Aliens
    15,000,000
    Un-Skilled Jobs Provided to Illegal Aliens
    5,000,000

    DHS report projected Costs:
    Deportation of all 35,000,000 Illegals in 1 year, $750 Billion.
    Secure US/Mexican border with manned presence of 150,000 armed guards, $10 Billion/yr.

    Keeps in mind:
    1) For every illegal with a job, there is an American without one.
    2) If France had a problem with Illegal Germans crossing into France, would they hire Germans to guard its border with Germany?
    3) Why does the US Border Patrol hire officers with thick Mexican accents to guard our border and ask our citizenship status at check points?

    Try to run just one of the lines above as a classified ad in your local newspaper. Be warned though, some papers will refuse, go ahead, try. Remember, free speech is only for the

    Report Post » publicuss  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:17am

      I always rely on alleged postings on the internet, uh huh

      Report Post »  
    • bjc535
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:37am

      I find some of these numbers hard to believe….no matter how much I hate this administration i would need some proof on some of these numbers.

      Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:55am

      Who’s “proof” would you then believe? The current regime’s???

      Let’s do the obvious and say the truth lies “somewhere in the middle” here. Isn’t it still frightful???

      Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:02pm

      How about looking some of the border hospital that had to close emergey rooms because they no longer can afford to keep them open.Go do the research instead of flapping your gums or fingers.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • Superation
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:44pm

      @Captain“No research”

      Here are some viable numbers from several sources. Read up:

      http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=407

      Report Post »  
    • HuskerDave
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 12:58pm

      “2) If France had a problem with Illegal Germans crossing into France, would they hire Germans to guard its border with Germany?
      3) Why does the US Border Patrol hire officers with thick Mexican accents to guard our border and ask our citizenship status at check points? ”

      I reject this part of your argument. Though I don’t know any of them personally, I suspect the border agents who have hispanic heritage are among the most ardent supporters of legal immigration and opposers of illegal border crossings. THIS IS NOT A RACE ISSUE – and don’t let the liberals convince you that it is – that’s a red herring. ALL our ancestors came from somewhere else – there are NO indigenous people to the Americas. Even the “Native Americans” came from elsewhere however many millenia ago. Conservatives are not racists – and we shouldn’t be lured into making race arguments. Racism is THEIR agenda – not ours!

      Report Post »  
  • Oldphoto678
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:14am

    You are gonna lose on the medicare issue

    Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:28am

      When you say “you”, I hope you also put yourself into that category because if Republicans lose on something as obvious as failed government medical take-overs and bankruptcies, then EVERYBODY loses.

      Democrats (voters and politicians) are essentially corrupt individuals that are refusing to do something for their country that ultimately will be done for them, and in the process will screw every generation down the pike. It’s heart-breaking, but is a prime example of the ruinous nature of liberals and progressives.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:31am

      Not if they explain the plan … not if the Dems stop lying (oh I know that won’t happen) … so they MUST TRY harder to explain that it is Medicare Advantage .. and Seniors who have it love it!

      Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:50am

      You all don`t seem to get it .this country is broke .Even if you took all money from all the weathy ,you would end up with less than 900 billion dollars .Medicare is a65 trillion dollar unfunded liableity.where is the rest of the money comes from.I for one don`t want my childern and grand childern inslaved to us.I am not that selfish.The smart thing would be is for people under 55 to start saveing for their heath requirements now take care of those over 55.And those that can aford it stay off of medicare.

      Report Post » quicker  
  • Roberto G. Vasquez
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:13am

    Why is it that Democrats seem to be smarter than Republicans? Think about it, when have the Republicans ever beaten the Dems down on long term conservative-value issues?

    Report Post »  
    • hauschild
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:24am

      Dems are certainly nowhere near as intelligent as an average republican – all you you to do is too look at who dems align themselves with to understand this.

      What democrats are, is more gutter-friendly, bottom-feeding, willing to go to any length to “make a sale”. What many democrats are is really nothing more than successful salespeople. I have known many people over the years that are successful in sales and make lots of money. But, are they necessarily intelligent? No.

      Report Post »  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:28am

      Demoncrats aren’t smarter, they LIE better.

      Report Post »  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:12pm

      Democrats are called the left for a reason, they are NOT on the left hand of God, not anywhere I would want to be! Funny how they come on the Blaze and create trouble and dissension a trademark amongst liberals.

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • fatjack
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:16pm

      Roberto G. Vasquez
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:13am

      Why is it that Democrats seem to be smarter than Republicans? Think about it, when have the Republicans ever beaten the Dems down on long term conservative-value issues?

      Truth is bound to facts therefore its limited in terms of words.
      Lies is unfounded in facts and is unlimited in words.

      Report Post » fatjack  
    • Dont-hate-on-me-2
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:18pm

      Wow the liberal spys are all in this thread, I wonder how much goverment aid it takes to keep all these Liberals payed, bet a signifcant portion of our national debit. They are probly getting pentions too,and let me hear you say it free i said free i said free health care and death panels. Nothng is free somebody pays the bill and guess what if you are working for a union or private sector job it is YOU!!!

      Report Post » Dont-hate-on-me-2  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 7:53pm

      @Roberto G:

      Understand this much, the one part the left and the progressives understand is propaganda, and the simple part of that is ‘you tell lies long enough and loud enough, and people will start to believe them to be the truth.” The truth itself will stand on its own merits, without needing embelishment or the need of ‘spin doctors’ or ‘clarifications.’

      A rock is a rock.
      A dog is a dog.
      A tree is a tree.
      A fish is a fish.
      A lying POTUS is still a lying POTUS.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • john1417
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:13pm

      The dems are smart. They like to give people money the dont deserve and expect others to work for it. Free sh@# is always popular. The problem is, is that sooner or later the people who pay for everything are going to get sick of it and say the heck with this I wont work my ass of to make jobs if I am going to be punished for it. MMMM kind of sound like whats happining now……

      Report Post »  
    • its_time_to_arrest_our_government
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 11:09am

      @ Roberto
      Anyone will look smart to an uneducated fool such as you. You can say all the b/s lies you like it don’t make them true. I’m betting your mommy and daddy illegally entered this country to give you a better life. Its too bad you didn’t ask them why they came. Its losers like you who need to be removed from this country. Just because your born here don’t make you American. Go back to Mexico and see the great country your parents left.

      Report Post »  
    • HuskerDave
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 12:50pm

      I think the real answer is that Conservaties (I intentionally shun the word Republican here) spend their lives trying to raise their families and run businesses. Progressives, on the other hand, spend their adult lives festering a ’cause.‘ It doesn’t matter what cause it is – environmental alarmism, exteme animal rights views, extreme gay advocacy, so-called peace activism – just as long as it’s a cause. These Progressives are easily led by the hardcore Marxists (and yes they really do exist) as ‘useful idiots’ toward the Marxists goals of destroying capitalism and the American Dream. As a result, these ‘democrats’ become very fluent in the language of liberal politics. Smarter? No.. imminently less intelligent because they are so polarized on single issues.

      Report Post »  
  • CaptainKook
    Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:12am

    Republican Plan:

    Destroy Medicare and Social Security by:

    Telling us old folks that “we won’t take away YOUR benefits!”

    while telling youg people – OUR KIDS

    “We’ll stop those entitlements that are destroying America for YOUR generation – but you‘ll have to keep paying for those old people’s benefits!”

    Machiavelli would understand these people.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:23am

      Machavellie wrote the book on how to do such business across the board.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:27am

      Captain KOOK,

      I suggest that you look into IPAB(Independent Payment Advisory Board). It‘s part of Obamacare which you porbably haven’t been informed of by your Messiah. But Mrs. Palin outlined it quite well, I beleive she referred to it as DEATH PANELS.

      As for your weak attempt to discredit the Ryan plan, VOUCHERS will NOT replace fee for service, they will replace the government run payment system by privatizing the program.

      Now, here’s the kicker, the private sector has proven again and again the it can do EVERYTHING better than the idiots in D.C.

      BTW, the Ryan plan does NOT affect ANYONE age 55 or above, so I think that sinks your entire claim(LIE).

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:27am

      Barry and the Democrats plan for Screwing America
      Raise Taxes on the POOR
      Raise Oil prices for Everybody
      Restrict oil Drilling
      Devalue the housing market
      Print money like it’s Charmin
      Create fictitious JOBS (Millions of them)
      Screw all our traditional allies
      Send billions to Brazil, Egypt , Gaza.( Barry’s Socialist Buds)
      Get his handicap near Kim Jung Ill’s
      Marx, Lenin,Pot, Khan, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, would appreciate his methods

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • republitarian
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:27am

      Democrat plan:

      Just say that everything is fine.

      There is no problem.

      Bankrupt the nation.

      Report Post » republitarian  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:32am

      Death Panels again!

      I love it…HA HA HA

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:35am

      GOP Freshmen who went against what the Tea Party who elected them are going to be tossed out with the rest of the rancid corrupt stagnant pondwater that is in Washington.

      They’re going to be used as cannon fodder for the tenured neocons and take all the heat for voting against Tea Party interest in the face of pressure from establishment Republicans.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:35am

      “the Ryan plan does NOT affect ANYONE age 55 or above, so I think that sinks your entire claim(LIE).”

      THANKS for confirming what I said:

      The Republicans will screw OUR KIDS while trying to buy off the over-55 generation with continued benfits that will be eliminated for those paying for them in the future.

      That‘s about as evil and cynical as any Republican plan I’ve seen.

      Report Post »  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:46am

      CAPTAINLOON is back .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:50am

      Our Children, Grandchildren , Greatgrandchildren, and now back by DEMOCRAT demand our GreatGreatGrandchildren’s future bounty has been spent by BARRY and the DEMOCRATS in two short years. There were not enough Republicans to stop this theft. Barry and Pelousy and Reid can take the Full credit for this theft. All BARRY”S union, Socialist , Progressive were the beneficiary’s of the future earnings of Americas children.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • streetrodder
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:51am

      Captainkook, Homeland security just lost the records of 6 million illegals, do you want these people running your health care? Is your solution just keep raising taxes?

      Report Post »  
    • watchmany2k
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:51am

      Democrat plan:
      allow anyone who can walk crawl swim or fly into the
      country your ancestors took from the “rightful” owners.

      Give them free stuff, and if there’s anything left, export it to the 3rd world
      to make amends for supposed past sins.

      Suck all the wealth and equity out of the poeple of the united states.
      Redistribute it to tinpot dictators under the guise of “freedom”

      give up your liberty, your guns, your healthcare, your everything to those in power who
      will take care of you so all you have to worry about is the what is opra doing next
      and scoring your next fix.

      Bow and grovel to the bully who threatens to kill you.

      Cover the hills and rooftops with clownflowers and solar panels so GE and China can
      exploit you.

      Stop growing food because there’s a rare bacteria under that rock and it has human rights.

      Drive a clown car for only 40 miles a day, we don’t want you going too far from our domain.

      Submit to “pat downs” from our early release pervs who need jobs at planes, trains, malls,
      churches, post offices, so we can keep you safe in our grasp.

      Chose the new healthcare of the red or blue pill, be thankful that we let you rent the air.

      Budget ? consider the hayseed it doesn’t need a budget….

      Even Hugo and Ahmafuchead would envy these people.

      Report Post » watchmany2k  
    • Sinista MACE
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:53am

      CaptainKook is right about this.

      Neocons are Liberals -the warmongering kind. They support all the social programs liberals do. They just want to blow things up and act like the world’s police.

      Obama is a warmongering Liberal who does the same thing and claims it is for “humanitarian” reasons.

      For all intents and purposes, they’re both sabotuers. Obama is continuing Bush’s neocon agenda of preemptive war.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Dahart
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:58am

      The Dems can not win against the kind of truth and logic penned here by Allen West.

      Failed Social Welfare Policies Destroy Communities
      http://www.redcounty.com/content/failed-social-welfare-policies-destroy-communities

      Report Post » Dahart  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:59am

      “CAPTAINLOON is back”

      yes, Robert, I just had to see how the Beck Cult was handing the Rapture Cult’s latest embarrassment – the Beck Cult is not yet similarly embarrassed but when Beck’s predictions turn out to be as delusional……. so, have you dropped hundreds of dollars yet on the “Food Insurance”?

      .

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Ryan’s plan should get an up or down vote in the Senate. Put the R‘s and DINO’s on record. 2012 isn’t THAT far away.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Micmac
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:42pm

      Maybe there is something to say for letting Medicare and/or SS fail. Then we can re-boot. Would hurt for a while but so be it. The price of both arrogance and selective entitlement. AARP, who pushed for ObamaCare, now has an exemption? That’s what we need to fight now – NO exceptions for ObamaCare, Congress HAS to be on the program, etc. That will help stop it. Where are the commercials showing the left hypocracy?

      Report Post »  
    • coladude
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:45pm

      That sounds good to me.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 12:59pm

      hahaha, MIKETHETRUCKER, did $arah tell you that IPAB is a “death panel,“ or evidence of a ”death panel?” hahaha good grief.. Best to read-up on your own dude. Just sayin’

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • abbygirl1994
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:03pm

      Good grief?? Do you want them to fix our country?? I am very near to getting my Social Security, and I would rather our country was fixed, debt free than worry about my medicare, for decades we have paid into Social Security.. we feel entitled to our money, but if you really look at the truth we never put in what they shell out. You have the baby boomers getting ready to retire and that is a alot of people. Stop crying about our entitlements and pray our law makers can fix it, or it will be a depression never before ever seen, with no Social Security, no medicare. What do you think they are fairies, magicians?? I don’t think they can pull that trick off. Yes, our past law makers have ripped us off, shame on them. What do you do when you have been robbed? You get angry, and then pick up the peices and start again. It is called faith in God. We live on my husbands social security, but we both want our country saved.. Let them DO what they have to fix it.. we will be fine. If we die than we die, but we will have given our children and our grandchildren a gift. Lets fix what is broken, and stop this believing we are entitled.

      Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • Jeffrey777
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:05pm

      My view as a physician. Every politician has an stake in insurance companies and they will hold each others hand on everything involved. The private ins was holding obama hand when he was getting his thing going behind closed doors. Private ins managing medicare to reduce cost. Such a joke. Obama told the physicians at a large AMA meeting he wasn’t going to touch malpractice reform. He was booed immediately by the physician audience. He needs to protect Trial lawyers. Insurance companies have created a large part of the mess we are in. They certainly have not helped in the solution. Higher premiums and copays while at the same time restricting care, MRI, Medications, Procedures etc. They send me letters concerned that I prescribed a medicine that is brand name and act like they are concerned about the patient by denying the drug and forcing us to choose a less effective medication or even more dangerous medication. They refuse an MRI forcing me to order less expensive xrays or ct scan instead, increasing radiation exposure for the patient and providing suboptimal imaging. All of this because THEY CARE. I have been calling BS on this for a long time. Medicare will fail and thats their plan. Private ins cant wait for the extra members from this. Their plan is failing as I predicted due to cost above what avg people can afford. Let them fail and burn for all I care. I will take a pie or couple of chickens for service and enjoy the practice medicine again.

      Report Post »  
    • fatjack
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:05pm

      Wake up kookie baby
      25 % of the social security recipients are already using a voucher plan its called Advantage Plus. Its to bad you are still stuck with a messy diaper. If you need help I would advice you to contact your Medicaid baby sitter.

      Report Post » fatjack  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:57pm

      Facts, figures, and the truth will prevail. It’s not that hard to figure out. What is lacking in Congress is integrity, once integrity is re-established and maintained people will flock to the Tea Party like moths to a light bulb.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • John 3:16
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 2:04pm

      The Socialist Republicans and the Democrats need to quit whinning. I’m a Tea Party American, at age 58 YOA., and I pleadge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor for America. We must do what we must do to save and restore our Original, American, Constitutional, Republic. GOD Bless America !!!

      Report Post » John 3:16  
    • ollie42
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 2:44pm

      I think Captainkook is really Colonel Klink from old TV he just got busted for stupidity.
      If you voted for Obama in 2008 to show you’re not racist
      Vote for somebody else in 2012 to show you’re not stupid

      Report Post »  
    • Dont-hate-on-me-2
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:15pm

      im not to keen on the subject of the proposal but i support it fully, Those of you who think America can just keep throwing worthless paper around are the ones KILLING this country which are mostly liberals. I dont think they relize that the dems say the same thing everytime, Those repulicans there trying to take away your heath care. Its not beliveable anymore, And when you ask a lib what there proposal is they switch the subject,ingnore the FACTS, and and and NAME CALL. we arn’t blind you idiot libs

      Report Post » Dont-hate-on-me-2  
    • wildbill_b
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:26pm

      @CaptainKook
      so, have you dropped hundreds of dollars yet on the “Food Insurance”?

      Actually it doesn’t cost more than a few dollars. Secondly I save nearly $10,000/yr and my family eats far more healthy food than the garbage you eat.

      What kind of moron could actually rationalize that growing your own food over buying genetically altered crap in stores somehow “costs” anyone money? Trolls have never been known for their intelligence levels.

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:41pm

      Each R freshman should go to the townhalls armed with one of these… http://irregulartimes.com/aapaypalfiles/images/barackobamarainbowbutton2012thumb.png Bet that would keep the crowd cheering instead of complaining.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • selloursouls
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 3:58pm

      Hey Captain, I am 28 years old and have no desire for the continued existence of medicare. Don’t tell me that the government can plan better for my future than me. I didn’t ask for government assistance and actually would prefer if I was free to make my own decisions thanks. I have no problem paying for those 55 and older since they were duped into believing the federal government could take care of them without any problems. This may be a difficult concept to understand, but some people still believe in personal responsibility. Thanks to the people in the previous generations I am stuck paying for a system that is going bankrupt and bankrupting our nation. Don’t try to tell me I need the government to survive when I am older. There are enough people in my generation that believe they are entitled to everything. They don’t need another irresponsible person reinforcing that idea.Thanks for thinking you are looking out for my best interest, but sadly you are not. I have this strange concept of personal freedom and the ever growing government does not fit in with that concept.

      Report Post » selloursouls  
    • ConsConsMA
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 4:02pm

      @CaptainKook

      I’m one of those “old people” on Medicare and I wish I were young enough to go on Ryan’s new voucher plan. I’m really tired of hearing that “the Republicans will destroy Medicare as we know it!” Truth be told, it sucks!!!!! I’m paying almost 22% of my SS benefits for medicare, a 20% co-pay on services, and it’s getting harder and harder to find a doctor who will even take medicare, thanks to the pared-down fees that the government allows for any treatment. Medicare is now clamping down on what medications we can take–forget taking any newer drugs–if there isn’t a generic, you’re screwed!. Add to that the looming specter of the IPAB, and tell me how great this system is. Have any of you liberals thought about the fact that there will be NO MEDICARE for our children if something is not done now? Do you even know what the word “unsustainable” means? Last year I had minor surgery which cost me more out of pocket than it cost the government. So maybe you should do a little real homework, instead of listening to the liberal talking-heads, before you start to denigrate something which you obviously don’t understand.

      Report Post »  
    • BJColter Country Music Iconoclast
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 4:33pm

      Let me say to you alleged Tea Party freshman, Medicare is not an “entitlement”; unlike Medicaid, it’s an insurance plan. Touch it and your fired…DAMN IT!

      Here‘s a song for y’all.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvRDmM5Zx4

      Report Post » BJColter Country Music Iconoclast  
    • tifosa
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 5:03pm

      That’s you singing? Hope you’re letting that AWESOME voice be heard at your local townhalls!! :^)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Harvey
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 5:10pm

      Captian kook,I suggest the next time you feel like giveing your opinion,make sure you have the facts right.You are 100% wrong on this one.Let your brain engage before your mouth opens.

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 5:31pm

      Glad the young congressmen are sharing info and networking. They won’t get much help from the old warhorses in Congress who are jaded and have been there too long. Those politicians are so entrenched in schemes to get more power and money for themselves that they have forgotten and forsaken the very reasons they were elected in the first place. It’s up to these new members of Congress to pick up the banner of liberty and stand behind it. We will support them if they do.

      Report Post »  
    • Dry_Drunk_GA
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 6:23pm

      I am 53 and three months, BUT started working age 12, SO – so I still has enough months as a 55er with started working at 18; SO – ;l WILL get the medicare if I get a waiver right, I have worked enough to get full benefits too right? Answer me that I dont deserve it! as much as you 70 years oldsters! Answer me that!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • drphil69
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 6:40pm

      Hey, screw it! Let it go bankrupt, survival of the fittest. Most libs couln’t fight their way out of a paper bag, they will mostly starve to death. We will be stronger after the collapse, and the libs will be gone.

      Unless you believe that Obama can actually set up a viable ditatorship here… not likely with over 300 million guns in the hands of common citizens, like me!

      GOD BLESS AMERICA!

      BE PREPARED.

      Report Post »  
    • chickenfried
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 7:25pm

      What about the Independent plan?

      I’m going off the grid…not paying a freakin’ dime to Social Security or Medicare. Old people can just deal with it since they are the ones that have brought us to this point. The Democrats can go to hell with their spend us to oblivion and the Republicans are too afraid of ******* everyone off to be productive.

      Ya’ll fend for yourself, I won‘t pay for your healthcare and don’t expect you to pony up for mine.

      Report Post » chickenfried  
    • aro5o75
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 8:04pm

      CAPTAINKOOK?……….how apropos

      Report Post » aro5o75  
    • john1417
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:03pm

      OK captainkook here u go proof of what people in the obama administration want. Now listen closely on what he says in this video. Young pay more let the old DIE….
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT7Y0TOBuG4&feature=player_embedded

      Report Post »  
    • wbedding
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 12:18am

      CAPTAINKOOK
      Posted on May 22, 2011 at 11:35am

      That‘s about as evil and cynical as any Republican plan I’ve seen.”

      Don’t worry, Kook – Barry HUSSEIN has already screwed our kids royally. And your plan is to……..
      follow Dirty Harry Reid‘s advice and run around saying there’s nothing wrong with entitlement programs in our nation. That’s the way to lead from behind.

      Ryan’s plan is proactive and gives our kids, grandkids, et al, a realistic chance of having some form of support while also saving the financial veracity of our nation. The Democrap’s plan is do nothing and fiddle while Rome burns. Grow up and start offering real solutions for a change.

      Report Post » wbedding  
    • wbedding
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 12:23am

      “CAPTAINLOON is back”

      yes, Robert, I just had to see how the Beck Cult was handing the Rapture Cult’s latest embarrassment – the Beck Cult is not yet similarly embarrassed but when Beck’s predictions turn out to be as delusional……. so, have you dropped hundreds of dollars yet on the “Food Insurance”?

      Funny how all the Libretards like Kook here resort to the liar, liar pants on fire argument against Beck. Even funnier is when he brings actual facts to the table to support his accusations and claims. You morons have plenty of opportunity to discredit him with what you perceive as factual information – so why not do it? It is because you have none. 90% of what Beck has said has come to fruition. Unlike all the Libretards throwing the “oh, Beck is delusional” grenade into the room. When you are smarter than a 5th grader, Kook, come back and play with the adults.

      Report Post » wbedding  
    • Teaparty-grammy
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 1:07am

      Of course what NONE of these crooks in Congress are talking about is if they had not STOLEN the Social Security funds, leaving worthless IOUs that they had no intention of repaying in place of the money, this “crisis” would not exist. To be blaming us old people for selfishly wanting our “entitlements” is beyond unprincipled, it is reprehensible.

      Just like Obama is trying to divide the country racially, these vermin are trying to pit the young people who are working and paying taxes against the seniors by portraying them as “burdens”. They neglect to mention that these “burdens” worked and paid taxes all their adult lives to fund these benefits, but the money was stolen by greedy Congressmen. I said a long time ago if you want to fix Social Security, do away with the Congressional pension plan and make THEM go on Social Security. I bet then stealing the money would not have seemed like a good idea.

      Here’s an idea: Since they stole OUR retirement funds, why don’t we steal THEIRS? Put the Congressional retirement fund into the general fund the way they did Social Security money.

      Report Post » Teaparty-grammy  
    • HuskerDave
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 12:44pm

      CaptainKook. So your answer is to do nothing, and allow such expenditures to eclipse the entire US GDP within 10 years? What are you afraid of – that you’ll have to earn your own retirement?

      Report Post »  
    • M-O-O-N Spells Moon
      Posted on May 23, 2011 at 2:05pm

      Actually Machiavelli wrote a book that advised the leader that it is best to be loved as a leader, and that if you can’t be loved you should be respected. He really gets a bad rep in today’s view by people that have never read The Prince. I think our “leaders” would do a much better job on our behalf if they understood the lessons in that book.

      Report Post » M-O-O-N Spells Moon  
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