Town hall attacks on health care -- mob rule or democracy in action?

It's getting ugly out there.

Opponents of health care reform are disrupting town halls from coast to coast. As Ticket reported last week, protesters in Maryland hung a congressman in effigy. In Texas, anti-reformers held a sign showing a tombstone with Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett's name on it. And in Missouri, police arrested six people outside a health care forum with Democratic Rep. Russ Carnahan after protesters organized by the conservative St. Louis Tea Party clashed with pro-reform union workers.

Fighting back, the White House has set up a website -- whitehouse.gov/Reality Check -- and a new email address -- flag@whitehouse.gov -- so supporters can pass along rumors that seem, well, fishy. "Scary chain emails and videos are starting to percolate on the Internet, breathlessly claiming, for example, to 'uncover' the truth about the President’s health insurance reform positions," the White House blog said.

On the Hill, normally quiet during August, Democrats have set up a war room where members of Congress under attack can call for help. With protesters urging their supporters to disrupt the meetings -- “Become a part of the mob!” said a banner posted on the website of Fox talk-show host Sean Hannity. “Attend an Obama Care Townhall near you!” -- the Democratic National Committee is urging backers to skip the town halls and visit their representatives in their offices.

House Minority Leader John Boehner argues that the disruptions are evidence of "the widespread anger millions of Americans are feeling this summer toward Democrat-controlled Washington." "The Republican National Committee responded with an e-mail titled "THE MOB? Hey Democrats, They're Called The American People."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seems to be having trouble deciding what she thinks of all this. As the Ticket has reported, last week she said the protesters were exercising their democratic rights. Asked if they represented grass-roots opposition, she dismissed their cause as "Astroturf."

But today, in an op-ed with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer in USA Today, she writes, "These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades."

With President Obama scheduled to conduct his own town hall in New Hampshire tomorrow, let us know what you think -- is this democracy in action or mob rule?

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo credit: South Florida Tea Party

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Comments

[Debra]

You fail to mention that there was no violence until Obama and Sebelius called out the union thugs from SEIU. While the protesters heckle or interrupt, that hardly rises to the level of leftist thuggery.

You also fail to mention that those arrested were not protesters of the legislation, but supporters.

Passions are high for those who oppose this bill. And now they are impassioned against the use of force/intimidation against them(with "plausible denial," by the administration ,of course).

We will never forget what they are doing now. First they try to ram legislation through with deceit, then they try to demean us by saying we are not "real," then they send out goons against us. This will never be forgiven or forgotten.

I am thankful for youTube. The record of these meetings has rallied the protesters. Lies cannot stand up to the video record.

[William Saunders]

At a town meeting conducted by Eric Massa (NY), a white male protester pointed to a black attendee and said, "Is HE in this district?". Protesters outnumbered supporters and booed and hissed every statement by Massa. The protesters were overwhelmingly white males. I wonder how many of them were from the district?

[mikesf13]

It's brownshirts in action. Republicans have no successes or their own. They are thugs who hate this country deeply and want to tear it down to replace it with theocracy. Their only power is coercion.

[aileen]

I believe it is both. President Obama can take some of the blame for relying on committees to come up with plans and not taking a bigger role in the development of the plans. People are confused and scared with so many differing proposals and comments regarding the plans. It is hard to know who to believe or trust. Especially, if the president and Congress having excellent insurance would not be willing to accept the proposed public policy for themselves and their families. That does not sit well with the public. It was a mistake to discuss and present "proposed" plans until something more concrete was developed. It is obvious that there are many people who are greatly concerned about the proposed plans. It is ironic that the President's town hall meetings no longer welcome all citizens to speak their mind.

[Don Marshall]

Pelosi calls it "Un American" to protest the plan. Pelosi is the problem,she wants to force this garbage down American citizens throats, that and her statement that opposing Illegal immigration is also Un American, this loon has to go, politicians like her are the real problem in our country.

[dave]

free speech. it's not just for the left anymore.

[Jules Serolf]

No one tells me when to check except GOD. When it's my parent's time to leave We make that decision in our family, not King George Obama and his cronies in Washington. Life is precious and we kill enough human beings with abortions, so have we become so hungry for killing we must now kill off our elderly?
Did we not learn anything from our American Revolution when we broke away from the last King George? Open your eyes and see the truth about this presidency. It sucks!!!!!

[Gorefan]

The scene: A doctor’s office

A young couple sits facing their family doctor. The woman holds an infant on her lap. The young parents look very distressed.

Doctor: I’m sorry the tests show that your daughter has a malignant inoperable brain tumor. There’s only one treatment, a radical form of chemotherapy. It’s been very successful in Europe.

Husband: How soon can we start the treatment?

Doctor looks down at his hands. In a voice that shows signs of resignation he replies.

Doctor: I have to clear it with my supervisor.

He motions over to a little man sitting in the corner, hunched over an old style adding machine. He is pulling the level and the machine spits out a continuous roll of paper. He is muttering to himself.

Mother: Is he a doctor?

Doctor again looks down at his hands as he rubs them together. He looks up at the the young parents.

Doctor: No, he’s an insurance agent. He works for your health insurance provider.

The little man in the corner looks up and clears his throat.

Agent: I’m sorry, but the treatment you are recommending is very expensive. I’m going to have to deny your claim.

Father: But the doctor just said that it’s been very successful in Europe.

Little man: Well, you’re not in Europe. The treatment is still experimental.

Mother: Can’t we get a second opinion?

Little man: Get a third or fourth. It won’t change the numbers. I’m sorry but your daughter Lola just doesn’t pencil out.

The parents look to the doctor.

Doctor: I’m sorry but there’s nothing I can do.

Mother begins to sob, clutches infant daughter close to her while husband puts arm around his wife.

Fade to soft blur.

Voice over narration begins.

Narrator: In a country as great as our, shouldn’t doctors and not insurance companies decide your medical treatment. Tell congress, we need health insurance reform now. Not next year. Some of us just can’t wait.

[PAT PIERCE]

When our congressmen and women close their doors, take their phones off the hook, unplug their faxes and cancel town hall meetings, we are left with no recourse but anger and shouting. How else can we be heard? Have any of them read the Constitution or Lincoln's "Four Score and Seven Years" address--OF the people, BY the people and FOR the people? Not of Pelosi, by congress, for the White House.

We are not "mobs of Nazis" as Pelosi termed us...and I especially resent that as my father served 23 years fighting Nazi-ism, Tojo-ism and communism. He is buried in Arlington; and a good thing, too, because he would be marching again, this time against Washington, the capitol of the nation for which he gave his life blood.

I also will defend to the death my right and the right of these people to be heard. We are a representative government. All rights are assigned to the individual states except those WE deem the federal government should have...and that is defense of our nation against all comers, foreign AND domestic. We will be heard, in town hall meetings or at the ballot boxes next year.

[David]

Funny how you mention the St Louis incedent but FAIL to mention that it was democratic Union workers who without provocation attacked a Black conservative man for passing out flyers and stickers

[Paleta Fresca]

Let's face it, health care reform needs to come from a place where consumers and market forces come together, not from government which is THE greatest threat to our economy!!! And I add an extra "!" for emphasis.

[Rebecca]

Wow! The rich white people really get mad when money is going to come from there pockets to go to a worthy need. To bad you were not in an uproar when Bush was in tight with terrorists and helped get our country bombed and wasted all of our money on a war over oil money for his best buddies. Too bad you didn't get in an uproar when the Bush family tampered with votes in Florida and you didn't impeach Bush for all of his lies. You good white Christians should be ashamed of yourselves. What would Jesus Do? Surely he would not be worried that the Churchs coffers are full while the people suffer with a real need? When you stop being such racist people who hate people of color you need to realize Jesus wasn't white to begin with and the God you worship is all about LOVE not money. I vote for love thy neighbor like the Christian Bible says even though I am a JEW. Rebecca

[onchu]

Dissent is still the highest form of patriotism, right?

I mean, that's been the democratic mantra for the past eight years. It's why democrats encouraged and applauded and congratulated and campaigned with anti war protesters who did all they could to disrupt every republican speech and event they could, so why all the hard feelings now?

Turnabout is fair play. Stop whining and deal with it.

[Charles Dean]

The methods the Right wingers are using our right out of the Brown Shirts play book. To shout down the elected officials and act like the majority of people who want a single payer public health plan, are the minority. They are a small group now,they our loud. If they are allowed to continue soon they will be breaking shop windows,and burning books,and beating people on the streets,They already blame organized labor, for their support of the Health Plan,sound familar, look it up in your history book before they burn it.

[Dan Wells]

MOB? I have never before in my life considered attending a townhall meeting or getting involved beyond exercising my right to vote. But..... That has now changed. Obama ran on a campaign of change and inclusion and coming together. He has done nothing of the sort. I am just your average 45 year old working husband and father. I have worked hard for everything that we have and to support my family. I buy health care insurance because I care for my family and have sacrificed to do such. I don't own a new car, I-phone, Blackberry, go on vacations every year, or buy clothes at the trendy shops, etc. I I do not think that I have a right to anything. It is time for people to stop expecting handouts and get off their lazy butts and get their priorities right and do something besides expect the government to give them everything. It is time for the government (Democrats and Republicans) to start being financially responsible with our money. It is time for the present administration to wake up and realize they are serving ALL OF AMERICA, not just the liberal democrats.
I have never been called a Mobster but it is a title I will proudly wear!

[Triska]

Well, you neglected to mention that people should report "casual conversation" that opposes the President's healthcare plan [by definition, "fishy"] to the White House website. Are my tax dollars being used to collect names of citizens who exercise 1st amendment rights now?
Scanning the media, when Obama mobilizes his supporters [the transformed "Obama for America" groups who now call themselves "organizers for America"] it is merely people trying to get the truth out. If anyone in opposition tries to organize, it is called a mob and "unamerican."
An imperial Senate that is completely out of touch with the ordinary citizens is what I consider to be unamerican.
Everyone should note who is refusing to conduct town hall meetings, and who is refusing to meet with their constituencies. Out of touch should translate to voted out of office.
I don't ever in my life remember fearing the government as I now do.
The congress is over reaching and attempting to shut down any opposing voices.
I only hope congress is not allowed to pass this health care travesty by the reconciliation rule.

[GTurner]

Yep, this is a "top-notch" outfit, this LATimes! Leave out ALL the pertinent (but inconvenient) facts, spin the conclusion, and leave the reader in the dust... NOW I remember why I cancelled my subscription.

The LA "paper of record" is a shill for the Statists taking over our country. We no longer can afford to be "spun", people. Show up at the venues and see for YOURSELF what's happening. Abject manipulation of the masses by our elite "Governing Class". SWEET!

[Gary Wagner]

Oh my - hanging someone in effigy, holding up a tombstone. Boo frickin hoo! Get used to it, liberals. I watched 10 times worse than that when Bush came to my home town. Who on capital hill were calling those protesters hired thugs and nazis. This pretend outrage at protests that are tame in comparison to what liberal protesters have done for years is just pouring fuel on the flames.

Our liberty and freedom is under attack and half of this country isn't going to take it any more. Only 37% support this horrendous plan. When did the USA adopt apartheid and institute minority rule?

[Eliot]

Those who want to be placated by Democrat lies ought to read the bill yourself:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090714/aahca.pdf

Also, one of Obama's big health care advisors is Rahm Emmanuel's brother, and he has stated that he's for strict rationing of health care, and according to his own published work, if you're in your fifties, forget it, you're not worth the money to keep you alive:

http://www.ncpa.org/pdfs/PIIS0140673609601379.pdf

The truth is there, just LOOK at it!

[We59]

The Obama administration shows a deep concern and care for how we treat terrorist who are trying to kill americans. Yet, we are called racist terrorist mobs because we use our constitutional right to protest a drastic change in our country. Take time, work with the Repubs and write a fair bill. Then READ and undrtstand it before you vote on it. Most americans are not stupid. I'm middle american and I don't want a government hand-out. I want a job so I can earn my own money. I can think for myself and I can see through Obama's lies.

[Ronald Bjorkland]

Being a 20 years old now makes me a bit worried to be 80 years old later. YOU have awaken the sleeping giant.

[Freedom Fighter]

Gorefan,

I thought you guys were the smart ones. One, Europe rarely engages in trndsetting, cutting edge medical care and treatment, that advances medicine. That is because of their socialized medicine. England invented the MRI but does not use it because it is too expensive, there, hip fractures wait two months for surgery. In Canada, breast cancer patients wait up to four months for imaging to locate the location of the mass and another four months before the specialist. Guess what happens to those patient's Gorefan...do I need to spell it out.
Welcome to America!

[george]

This is interesting:
I just posted a comment. Posted it and saw it on the blog.
Then mysteriously it dissapeared.
Maybe I shouldn't have been so hard on the liberals and their money and power hungry appetites.
Yeah I'll take any health care plan the gov't has as long as they use the same one.
If I and 300 million people are paying your wages to fly around in your polluting jets. Yeah I have a right to be anger and protest your stupid ideals.
We the American people do not want your government run health care reform agenda shoved down our throats.
We pay your wages and we decide what we want you to do for US.
You don't decide what is good for us.
You will soon be without jobs that's for sure. Then you will see what it is like to be unemployed.

[george]

mikesf13,
what are you talking about. you poor deluted soul. Repulicans won the civil wars with the cost of tens of thousands of our sons of all colors, to win freedom for all.

Do you even know what theocracy is?
Theocracy is a form of government in which a god or deity is recognized as the state's supreme civil ruler.
Look at what is going on around you now. Obama and The gov't will soon tell you what you can do, how much you make and who in your family will live or die. All the while they will take your money and give it to people who don't want to work, who Don't contribute to society or to America.
If that is what you want then you and obama can go to russia or a third world nation.

All Americans have generation after generation fought for the freedoms in the constitution. One of them being the right the tell the Govenment that they are screwing up. And that is what we are doing, telling the govenment that they are screwing up.
If the liberal Fed administration can't handle it, that's too bad.
The state media is trying their best to make this about a few million people not wanting this health care reform, well that is what it is about.
We couldn't have done it if it wasn't for the state run media. You helped our voices get heard.

[Songquo]

Nothing can be worse than the current system of private medical insurance.

But if I worked for an insurance company, I'd protest, too. People get really angry when their jobs are on the line. Nobody protests over their health insurance.

How about this: switch to a single payer system for everyone born after 1990 and let the current system fade away by attrition.