"We didn't come here to listen to you!"

Is that still going on? (0.00 / 0)

Wow. I assumed the town hall disruptions woud die down by now. I was at Shea-Porter's August event in Portsmouth.

My account can be found here:
Scenes from a Health Care Town Hell

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by: bswainbank @ Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 16:07:02 PM CDT

If the media (0.00 / 0)

didn't report only screaming and yelling, in all its forms, they would soon stop.  They love attention and boy, do they get it!  While the sensible thoughtful questions of others are apparently not worth reporting.  

We believe in prosperity & opportunity, strong communities, healthy families, great schools, investing in our future and leading the world by example. We are Democrats; we are the change you're looking for.

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by: bloomingpol @ Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 17:03:50 PM CDT

Class (4.00 / 1)

Carol Shea-Porter is showing obvious class. Courage where others may fear to tread. She is so obviously for real. People see that and respect it. That's a big reason why she's headed to re-election.  

No'm Sayn?

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by: BurtCohen @ Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 18:26:04 PM CDT

I was in Alton tonight, (0.00 / 0)

couldn't get into Laconia because they reached capacity at 6:55 p.m.

There were a few outbursts, with the same two or three people leading each step of the way, but Carol easily paried these comments.  I was very proud of how she demanded that they return respect to her - they didn't have to agree on all issues, but needed to be respectful of each other.

It was 3:1 ratio of those in opposition to supporters, but even the opposition was mixed.  Several people raised very legitimate questions which Carol did her best to answer.  One that stumped me was that one fellow said that if you failed to sign up for Medicare Part A, you would not be eligible for Social Security, and you would have to pay back any SS you had recieved.  Does anyone know if this is valid?

All in all, this is a victory for Carol.  Her skills at handling these crowds is impressive and I am more determined than ever to do what I can to help.

"Physical concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world." A. Einstein

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by: StraffordDem @ Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 22:26:01 PM CDT

I think he's confused (4.00 / 1)

When you sign up for Social Security, you're automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A. (covers hospital stays and nursing facilities). You have the option to turn down Part B, which covers doctors visits and outpatient procedures.

It sounds as if he's thinking of Medicare Part D, the privatized drug benefit, that does indeed levy a penalty for not signing up. The penalty comes out of one's Social Security benefits.  

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by: susanthe @ Thu Apr 01, 2010 at 22:52:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I think automatic deductions from income for Medicare, (4.00 / 1)

whether from wages or pension checks (SS), is connected to money being disbursed, not just having an account.  I, for example, have a Social Security account into which money was deposited during the few years I earned wages.  I didn't contribute long enough to qualify for any payout, so they just send me a statement from time to time telling me that.  I've never gotten an invitation to sign up for Medicare and there are no deductions from the SS account.  It just sits on their books as something collected that need never be paid out, as is the case for migrants who work here without a legal status.  On the other hand, it's possible for individuals to works here for the requisite number of quarters under the umbrella of "family re-unification" and then go back where they came from and collect a pension for the rest of their lives.  The family they leave behind probably finds it convenient--cheaper than looking after the old folks here.

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by: hannah @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 04:14:58 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks For The Report (0.00 / 0)

I haven't seen any news coverage on this.  I guess I would have if she'd been shouted down or hadn't been able to handle the screamers.

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by: Ref @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 08:35:30 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Has anyone heard anything from Laconia? (0.00 / 0)

We had a contingent of six from Strafford that arrived at 7:30.  There were 60 plus outside, 80% of whom were supporters (thank you, Laconia Dems - you're the best!) holding "Thank You" signs.  After the Alton experience, it was quite moving to see.

No one was quite sure who was inside, although the Republicans have been claiming that there were mostly union thugs and communists.

It's worth noting that the Baggers are making it a significant part of their argument that CSP ignored the will of the constituents because they believe that their correspondence to her prior to her vote far outnumbered the supporters.  It is incredibly important to continue your correspondence with her office.  Fax is most effective, telephone next, email if you must, letters the least effective.  

If you're reading this - type out a quick thank you to Carol, Paul, and Jeanne and fax, email or call.  If you can, attend these town meetings - I can tell you with great confidence that our presence gives power to Carol's voice and helps her through this.  I don't know Paul well, but can only imagine he would feed off the same.

"Physical concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world." A. Einstein

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by: StraffordDem @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 11:31:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

red-baiting (0.00 / 0)

it just never gets old for these guys, does it? They'll still be screaming about it in 50 years.  

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by: susanthe @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 12:32:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Tea/Wrestling (0.00 / 0)

Just what is the difference between a pro wrestling fan and a teabagger???????? Is there any?

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by: tchair @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 06:04:39 AM CDT

believe it or not (4.00 / 1)

the tea people are for real....I think the wrestling fans know its fake

Not in the shot

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by: JonnyBBad @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 09:11:21 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sitting vs. standing n/t (0.00 / 0)

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by: GreyMike @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 12:03:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

another example of Tea Party hate (0.00 / 0)

is seen here with Congressman Phil Hare.

Notice how the racist tea baggers don't care about the points he's making and seem giddy when he says he cares about people going bankrupt over rising health care costs?  Whoever posted the video can't even accurately quote the congressman.  All they care about is spreading their lies, shouting down opposition, and calling those who tell the truth "liars".  Thank goodness we have people like Carol Shea Porter, Paul Hodes, and Jeanne Shaheen to bring common sense and real solutions to Washington.

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by: Timmy J @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 13:11:06 PM CDT

letter-writing (0.00 / 0)

I'm in complete agreement with StraffordDem.  They keep track of the letters and it is important that they hear from supporters of this legislation.

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by: chrisv @ Fri Apr 02, 2010 at 16:54:00 PM CDT