This Is What Democracy Looks Like
The New York Times has an interesting story headlined "House G.O.P. Members Face Voter Anger Over Budget." It looks at the recent tough town halls faced by various members, including the man who replaced Rep. Alan Grayson in Central Florida. After reading about a chaotic and contentious scene, we learn how Rep. Dan Webster responded. Jim Geraghty at The Corner writes:
But note Webster’s reaction: “Webster beat Democrat U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson last year. But the 8th Congressional District has a Democrat majority, and the party hopes to take the seat back in 2012. He appeared flustered at times, but remained calm and never raised his voice. “This is the most competitive part of the district and I expected it to be a competitive crowd,” Webster said when the dust had settled. “There’s nothing wrong with that….There’s nothing wrong with the clash of debate at all, nothing.’”
Notice that Webster did not compare the crowd to Timothy McVeigh. No talk of abandoning the town hall meeting format. No claim that the folks who showed up with opposing views are not actual constituents. No demand that everyone turn in their cameras first, lest something embarrassing end up on YouTube. No bizarre claim that constituent meetings not be considered ‘political events.’
It's almost like he believes in democracy or something! And while progressive groups are working overtime to fight Paul Ryan (who has also faced serious opposition at his town halls), I notice an interesting tidbit from a recent Gallup poll. The group that gives the highest marks to Ryan's plan? Contrary to what you may have heard, it's seniors.
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Comments :
Dec '10
Re: This Is What Democracy Looks Like
Seniors backing the Ryan plan over the President's is the first good news I have seen on this site in like 2 weeks. That really made my day.
Mar '11
Re: This Is What Democracy Looks Like
Yeah, that's real hope. Seniors have always been the ones to fear when it came to entitlements. They've always been the easist ones to scare. If they're starting to get onboard, then there's a chance.
Jan '11
Re: This Is What Democracy Looks Like
I live in Wisconsin and there was a local news story about these town halls that was pretty funny. They showed a standing room only croud at Ryan's (adults & seniors watching and listening to Ryan's PowerPoint presentation) and then they showed Senator Herb Kohl (D) - he was at a preschool and there wre about 4 kingergardeners and a couple of teachers shown - pathetic. My wife & I both laughed at the same time. Maybe (?) perceptions are starting to change to the point where the reporting is even getting more balanced..