I try to keep my political thoughts mostly to myself. I know way too little to have anything meaningful to say. I also feel a blog is not the best venue for presenting such thoughts. But this is less political philosophy and more social philosophy. I am troubled by the recent approach that has been taken by citizen's at town hall meetings about health care reform. Most upsetting is the OVERWHELMING far-right framework that is encouraging and supporting this "sabotage." One site I looked at encouraged readers to "join the mob."
Perhaps this hits closer to home for me. I am a public servant. I have spent many nights in City Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings. It is common that there is a person or two who take full advantage of there "right" to voice opinions... their approach is heated, angry, and honestly childish. It is also common that there is a person with the exact same objectives who presents a well spoken, calm, and respectful opinion. Both are seeking the same outcome, but one has allowed a meeting to take place, while the other has really created an obstacle to resolution.
I am sure there are meaningful town hall meetings taking place all over, and we are just seeing reports about the heated ones. Most folks are civil enough to laugh off suggestions that they "sabotage" these rare opportunities for public feedback. We all have the right to be upset about something, but it just seems so ugly to approach it in the manner some have chosen to.
Jake
7 comments:
Could not agree more. Healthcare effects us all and we should all have a voice but this idea of politics before humanity makes me sad for America. We are better than this.
i agree with everything you said, however.. over this 'townhall meeting' about Health care that will cost trillion dollars, is not paid for, is 1000 pages long, and nobody knows what is in it... and in the words of Obama "needs to be passed pronto" there is only one way stand up to this, and that is a little 'civil disobedience!" our fathers and their fathers and current brothers have fought and are fighting, for our right to civil disobedience. and i for one would probably be there at the town hall meeting voicing my displeasure (maybe heatedly if needed). there is a time when being pleasant and having 'dialogue' isn't honery enough to force a change. i personally hate all the fighting, but i will 'fight' to keep my government from just willy nilly passing my kids tremendous debt and literally taking over my fundamental rights, and that is what this is all about.
how did civil discourse, and kind petitions work for our founding fathers in 1775? you take any revolution and you will find that their leaders never took seriously the petitions of the 'people' until there was some 'fire' behind their words. it is our fundamental right to protest. frankly i am glad that people are willing to stand up to the machine and i applaud their courage....
sorry, i feel better now.
Annie,
Thanks for your comment on my blog... Really cool and really random.
Eugene seems like an amazing place - one of my best kayaking buddies grew up there. Seems like you and Jake are having good adventures.
Our life in San Francisco is really good. We're expecting a baby boy in October and getting ready for the big change. We are happy.
We often think about our favorite places in DC and miss them dearly. This time of year I often think about that awesome nighttime swimming spot at Widewater.
Anyway, once again, great to hear from you.
Thanks,
CB
I think America is finally sick of being lied to. There is alot of anger right now, and the American people feel like they are not being heard (for the most part anyway) I think the heated debates are actually making the white house take notice! Maybe you have seen some clips that I haven't, I have just seen people asking questions, not getting straight answers, and then the yelling begins. I just don't want this health care plan to pass, so I hope Obama gets the picture.
God Bless Human Diversity!
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