Jack's Blog
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If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
Posted by
Spokesblogger
on
August 17, 2009
In response to this article in Saturday's USA Today, Jack penned this letter: "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Timid or arrogant Democrats who conveniently use the wrath of a few protestors to cancel town meetings should be reminded that these words came from one of their own: Harry Truman. As a veteran legislator, I've hosted countless town meetings including 11 recently on health care. I was expecting 50-60 people but was astounded that 300-500 showed up and some had to be turned away because of seating capacity and the local fire marshal. I'm a conservative Republican. Why are they worried about my vote? It's clear people don't want to take any chances on this one. Democrats should take note. Here's what I've found: First, numbers and passion matter. You don't reach a consensus in one town hall, visit back home or congressional hearing but, after a while, a pattern emerges. Second, just because you don't like the messenger or the message, you need to pay attention. I supported the Bush Iraq policy, was criticized for it and frequently visited by anti-war protestors including the Pink Ladies. Some were annoying, obnoxious and irrational in their arguments but they won the next two elections in '06 and '08. Apparently their view wasn't as fringe as they were! Third, access counts. This fall members will be back in the vacuum of the D.C. ivory tower. Surrounded by partisan arm twisters and high-pressure lobbyists, there will be limited contact with the man on the street. Does anyone find irony in that many of the proponents of increased access through ObamaCare are making themselves inaccessible? Members of Congress could actually learn a thing or two. At one time I'm sure Washington had lots of wisdom (like when Congress met in Philadelphia or when the area was inhabited by the Patawomeck and Piscatawy tribes) but in today's internet world of decentralized knowledge, broadening the circle of input isn't a bad idea. Democrat members can find lots of sympathy with the press and party types but their run from constituents will come back to haunt them in 2010. What's worse is that millions of Americans will be denied the opportunity to participate in the daunting task of reforming 17% of our economy.
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