St. Louis town hall: Protesters locked out while SEIU is admitted? Update: “These Members need cover”
posted at 9:59 pm on August 6, 2009 by Allahpundit
Jim Hoft was there and claims that’s exactly what happened. Funny coincidence: Some people at the town hall in Tampa where the fight broke out saw a curiously large number of SEIU people there, too.
SEIU & Castor organize a townhall and announce it at the last minute as to reduce opposition voices. The townhall was packed 1/2 w SEIU people.
When supporters of healthcare freedom (ie, anti-BigGovHealth demonstrators) were prevented access to the townhall they began to shout, bang windows & doors.
Normally I’d be skeptical that this is as bad as it looks — maybe the SEIU guys were staffing the event or maybe they’d already been admitted and had stepped outside for something — but if Rachel Maddow and Think Progress don’t care what’s true and what’s not, why should I? Go ahead and assume the worst. The left certainly would. Click the image to watch.
Update: Amanda Carpenter e-mails to point me to Health Care for America Now’s playbook on how to counter conservative protesters at town halls. The money bit:
Another one of Ms. Jorge’s tips is to “Address the [member of Congress] directly with a positive message: Remember, these Members need cover and they are getting beaten up by right wing zealots in these meetings.”
HCAN Communications Director Jacki Schechner said protecting elected officials who support their favored reforms was necessary given the contentious nature of some town-hall meetings.
Ms. Schechner said conservatives are baiting lawmakers into holding town-hall meetings, “so [lawmakers] can get yelled at and they don’t want to feel unsafe and uncomfortable.”
Stacking the audience with friendly SEIU members in lieu of ObamaCare naysayers surely qualifies as providing “cover.” Fun fact: One of the organizations on HCAN’s steering committee is, you guessed it, SEIU.
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Hmm. Members need cover, eh? Cover from what..? I thought this was simply a fringe group, a minority, just a few rabble rousers. Isn’t it clear that the American people voted for change and want this change.???
What on earth would require cover?
Maybe the story just isn’t straight on the front end.
ted c on August 6, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Representatives are supposed to represent EVERYONE not just union members.
Union labor only represents about 13% of the American workforce.
Time to thin that number down as well.
izoneguy on August 6, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Have we ever had a President that pit one American against another like we are seeing from Obama and his people? It not only very strange it’s down right scary.
whbates on August 6, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Don’t forget in all the hoopla…we still outnumbered them at these meetings. That’s the important thing to remember. The democrat leaderships has truly jumped the shark on this one. They will not recover.
SouthernGent on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Note to Barry and Nancy: PISSED OFF PEOPLE HAVE A TENDENCY TO VOTE.
GarandFan on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Kind of late, you should have been doing that since January. Guns and ammo are at a premium and hard to find now because most sensible people instinctively knew something like this was coming when jerkass got elected
But here’s a tip, forget the cash, it’ll be worthless soon. Use it while it still has some value to buy food, guns, ammo.
Sugarbuzz on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
While I agree with the idea, I don’t think there are any provisions in the constitution to recall federally elected officials. I think tar, feathers and rails were used in the past.
chemman on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
we can figure this out. Socialism will self destruct. Freedom is in our blood, socialism isn’t.
report me.
ted c on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Great question. It’s absurd that the Debtocrats think the RNC has anything to do with these protests. The RNC is impotent and worthless. They are being handed golden opportunities hand over fist and they squander every single one of them. Same with the Libertarian party, of which I belong, though not for much longer. They have a once in a lifetime chance to strut their platform to frustrated voters of every party and they are silent.
I’ve never felt so disgusted at an absolute sucking void of testicular fortitude in my life.
Monica on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Heavy handed union presence ‘pushing back’ and stoking violence at the administration’s behalf. The President Obama/ Joker comparison is making a little bit more sense after today.
BadgerHawk on August 6, 2009 at 10:42 PM
This will end badly.
Rhinoboy on August 6, 2009 at 10:43 PM
We’re using their playbook now.
“… the community organizer … must first rub raw the resentments of the people; fan the latent hostilities to the point of overt expression.”
— Saul Alinsky, Rules for Radicals
How do you like that hostility and resentment now that it’s directed at you, Obama? What? Your little Marxist friends never told you about the “backfire” thing? Such a pity. But, hey, thanks for the heads-up on whipping up resentment among “the people.” You’re right — it’s a powerful thing.
Rational Thought on August 6, 2009 at 10:43 PM
oops, not sure how I double posted
Monica on August 6, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Eh, didn’t mean for that to sound like you weren’t sensible
Sugarbuzz on August 6, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Talk about adding fuel to the fire. This will only create more anger and frustration among those opposed to this healthcare bill, and make the movement even stronger.
These kinds of tactics… they are just asking for trouble.
Bakers on August 6, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Question for fellow Coloradans, are there any townhall meeting with our reps? I’ve looked at their sites and haven’t found any notices. katy, Romeo 13?
thomasaur on August 6, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Sorry, should have qualified that more clearly: fair reporting for the St. Louis media – which means not as bad as MSNBC.
JustTruth101 on August 6, 2009 at 10:44 PM
People of Missouri,
Make Russ Carnahan pay with his job.
notagool on August 6, 2009 at 10:44 PM
The Healthcare Reform Bill (or whatever it’s called) is what needs cover, because it’s a piece of crap.
If it was so wonderful, then Our Representatives would not hesitate to practice the utmost in patience and transparency in trying to explain and convince us of the wonders of the Bill.
misslizzi on August 6, 2009 at 10:45 PM
One consolation is that that, if this turd ever comes to pass, those SEIU members will get the Government Health Care they deserve, and get it good and hard.
Techie on August 6, 2009 at 10:02 PM
Oh but if only that were true, and its not. Read the bill at edoc.gov unions are exempt and along with congress get to keep their plans.
The entire big picture for Team O is to drive small business
outta business with Obamacare & Cap&Trade then herd the chosen (PC observant)into large unionized multi-nationals leave the rest as gubmint dependandent proles.
2 good stories on how Obama got to the oval, how he’s proceeded since and where he’s taking us below…
http://papundits.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/the-methodology-of-subversion-and-the-undermining-of-liberty/
http://papundits.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/the-3rd-coast-and-the-3rd-world/
With another that’ll scare the bejeezus outta ya coming out on American Thinker tommorow under…
“Fishy”, What Lurketh in yon Foul Waters?
Archimedes on August 6, 2009 at 10:45 PM
when will the clever conservative opponents to health care “reform” break out the signs that say: ‘i thought dissent was patriotic. when did that change?’
cpr on August 6, 2009 at 10:45 PM
I’m starting to subscribe to the belief that Repubs are in on this somehow
Sugarbuzz on August 6, 2009 at 10:45 PM
While I am not a fan of the RNC, in fairness Michael Steele did have comments about us “astro turfers”. He blasted Obama. Unfortunately, the MSM is in Obama’s pocket and we don’t get much positive press. Do I think he could do more? Yes. Do I think he isn’t doing anything? No. We just don’t get any coverage.
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 10:46 PM
The way t stop this is for every event where the left fixes the hall is for the folk kept out to make a fuss at the local media HQ and at that congressman’s office…
JIMV on August 6, 2009 at 10:46 PM
No offense taken believe me. It’s all good!
gophergirl on August 6, 2009 at 10:46 PM
The unions support Obama and his socialist agenda.
I don’t.
I have supported unions all my life. Always bought American made cars from the “Big Three.”
Just bought an Acura. I love it.
I finished supporting unions.
Star20 on August 6, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Now it can be understood why so many people (me included) are buying firearms and ammunition. Is it possible that we can all see into the future?
Pelayo on August 6, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Somebody’s going to get their ass kicked at one of these circus events.
Jaibones on August 6, 2009 at 10:47 PM
My congress critter refused to take a call to discuss health care and then walked out of a town hall today refusing to engage with more than one person at a time.
Moral of the story not only will I support a conservative opponent for first time in my life I will volunteer to work for the campaign. Whatever it takes.
chemman on August 6, 2009 at 10:48 PM
A live blogging website: http://fderfler.posterous.com/liveblogging-tampa-rep-kathy-castors-town-hal
Directly from the person who was there:
This is for the town hall in Tampa.
Enoxo on August 6, 2009 at 10:48 PM
I think it’s time we all start the “Sons of Liberty” Party
Erm, well that’s a bit sexist given contemporary mores
Maybe the “Scions of Liberty” party?
Sugarbuzz on August 6, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Reilly fought the communists to a standstill for years running an operation with private money against a ruthless foe. If you fight monsters be prepared to be a monster to resecure the pasture.
sven10077 on August 6, 2009 at 10:49 PM
The Revolution will be televised.
thomasaur on August 6, 2009 at 10:49 PM
In the end, the organized thugs have the strength of being paid on my back. The only friend liberty has, has ever had, is God.
spmat on August 6, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Or…let the Unions be locked up in the hall while the real citizens hold their substantive town hall meetings in the parking lots, in full public view .
misslizzi on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM
The Mad As Hell And Not Going To Take It Anymore Party doesn’t really roll of the tongue.
Monica on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM
My favorite cop-out is our “representatives?” claiming they fear for their safety so they can’t hold a town hall meeting. Those right-winger grannys are a threat. They might hit them with their canes…..
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM
And when we are being loaded on trains for the reeducation camps allah will be telling us to pledge a fraternity.
peacenprosperity on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Same thing I have been wondering. This does not give me great hopes for 2010. Here is this massive wave of dissent against the Democrat party and where are the Pubs??
You’d think they’d use this opportunity for some hard hitting ads. What are they waiting for??
Micheal Steele?? What good is he??
If you cannot use an opportunity like this just what are you there for! This is amazing!
Exit question: How long before McCain comes out and makes some kind of stupid comment about us all coming together and being bipartisan or some such stupid thing. You gotta know it’s only a matter of time before Chris Matthews asks McCain if he supports people yelling “Murder” at the town halls.
Second Exit question: How long before McCain announces he will run again in 2012?
JellyToast on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM
I want the America I grew up in back.
txmomof6 on August 6, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Just another part of the Cloward-Piven strategy – manufactured crisis.
JustTruth101 on August 6, 2009 at 10:51 PM
This thread is moving at lightspeed, I posted that 10 seconds after my original post
Even though I think time is very short you (and everyone else here) should take a look at this forum for tips on preparing for…whatever is coming down the pike
http://www.survivalistboards.com/
Sugarbuzz on August 6, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Brad Miller (NC) your rep?
Monica on August 6, 2009 at 10:52 PM
We’ll use the camps as an ac academy like the Bolsheviks did under the Tsar or the Russian mob under Stalin…..
use their playbook and blindspots against them….in their hubris they will insist on pushing the issue to a battle for survival and they will not win if they allow it to get that far.
sven10077 on August 6, 2009 at 10:52 PM
How does the “P!$$ed Off Mut#erFlipper Party” work for you?
thomasaur on August 6, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Notice how union thugs and supporters all come wearing the same t-shirt?
And yet, the protesters are the organized, paid-for-hacks and mob members–with no matching outfits.
Enoxo on August 6, 2009 at 10:52 PM
Maybe we should just all get one of these.
mph on August 6, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I guess they are counting on ACORN and the Black Panthers to “cover” them in 2010 when all those people show up to vote them the hell out.
wildcat84 on August 6, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Okay that just made me laugh out loud
gophergirl on August 6, 2009 at 10:54 PM
I have a different take on this. Maybe the RNC is standing back while the O Administration mishandles this discontent. So far, the grass roots push back is working quite well. Key GOP Leaders are speaking up without sounding hysterical. I’m pleased with hos republicans have handled the events of these past few weeks.
Red State State of Mind on August 6, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Monica, no I’m really lucky my Congress person is Lynn Woolsey.My two Senators are Boxer, and Fienstein. To make matters worse I have Pelosi near by.
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 10:55 PM
I would not be surprised.
txmomof6 on August 6, 2009 at 10:55 PM
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Bless your heart
txmomof6 on August 6, 2009 at 10:55 PM
post wasn’t clear: I always vote conservative. Now I will actually work on a campaign.
chemman on August 6, 2009 at 10:56 PM
*smacks own forehead*
But of course!
misslizzi on August 6, 2009 at 10:56 PM
SEIU at townhalls
Basij in Iran
The difference only (for now) in the lengths they are willing to go?
UnderstandingisPower on August 6, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Okay that just made me laugh out loud
gophergirl on August 6, 2009 at 10:54 PM
And it will probably get you into all the meetings too!
mph on August 6, 2009 at 10:57 PM
txmomof6,thanks for the pity. Please pray for me as I am one of the only Conservatives in my area.
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Let me tell you that ever single so called Mod. Dem. is running scared as hell tonight.We are watching history in the making and the destruction of the democratic party as we know it.Meetings like the one,s in this video are taking place all over the country tonight and the people are as mad as i have ever seen in the last 60 years,This is going to make 1994 look like normal year.The question dems are starting to ask themselves is not if we are going to loose in 2010 but how bad will it be.Rumors are starting in D.C. that Mrs clinton will leave the Sec of state job in early 2010 to challenge Obama in the 2011 primaries .There in also talk of a open revolt to ask the speaker of the house to step down as speaker.News out of Harry Reid’s state is he is behind in the latest polls by 17% and has a job approval rating of 33%.We must keep the pressure on these people and fight as hard as we have ever fought .
thmcbb on August 6, 2009 at 10:58 PM
I have been wondering when Palin will make a public statement about the socialist “astroturf” and “snitch” BS. The state controlled media is not getting our voice out but I don’t think that they would pass up an opportunity to quote her.
farright on August 6, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Welcome to the revolution. I’ve never registered as a Republican and likely never will, but for the near term future they’ve got my vote and my time.
BadgerHawk on August 6, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Do not weary of doing well.
chemman on August 6, 2009 at 10:58 PM
For now. I don’t put it past SEIU and other organized labor thugs to start brandishing billy clubs and attacking elderly women.
Enoxo on August 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
What I want to know is if someone somewhere is making rubber torches and pitchforks. They would be bound to make a fortune.
txmomof6 on August 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
OMG, check out the “organizer” t-shirts with the quotes.
misslizzi on August 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
I can sympathize – I live in Keith Ellison’s district – need I say more. When I go to vote – you can look at the tally from my polling place and actually see my vote it’s that bad.
gophergirl on August 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
That’s a freaking brilliant idea, seriously.
Monica on August 6, 2009 at 11:00 PM
gophergirl, at my polling place, I kid you not, we are the only two Republican ballots!
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 11:01 PM
sandee on August 6, 2009 at 10:57 PM
you got it
txmomof6 on August 6, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Here’s one from our side: “Get the hell out of our way”
bloggless on August 6, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Rational Thought,
I’m super new to Hot Air and it seemed like we share a common opinion in regards to the backfire of the Obama Marxist progression.
Have you seen this, ‘The Window War’ by blogger Mike Vanderboegh? Almost time for another shot heard round the world…here is the link…
http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com/2009/02/back-by-semi-popular-demand-window-war.html
The ‘rock’ he speaks of could not only be a ‘rock’ but a metaphorical ‘rock’ of this administration. (Whenever you have time to read it, but thought you might enjoy.)
ccbokc on August 6, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Thugs in pink and lime green.
Rhinoboy on August 6, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I haven’t been able to find any for Betsy Markey.
boomer on August 6, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Wear one of those and get VIP seating and valet parking at a town hall event near you.
farright on August 6, 2009 at 11:03 PM
I’ve been thinking a lot of the Boston Massacre the past few days. I wonder why??
Found a re-enactment of it and posted it on my little blog.
http://jellytoast.wordpress.com/
JellyToast on August 6, 2009 at 11:05 PM
I think it’s time we all start the “Sons of Liberty” Party
Erm, well that’s a bit sexist given contemporary mores
Maybe the “Scions of Liberty” party?
Sugarbuzz on August 6, 2009 at 10:48 PM
I don’t that’s absolutely necessary as many of the women on my mom’s side are Daughter’s of the Revolution. But, the pedigree has a high threshold as you have to be able to trace back to the revolution to be a member.’
Archimedes on August 6, 2009 at 11:05 PM
I’m afraid to go to bed–I’ll miss something!
vinman on August 6, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Oooof….that hurts. I’m a Michele Bachman voter, though that means I am probably on a demorat “subversives” list.
Bishop on August 6, 2009 at 11:06 PM
The F Those A-holes Party. Too subtle?
Monica on August 6, 2009 at 11:07 PM
These politicians have failed to grasp one very important point. They can close their meetings and their ears to the complaints and arguments of their constituents. I may not like it, but if my Senator or Congressman is determined not to listen to me, there’s not a whole lot I can do right now to change that situation.
If my Senator/Congressman thinks it would be a better idea to have his/her own goons present at these townhalls to intimidate and/or harass their own constituents, they can certainly do it. There’s not a whole lot I can do right now to change that situation.
But if they think that just because they choose not to listen that my voice will not be heard, they are sadly mistaken. And if they think that their goons can protect them at the ballot box, they will wake up the day after election day unemployed. There are a lot of people who are speaking up and speaking out now, but for every one that is trying to talk to their representative at these townhalls, I can guarantee that there are a hundred who are watching, observing, and filing away for future reference everything that is happening.
These politicians can push through whatever legislation they want to push through. They don’t need the Republicans, and for that matter they don’t need the support of their constituents to do so. But they will be signing their political death warrant. We will not forget. We will not forget the promises made to get elected, promises that were promptly broken. We will not forget the fact that they ignored their own constituents. We will not forget the condescension and disrespect they have shown to those who disagreed with them. We will not forget their arrogance in presuming themselves to be smarter than “the little people.” They have illusions of grandeur. They are legends in their own minds. Just imagine it, they think that they, or some nameless, faceless government bureaucrat will be better at running our lives than we ourselves. How dare they! I’ve seen how these politicians have screwed up their own lives, and I’ve seen how government fouls up nearly everything it touches, and it’ll be a cold day in hades before I’ll lay down and let them take control of my life.
Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is reported to have said after his attack on Pearl Harbor, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” This Administration, and the Democrats in Congress have grabbed a tiger by the tail. They may very well be able to hold on until November 2010, but we will not forget. The sleeping giant is now fully awake.
Harrell on August 6, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Rational Thought on August 6, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Nice quote, hadn’t seen that one yet.
Archimedes on August 6, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Well spoken.
rplat on August 6, 2009 at 11:12 PM
I’m not a lawyer but I believe a lawsuit is in order.This event and the behavior of those in charge of the event may have put the school and the school district in legal hot water.
lobbyist on August 6, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Yeah, Democrats, in 2010
TN Mom on August 6, 2009 at 11:13 PM
This is getting scary. Beware if these unions are treating this like crossing a picket line. I had a job as a young person to drive a truck for a company during a strike along with a friend. My friend had the windows on his truck smashed on the passenger side and a bag of snakes was thrown inside, he left the truck and walked home. I drove a bit faster so they couldn’t do it to me and they shot the tires on my vehicle. I walked home too. These people get real ugly and don’t play fair and if it continues will lead to violence. We need to stop this now before we have a civil war on our hands.
workingforpigs on August 6, 2009 at 11:13 PM
I’ve checked Udall, Coffman and Salazar and I’ve come up empty, let’s keep each other updated. thnx
thomasaur on August 6, 2009 at 11:14 PM
What kind of cover is it when the dope Carnahan gets the press this will generate. BFD, that he got to meet with his “cover” goons in a gym when everyone else knows he shut out most of his constituents.
Carnahan will be going down come 2010.
Dusty on August 6, 2009 at 11:15 PM
“When I’m through with ‘em Japanese will be a language spoken only in hell.”
-Adm William F Halsey steaming into Pearl Harbor as it still burned
Only in the sense that Custer had them indians right where he wanted ‘em….
Unions are sub 13% of general population now.
sven10077 on August 6, 2009 at 11:15 PM
gophergirl on August 6, 2009 at 11:16 PM
If Carnahan ever gets voted out, I will be shocked. Shocked and very happy. He has Gephardt’s old district and it is very, very blue but also very, very patriotic. A lot of union workers but a lot of them are laid off Chrysler and Chevy workers. I know quite a few of them and those that are paying attention are pissed!
Vince on August 6, 2009 at 11:16 PM
So exactly what have these people won here? That they won’t be on a YouTube video? Well anyone watching YouTube videos is internet savvy and anyone internet savvy is hearing about how you stacked the deck at your meeting.
It is unraveling with these people because there is only a lose-lose scenario to locking people who have been following on the internet and heard about the townhall to avoid being on the internet appearing un-American.
Ummmm at some point the same thing that happnened with the YouTube videos is going to happen to the lockout information is it not? Can you say viral?
Conan on August 6, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Go ahead and assume the worst.
And when we are being loaded on trains for the reeducation camps allah will be telling us to pledge a fraternity.
peacenprosperity on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM
I repeat, tommorow on American Thinker are 3 developments in the last cople of days that should make everyone perk up and smell the coffee. Obama’s peices for totalarianism are being put in place now! A sneaker of Fishy, What Lurketh in yon Foul Waters?
“Let’s re-cap shall we, One, there is now a White House sponsored, “community” driven blacklisting site. Two, we have a freshly created MOS in our traditionally domestically oriented National Guard that seems to be tailored towards gulag maintenance and operations. Three, there is the cherry on top of having subversive elements advising our Dear Leader, who had frankly once proposed exactly these same Stalinesque measures. Including the slaughter of millions of their fellow countrymen!
Boiled down to nuts and bolts it looks something like this;
1) Locate, record and target.
2) Segregate, contain & re-educate.
3) Evaluate, assimilate or eliminate.”
Archimedes on August 6, 2009 at 11:17 PM
I am a MN-05 hostage. Stay Strong but that video of Ellison on Hotair looking like a douche was great wasn’t it?
Conan on August 6, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Union activity in anything that threatens their survival will result in violence. I truly hope that this will not result in the first shot fired.
workingforpigs on August 6, 2009 at 11:18 PM
If a President ever told one group of Americans to push back against another group, the media would run him out of town.
But that was before we had TRAITORS as the media.
Jeff from WI on August 6, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Allah, will you now apologize for your RINO crap on the first post?
TexasJew on August 6, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Hey neighbor! That was great and the fact it went all over made it even better. Took some sting out of the Franken mess – blech!
gophergirl on August 6, 2009 at 11:21 PM
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