Durbin: Meeting with constituents “not productive”
posted at 2:57 pm on August 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Add Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to the list of Milk Carton Politicians, with a special mention for hubris and arrogance. Unlike some of his colleagues, who put their mouths into hiding along with the rest of their bodies rather than face angry constituents, Durbin tells the public that meeting with voters is just “not productive.” But do you know what is productive? Meeting with lobbyists:
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin defended his decision Thursday to not participate in town hall meetings regarding health care reform, saying the outbursts that have marred others are “not constructive.”
Durbin, back in his hometown of Springfield for the unveiling of the newest penny honoring Abraham Lincoln, said the yelling, pushing and shoving that has erupted in other parts of the nation are part of a strategy by those opposed to reforms.
“I don’t think that really serves the purpose of informing the public and answering their questions honestly,” Durbin said. “It doesn’t help.”
Rather than participate in a town hall-style public session to discuss President Barack Obama’s push for an overhaul of health care, Durbin has held six meetings with health care officials.
He said those meetings, including one in Decatur on Wednesday, have led to meaningful and cordial debate.
Meeting with the people who voted you into office? Not productive. Meeting with people who can buy your way back into office when the voters erupt in anger? Highly productive.
Durbin may or may not be afraid of his constituents, but he’s certainly contemptuous of them. At this point, they should feel the same way about Durbin. So much for answering to the voters!
Addendum: While we’re talking about Profiles in Courage, let’s also give Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) a Special Mention among the milk-carton contingent on Capitol Hill. He’s going to face his constituents tonight — from the inside of a union hall:
Downtown Orlando will play host to its first health care “town hall” when Democrat Alan Grayson hosts one Monday night.
The release from Grayson’s office came in about 15 minutes ago, stating that the event will be held at the IBEW hall on Virginia Drive at 7:45 p.m.
He’s also doing a tele-town hall for all those who don’t want to push past union reps to get a chance to speak to their Congressman. How big of Grayson!
Blowback
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What a cunning stunt.
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:37 PM
Dick Durbin, insulting to the bugs that feed on worm excrement everywhere.
Speakup on August 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Term Limits is the only answer. Too bad it takes politicians to amend the Constitution so it will never happen.
I know the States (Local Politicians) can call for a Constituional Convention to amend the Constitution but the LAST thing we what is to open the whole Constitution up for amending.
Hopeless Future on August 17, 2009 at 3:39 PM
He is absolutely, 100% correct. He knows that ‘those’ refers to the voting public, but he’s trying to paint it as something more sinister than his constituents wanting to be properly represented.
James on August 17, 2009 at 3:39 PM
that could be useful in many places, if you know what i mean
/MadisonCon
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 3:39 PM
you gotta have em
little kids are quick as whips
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 3:40 PM
New Urban Dictionary Definition:
bluelightbrigade on August 17, 2009 at 3:40 PM
ADMANIA!!!!
Will the GOP have the sack to do it?
jukin on August 17, 2009 at 3:40 PM
George, come back.
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Voters are for elections only. It’s the Chicago way.
Fletch54 on August 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM
I wonder if he was named after his father, and if as a child in his house, there was a “little Dick” and a “big Dick.”
Of course, now that he’s grown up, he’s the big Dick.
UltimateBob on August 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Durbin has sold his soul to the Chicago Machine. There isn’t much hope for conservatives in IL. The wife and I are lifelong residents and seriously considering a new state.
hml65 on August 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM
You know, I’m totally going out on a limb with this, but, I keep laughing by myself over here and have to get it out.
Every time that one of these tools act too important to talk to their employers and, to our horror, try to take on areas of our economy and lives far beyond their expertise, I think of this:
Movie trivia, anyone?
Mommypundit on August 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM
FIFY
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 17, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Dick Durbin, insulting to the bugs that feed on worm excrement everywhere.
Speakup on August 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Little Dickie Durbin IS the worm excrement.
DoctorDentons on August 17, 2009 at 3:43 PM
mystery science theatre!
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Why does he always look like a grinning shi*head in every caption. Oh wait, it’s because he is one.
NathanG on August 17, 2009 at 3:46 PM
They have elections in Illinois?
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:49 PM
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Either you are a fantastic nerd or that was not obscure at all. :o)
Seriously, I have giggle fits over here when I remember that scene and how STUPID our elected officials are. It just seems appropriate.
Mommypundit on August 17, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Really small and not so thick-y….
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:53 PM
What else can one expect from the Land of O?
trainwife1962 on August 17, 2009 at 3:55 PM
They have elections in Illinois?
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Theoretically, yes. It’s probably just to keep work for the Secretary of State’s office, though.
jwolf on August 17, 2009 at 3:55 PM
fantastic. period.
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 3:56 PM
I’d agree with him on that one. Only a fool would show up at this point.
AnninCA on August 17, 2009 at 3:57 PM
It is his responsibility to report back to his constituents
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 3:57 PM
TO request more money for schools and libraries is my guess.
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Greyson is my Rep and I’d like to go to the town hall, but I’d have to bring my kids and am hesitant to take them if there will be union there.
I’ve taken them to campaign rallies and two Tea Parties, but this is a whole different animal.
Any suggestions?
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 3:58 PM
(A) Only a fool would show up at this point.
(B) Obama conducts townhalls.
Therefore
(C) Obama is a fool.
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 3:59 PM
+ 1000.
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Don’t take your kids
I discourage people from taking their kids to any sort of rallies
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Purple SEIU shirts for you and your kids? Place IBEW bumber sticker on you car?
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Townhalls are only one venue. I’d sure as heck find some other way.
This deal is lose-lose for Dems.
AnninCA on August 17, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Purple SEIU shirts for you and your kids? Place IBEW bumber sticker on you car?
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Good idea, infiltrate the enemy ranks!
I wonder what mischief we could get up to…
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Sounds to me like another concession of defeat. The Dems are not willing to fight for their ideals (whatever they are). Liberalism specializes in subterfuge and ambush, retreat to declare victory, benign neglect that passes for responsiveness. Cowardice that is called courage.
Delay, delay, delay. 2010 is just around the corner, and Obama-Carter’s retirement not long after that.
EMD on August 17, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Somewhere, worm excrement feels insulted….
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Dick Durbin is almost as slimy as Chuck Schumer. What a combo.
SouthernGent on August 17, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Don’t take your kids
I discourage people from taking their kids to any sort of rallies
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM
You’re right, you’re right. But I love the SEIU shirt idea – fulfills those spy fantasies I had as a girl!
But my kids’ safety is far more important, so I guess we will just do the tele town hall. Too bad it’s too dangerous to show my kids democracy in action.
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Please keep taking as much rope as you want.
jukin on August 17, 2009 at 4:08 PM
I took my kids to two tea parties. A town hall, no. I wouldn’t do that. But, tea parties, YES. Now, however, it depends on the union thug presence.
Mommypundit on August 17, 2009 at 4:12 PM
tea parties perhaps
it really depends on the size
ive been to many rallies over time
ive seen too many bad things happen when kids come into the fray
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
This Durbin is the guy that compared our troops to Pol Pot….until the real power broker in IL (some mayor guy named Daley) pulled his chain. It seems this Daley fellow had a son in the United States Army that was serving in Afghanistan…and said Mayor Daley didn’t care for the senator’s musings about our uniformed personnel.
After the “mayor” pulled his chain, the “senator” (who ranks who here?) was almost in tears on the floor of the Senate. Courageous indeed
tgharris on August 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Senator Dick
Well yes, if your refuse to listen of course meeting with voters will be unproductive.
agmartin on August 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Evidently Durbin thinks the purpose of Town Halls is for the elites from Washington to tell the rubes — er, voters — what’s going on in the world, instead of the other way around.
From Democracy to Autocracy in just two years. Now that’s Change you can believe in.
Socratease on August 17, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Meeting with voters is not a productive use of my time; meeting with lobbyists kicks a$$! Dick Durbin before he dicks you!
ya2daup on August 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Wow, you sound old and gray, College. What sort of fray have you experienced and what has happened to the kids?
Mommypundit on August 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Welcome to the Roman Empire.
ThePrez on August 17, 2009 at 4:18 PM
I concur. I grew up in Cook County raised as a Lib like 90% of everyone else here. Eventually I discovered conservatism by accident and soon thereafter recognized the folly that is Progressive ideology…an ideology that I held onto for so many years.
It’s funny, the Libs are now fleeing Cook County and the 10.25% sales tax. They end up in the outer burbs, and promptly vote in Lib politicians. And the cycle continues. It’s almost as if Liberals are like locusts, laying waste to everything in their path over long periods of time.
visions on August 17, 2009 at 4:19 PM
well
the libbies start harassing the parent with the kids
tensions get high
the kids get upset and/or really angry
etc etc
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 4:24 PM
My CrapWeasel Congresswoman Melissa Bean is holding a Healthcare Townhall disguised as a Chamber Breakfast on September 2 (Wednesday) 7:30AM to 9:30AM at the Concorde Banquet Hall (gated private property on a major highway with no place to stand and protest) in Lake Zurich, IL and CHARGING $25 Per Person to be in her blessed presence.
So let me get this straight……I have to PAY to access my Illinois congressional representative but a lobbyist gets to see her in Washington for FREE.
Middle of the work week, AM rush hour, pay to get in, gated private property eliminates protesters, give away VIP passes to supporters and stack the audience. She has really done her homework on this, wish she were as thorough on READING THE F*****G Bill!!!!!
My Honorable Representative…………what a douche bag. Can’t wait for 2010.
PatriotRider
PatriotRider on August 17, 2009 at 4:25 PM
I took my kids to two tea parties. A town hall, no. I wouldn’t do that. But, tea parties, YES. Now, however, it depends on the union thug presence.
Mommypundit on August 17, 2009 at 4:12 PM
I took my girls to see Sarah Palin at the Villages, and we had a great time. I’ve also taken them to two Tea Parties, and they had a blast. They were all fun, energetic events filled with respectful comraderie. I got the impression the same was true for the town halls (except the anger directed rightly at our gov’t officials), at least until the administration called out their goon squad to enforce their will. If it weren’t for the union presence, I would probably take them, but those union thugs are another story. We’ll just speakerphone the tele town hall, I suppose.
I find it interesting that a man who ran on corruption-busting is holed up with SEIU.
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 4:25 PM
edit
the kids get upset
and the parents get angry or upset
etc etc
blatantblue on August 17, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Durbin couldn’t care less what his constituents think about anything. I don’t know how many times I’ve called or emailed over the years, and I always get the standard snotty reply, and the big finish on stopping by for coffee and donuts if I’m ever in D.C.
At least he does reply. Obama, living up to being a zero, wouldn’t respond at all when he was my senator.
Obviously the whole concept of being a public servant isn’t in their thought process at all. Or maybe they think the public is there to serve them.
Mulligan on August 17, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Obviously the whole concept of being a public servant isn’t in their thought process at all. Or maybe they think the public is there to serve them.
Mulligan on August 17, 2009 at 4:28 PM
BULLSEYE!!!!
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Check out this piece of garbage:
Even if 80% of his voters say no, he will still vote for it. He either a)doesn’t want to remain a Congressman or b)knows the ACORN fix is in and doesn’t have to listen to his constituents anymore. Whether they vote for him or not, he will still be reelected.
I’m really, really, really hoping for option a.
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM
I agree. The state of Montana comes to mind with this concept.
NathanG on August 17, 2009 at 4:36 PM
If he stated this position and\or made his statist principles clear to his voters in 2008. Then he should do (A). We would be pissed if the reverse was true. E.g., Congressman Joe Smith says during the campaign is is for constitutional limited government, Bill to get rid of the Dept of Education comes up for vote, and I would expect him to vote for the bill regardless of what the voters of his district thinks of the bill (assumming the bill is larded up).
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Durbin needs to have the town hall brought to him. Picketing outside his offices should go over pretty well. No wonder Mark Levin despises this jackass so thoroughly. Yet another coward ducking beneath the radar, afraid to face the rightful wrath of the people that are infuriated with his poor, selfish decisionmaking. This is another of those bureaucrats that will vote for you to go on welfare state medicine, and yet he’ll keep his own plan. Recall him.
Virus-X on August 17, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Both of these clowns should be mailed milk cartons with their picture and MISSING printed on it. On the other side would be the notation: WHEN YOU RUN FOR OFFICE AGAIN, MY VOTE WILL ALSO BE MISSING!
GarandFan on August 17, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Isn’t that about what King Louis XVI, Benito Mussolini and Nicolae Ceausescu all said? How did that work out?
MB4 on August 17, 2009 at 4:42 PM
Exactly how we ended up with Foster taking over Hastert’s seat when he resigned.
Mulligan on August 17, 2009 at 4:42 PM
I am not too keen on Hastert’s son running for the seat next year. At least he will have to compete in the primary.
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 4:45 PM
What a Dick this Dirtbin is, especially for a senator that hasn’t done Dick, except try to spring ex. gov. George Ryan, another Illinois politician currently residing at Club Fed, from prison.
MayorDaley on August 17, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Durbin is typical a Chicago thug who knows how to beat down his constituents. Why should he listen to them as he would not work in their best interests anyway. When you have liberal lemmiings in these numbers, it is only a matter of time before the cliff must be dealt with.
volsense on August 17, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Ah, Dickie Durbin, the other “Mouthpiece for Da Mayor”…
mojo on August 17, 2009 at 4:51 PM
If he stated this position and\or made his statist principles clear to his voters in 2008. Then he should do (A). We would be pissed if the reverse was true. E.g., Congressman Joe Smith says during the campaign is is for constitutional limited government, Bill to get rid of the Dept of Education comes up for vote, and I would expect him to vote for the bill regardless of what the voters of his district thinks of the bill (assumming the bill is larded up).
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 4:39 PM
You make a good point, but if he ran as a constitutional limited government candidate, he would have the majority behind him anyway, right? If he won election, one would assume his constituency shared his beliefs, for the most part (particularly since something like that would be a main plank in his platform).
I was under the impression our elected representatives are supposed to represent the majority of their constituents, especially when they are so vociferous in their opposition.
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 5:03 PM
This Durbin is the guy that compared our troops to Pol Pot….until the real power broker in IL (some mayor guy named Daley) pulled his chain. It seems this Daley fellow had a son in the United States Army that was serving in Afghanistan…and said Mayor Daley didn’t care for the senator’s musings about our uniformed personnel.
After the “mayor” pulled his chain, the “senator” (who ranks who here?) was almost in tears on the floor of the Senate. Courageous indeed
tgharris on August 17, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Almost all of Oama’s staff + his wife are Daley minions from city hall. I’ve long been of mind that much of the impetus behind getting Obama elected was to short circut the many investigations into corruption here.
For instance, Patrick Fitzgerald seems to have dropped off the planet since the Blago bombshell. And what ever happened to the investigation of the contact between Valerie Jarret(minion) & Rahmy(Ally) & Blago? Or with Big Bob Cellini Ray Lahood(now Trans Secy) or half a…oops,… baker’s dozen of other’s of the Illinois Combine under the Fed’s microscope?
Poof!… and nuttin but crickets, not a peep. From the local or Nat’l press nada zippo! Nuttin to see here folks, now move along.
Archimedes on August 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
You have to feel sorry for others on this blog. Between Obama and his Chicago politics, the morons voting in Al Franken, and the writing of MadisonConservative I figure Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin are pretty well covered. You do know there are other people in here…LOL
Jeff from WI on August 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
As someone mentioned above, the “ACORN Fix” is in and Durbin knows it. What I can’t figure out is how can you beat them when your vote means nothing,your elected reps. ignore you, the courts, unions, and “community organizations” all seem to be calling the shots while the rest of us are paying for a $9B state deficit. Man, it’s frustrating.
/rant off
hml65 on August 17, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Jeff from WI on August 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Just when I start to wallow in despair you remind me of Frankin and MN.
Thanks.
hml65 on August 17, 2009 at 5:13 PM
frustrating??? come over here to the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia.
Fighton03 on August 17, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Fighton03 on August 17, 2009 at 5:16 PM
OK,OK, you win!
Seriously though, I wish you folks the best.
May God help us all.
hml65 on August 17, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Check out this piece of garbage:
Even if 80% of his voters say no, he will still vote for it. He either a)doesn’t want to remain a Congressman or b)knows the ACORN fix is in and doesn’t have to listen to his constituents anymore. Whether they vote for him or not, he will still be reelected.
I’m really, really, really hoping for option a.
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Seems to have been yanked by you tube already.
Archimedes on August 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Seems to have been yanked by you tube already.
Archimedes on August 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Maybe I did the link wrong – I’m new to this! I hope this one works -
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Ah, Dickie Durbin, the other “Mouthpiece for Da Mayor”…
mojo on August 17, 2009 at 4:51 PM
As per John Kass, the authority on Chg/Ill politics, it’s..Da Mare. You gotta get yer Guido on with da annuciation.
Archimedes on August 17, 2009 at 5:32 PM
did it wrong again!!
I hope I get it right this time
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 5:33 PM
did it wrong again!!
I hope I get it right this time
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Ya got it now, thanks!
Archimedes on August 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Ya got it now, thanks!
Archimedes on August 17, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Thanks for letting me know. I’m a total newbie at this – just registered the other day, never commented on a blog before. thanks for the patience!
Ripley on August 17, 2009 at 5:41 PM
hey, I’ve been voting again Dick Dustbin for years now. When, oh when, can we cosign him to one??????
dissent555 on August 17, 2009 at 6:08 PM
GaaahhhhhhHHH!!!!
BigWyo on August 17, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Dick Durbin is a disgrace to both the great state of Illinois and office he holds. He cannot be voted out fast enough, but alas the dead still vote in Chicago!!
shov74 on August 17, 2009 at 6:30 PM
The problem with Illinois is, even the Republicans there are disgusting maggots. The whole state is a waste of land.
Jeff from WI on August 17, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Since I can’t say what I’d like to say about Durbin I’ll just say this………BLLEEEEEEP……..and he’s a BLLLEEEEEEP. And the BLEEEEEP voters in his state deserve the BLLLLEEEEEP they get.
I feel better after calling him the BLLLLEEEP he is.
:-)
PappyD61 on August 17, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Durbin is nothing but a Democratic hack!
LifeTrek on August 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM
What a cunning stunt.
1921 C DRUM on August 17, 2009 at 3:37 PM
If it was Tom Daschle, would it have been a “cunning stunt” from a “cunning runt”???
paragon27x on August 17, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Makes no difference what good old Dick does. The idiots in this state will vote him back in regardless.
And let’s not forget about my own dude, Jesse Jackson Jr. who’s holding his townhall in a church in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the country.
I’d love to attend, but I don’t have a bullet proof vest.
Knucklehead on August 17, 2009 at 3:06 PM
I had someone from his Homewood office on the line last week-and I wish I could’ve thought on my feet.
I would’ve asked why he couldn’t have a suburban town hall at H.F. or one of the Riches.
Coward!
As for Dick-I’ll be doing the happy dance when that…”illegitimate child” is voted out of office.
annoyinglittletwerp on August 17, 2009 at 11:11 PM
I was at Grayson’s “Town Hall”. The place was stacked with union members, they kept hassling the crowd and trying to intimidate ppl, and the venue was ridiculously small, like 125 ppl or so. When it came time to let ppl in he only allowed like 40 or so “real constituents” in aka not union thugs. The man is a contemptible little troll, it wasnt a town hall, it was a joke
MyImamToldMeToDoIt on August 17, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Curious, what neighborhood?
WashJeff on August 17, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Roseland…………113th or 119th and Halsted (I can’t remember the exact street). Too bad he can’t hold it down here in Homewood, but I guess that would mean real people, with real questions.
Wanna be my bodyguard?
Knucklehead on August 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
It’s at Sheldon church 113th/something.
I was thinking of finding a way to go but the husband doesn’t want me anywhere near that neighborhood.
annoyinglittletwerp on August 17, 2009 at 11:18 PM
The thing that has always gotten to me about Dick Durbin is that perpetual smirk he constantly wears on his face. I can’t wait for the day that someone here in Illinois runs against him and defeats him, just so I can finally see that smirk wiped off his face once and for all.
pilamaye on August 18, 2009 at 8:11 AM
When did you get back?
Al in St. Lou on August 18, 2009 at 4:02 PM
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