Town Hall meeting with Pete Visclosky in Chesterton, 8/3/2009

[rambone]

Post Tribune's Article

The Post Tribune's Article

Health-care reform talk draws plan protesters :: Local News :: Post-Tribune

CHESTERTON -- A crowd of protesters Monday failed to disrupt a roomful of people who came to talk and question U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky about health care reform at the Westchester Library Service Center. "I've never seen anything like this in Chesterton," said one local, walking away after the hour-long public session ended.

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Protestors against national health care yellat U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky after a forum on health care held by the the Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana Monday at the Westchester Library Service Center in Chesterton.
(Scott M. Bort/Post-Tribune)

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U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky talks about his view on national health care reform during a Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana forum Monday evening at the Westchester Library Service Center in Chesterton.
(Scott M. Bort/Post-Tribune)

Visclosky's appearance as the opener for the monthly meeting of the Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana was publicized as an open meeting, and more than 200 people, many from other communities, responded to make their views known for and against health-care reform being debated in Congress.

The doors were closed when about 90 people had been admitted in addition to almost 30 party members, slightly more than the capacity of the room, while the rest remained outside under the eyes of up to five members of the Chesterton Police Department.

"The library found out about the (Tea Party of Lake County, a local chapter of the state and national Tea Party protest group) and called the police," said organization co-chairman Don Briggs.

He strongly warned the audience against disruptive behavior before introducing Visclosky, D-Merrillville, who entered through the front door.
One group outside opposed what they saw as a government takeover of the health-care system, about four times as many as the other group of retired steel workers and supporters of universal health care.

"How can you guys be sure this isn't going to explode into a new problem that we can't pay for?" said Valparaiso accountant Dan Martin, whose wife, Susan, is head of the Indiana Tea Party media committee in Indianapolis.
Visclosky said lack of action on health-care reform has gone on too long and something must be done, saying, "I'd rather err on the side of caution."

Police made no moves to stop the Tea Party group when it moved to beneath the meeting room windows to shout, "You can't hide!"

They could be heard, but had no effect on the discussion. Visclosky was escorted out the front door by police to shouts of "Vote him out!"

Interesting they said we failed. Typical.

 

[rambone]

Another Blog on the Protest

More coverage from a Photographer/Blogger:

Snap Its: Town Hall

(D) Representative Pete Visklosky had an open Town Hall meeting to discuss the socialist Health Care Bill they are trying to ram down our throats. Only a hundred or so were allowed into the building but we had at least 3 times that in opposition to the bill standing not quietly outside.

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A few Daily Kos readers were there in support of Obamacare (all 15 of them), including a group of pre-teen boys on bicycles that they pulled off the streets to stand on their side. Their repartee was as brilliant as you would expect from liberal fanatics...for instance:

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The back of his sign reads, "Conservative values are immoral". Coming from a group of atheist whose moral compass is directed solely by self-righteousness and misguided, misinformed and missing intellect, I'll take my chances on God and family, thank you very much.

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And then there was this classy Obamacare supporter who wanted to engage in open, RATIONAL and logical debate. Notice the finger gesture aimed at the crowd of anti-Obamacare protesters behind her who were escorting Rep. Visklosky to his vehicle. That's Pete there on the right in the gray suit. Hey Pete, she's doing your dirty work for you. Aren't you proud?

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This guy here is a typical leftist cronie interested in reporting only one side of the story. He took lengthy interviews from nearly every supporter of Obamacare in attendance (all 15 of them) and then tried to duck out without speaking to a single person who was there in opposition to bill! He had to be taunted with shouts of 'freedom of the press' before he would even consent to the notion of speaking to any of us.

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Anyone want to take bets as to whether or not he actually had the tape rolling? My bet is on NOT A CHANCE.

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We could be seen (until they snapped the blinds shut) and heard inside the meeting...so we made sure we were seen and heard.

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Meet (D) Representative Pete Visklosky. When he left the building he glad-handed and gave the thumbs up to several Obamacare supporters. Notice here he is trying very hard to ignore the crowd on his right who are in opposition to the Bill. He wouldn't even so much as glance in our direction. Apparently, more concerned about his current legal troubles with the Feds than representing the voice and direction of his CONSTITUENTS he wouldn't even extend his hand to the opposition (many of whom actually voted for him in the past!) Shame on you, Pete! Maybe you and your Democrat playmates on the Hill have missed the recent polls, but the overwhelming majority DO NOT WANT this Bill! The Democrats are not going to bail you out...get your mind right, do your job, read the DAMN Bill and VOTE NO!
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[rambone]

Chesterton Tribune's coverage:

The Chesterton Tribune's version of the event:

http://www.chestertontribune.com/Northwest%20Indiana/8491%20health_care_reform_debate_comes.htm

Health care reform debate comes to Chesterton at Democrat Visclosky event


By VICKI URBANIK
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The Northwest Indiana Democrat Alliance definitely found itself fostering First Amendment rights on Monday, after announcing that it would host a public meeting in Chesterton with invited guest U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky to discuss health care reform.

The Northwest Indiana Patriots seized the opportunity, and according to organizer Faith Jones, quickly rallied its supporters, contributing to an overflow crowd of more than 300 who gathered Monday night at the Westchester Public Library’s Service Center.

The line that began forming about two hours before the meeting was so long that it stretched beyond the parking lot and onto the Indiana Avenue sidewalk. Many carried hand-made signs on both sides of the health care issue, with messages ranging from “Our lives have value. Support the public option” to “Hands off my health care.”

One woman who walked the line got roaring applause from opponents for her sign: “Euthanize Obamacare. Not seniors.” A man clearly on the other side commented in response: “Seniors are already on government health care.”

Many of those waiting in line to hear Visclosky weren’t allowed in, since the meeting room’s capacity of 110 quickly filled up, and Chesterton Police prevented more from being allowed in.

Throughout Visclosky’s talk, the health care insurance reform protestors -- identified as Patriots, freedom fighters, and Tea Party activists -- broke into chants, at times nearly drowning out Visclosky, who spoke without the use of a microphone.

Near the end of Visclosky’s one-hour address, some opponents outdoors pressed up to the windows, shouting and waving signs “Throw him out. Throw him out,” the protesters chanted.

One woman inside was escorted out by Chesterton Police after she opened the blinds several times to show off the protesters, after being told to leave the windows alone.

After the meeting, Democrat Alliance organizer Karen Kroczek said the protesters failed to accomplish their goal of disrupting the meeting and embarrassing the congressman. She said the huge turnout of protestors demonstrates the organizational power of the “radical right,” but said the Democrat Alliance’s event was a success because it was an orderly, open meeting that gave the public a chance to hear their congressman address health care.

Giving a different take was Jones, who said momentum against health care reform is growing. She said she wasn’t surprised by the huge turnout, since her group was recently able to get 100 people to protest outside of Visclosky’s Merrillville office on short notice. She said more health care reform protests will be held during the Congressional recess.

Visclosky
For his part, Visclosky didn’t commit to supporting the Obama Administration-backed bill, H.R. 3200, that passed a House committee Friday. He noted that there is no legislation yet that has made it to the full House. He was jeered by protestors when he said he has not yet read the committee-backed bill.

In his opening statement, Visclosky pointed out that he twice voted against the Wall Street bailout bills but that he did support the federal stimulus package because of its potential for retaining and creating jobs.

He also said he would hope there could be some fundamental principals that most would agree on, such as providing health care regardless of pre-existing conditions, giving consumers a choice in health care plans, and ensuring that a new system is adequately funded.

He then decided to take questions from the audience verbally, rather than resorting to questions posed on cards.

Several times, Visclosky countered what appeared to be one of the greatest fears about health care reform: The public option provision. Visclosky said the public option is not intended to replace employer-provided insurance plans, but to provide coverage for the estimated 46 million Americans who currently lack health care. He said he, personally, would not transfer to the new public program, since he already has health care.

One audience member questioned the constitutionality of government-backed health care, but Visclosky said no one has challenged Congress’ establishment of Medicare. Citing his own elderly parents, Visclosky said the fate of seniors in this country would probably be “bleak” if it were not for Medicare.

One audience member questioned the cost of the insurance reform and how Congress can ensure that health care reform wouldn’t explode into a huge problem that the nation can’t afford. Visclosky agreed that the cost estimated at $300 billion is staggering and said the reform package must be funded. To the extent that people can pay, they should be required to, he said.

When Jones suggested that the bill would take away privacy. “Everybody’s business will be everybody’s business,” she said. Visclosky disagreed and said he would not vote for any legislation that would dissolve privacy rights.

Protests Continue
After the meeting, the Democrat Alliance convened a meeting just for its members, turning away at least one Patriot who tried to sit in.
The protests continued well after Visclosky and most of the crowd left.

“Honk for health care,” shouted one sign-waving health care reform supporter at the corner of Indiana and South Calumet Road.
A number of cars honked in response. Others merely stopped to read the man’s sign. One motorist shouted back that he doesn’t want a government-run program. “I like what I got,” he said.

Soon, however, a group of Patriots showed up at the same corner. “No to Obamacare,” one shouted. Another chanted through a bullhorn: “Freedom is not free. And neither is his health care. They will own you.”

 

[Concrete]

Good report. I was there inside with my daughter and a few friends. It was just as you said. What a great show of WE THE PEOPLE..

 

[melensdad]

Good report. I was there inside with my daughter and a few friends. It was just as you said. What a great show of WE THE PEOPLE..

Well despite the FACT that this event was organized by liberal Democrats they could not get their own people to show up in any quantity. . . and an independent group of anti-tax/anti-socialists show up who are not formally related to the GOP, the Ron Paulists, the Constitution Party or anything else and they overwhelm the event . . . but still Visclosky plans to vote for socialism!

 

[rambone]

Well despite the FACT that this event was organized by liberal Democrats they could not get their own people to show up in any quantity. . . and an independent group of anti-tax/anti-socialists show up who are not formally related to the GOP, the Ron Paulists, the Constitution Party or anything else and they overwhelm the event . . . but still Visclosky plans to vote for socialism!

You're right. It is very telling that the organizers had such little support. And the bozo who introduced Visclosky actually accused us of "Astroturf-ing" which apparently means that you bus people in from other parts of the state to make it appear that a particular location is more heavily represented by that side than it truly is.

I was outside the building, but if I was in the meeting, I wish I had the opportunity to ask, "Hey Pete, do you always let the person introducing you call your constituents immature names [teabaggers] before you take the microphone? Can he support his claim and name one single person is "astroturfing" and here from outside your district to protest you?"

For a small town like Chesterton, it was an awesome turnout.

 

[rambone]

A Video Clip of the Event!

VIDEO: Spontaneous Protest Erupts in Chesterton, IN Against Socialized Health Care | Kevin | Kevin Tracy - KTracy.com

"VIDEO: Spontaneous Protest Erupts in Chesterton, IN Against Socialized Health Care."

 

[rambone]

Two Letters to the Editor

Two Letters to the Editor printed in the Post Tribune:


Visclosky out of touch on health care issue :: Letters :: Post-Tribune

Visclosky out of touch on health care issue

August 17, 2009

Our outstanding Rep. Peter Visclosky recently had a town hall meeting in Chesterton. He made some brilliant statements that need the light of day.

I have read information from both sides of this issue and am quite capable of deciding for myself if this is a good thing.

His first comment was, "If it's worth doing it's worth paying for. Based on a person's ability to pay, they should pay something."

I have insurance I pay for already. Why do I have to pay for the uninsured or those who don't want to be insured?

Another comment was, "Some people think if the government is involved, therefore it's bad, and on that we will have a sharp difference of opinion."
Then he went on to point out that Social Security and Medicare were once thought too big to pursue.

Really? Is he even on the same planet the rest of us are? He talks about two of the biggest examples of waste and big government being out of control. Medicare is almost bankrupt and Social Security is on the brink. Remember when these taxes were deductible and benefits weren't taxable?
Now if these are such great programs, and they once were, why isn't Congress part of these programs?

Visclosky should give up his big, self-approved pension. Sign up for Social Security if it's so great. Start paying the payroll taxes associated with it.
President Obama, when he was running for the Senate, said he wants a single-payer system.

This will lead to government control over every aspect of our lives. If it's as simple as insuring the uninsured, why is the legislation in the House over 1,000 pages? As they say, the devil is in the details.

Visclosky is so out of touch with the common man, it is sad. It's time to go -- you and all the other professional politicos in Washington.
You and your beliefs are the best argument for term limits.

David Podguski, Valparaiso

Tea Party Patriots did not disrupt forum :: Letters :: Post-Tribune

Tea Party Patriots did not disrupt forum

August 17, 2009

This regards the article about Rep. Peter Visclosky's appearance in Chesterton.

Some points in the article should be clarified. The Tea Party Patriots did not "fail to disrupt the meeting." We did not come to disrupt it in the first place. We've held and attended a number of events this year and behaved better at them than many have at other protests I've seen. We came to both voice our opinion and to show that we aren't one or two but a couple hundred strong. As for the fact that many came from outside Chesterton, we still were nearly all 1st Congressional District residents.

It was the Democratic Alliance that displayed rude and offensive behavior from the onset. I've attended many meetings in Lake and Porter counties and never got an insulting dressing-down like I got from Mr. Briggs. I was glad the police were there to protect us from the Alliance! If they wanted no other opinions to spoil Visclosky's decision, they should have had a closed meeting.

And here I thought dissent was the highest form of patriotism.

Michael R. Stulac, Hobart