Thursday, November 5, "OFFICE VISIT" to Jackie Speier

Michelle Bachmann has called on all those who can to go to Washington D.C. Thursday, November 5, to meet at noon on the steps of the capitol, and then to seek out their representatives, and "look them in the eyes" to tell them we do not want the boondoggle that is ØbamaCare.

Since most of us won't be able to drop everything and travel across the country, we are going to meet at Jackie Speier's local office with our personal anti-ObamaCare letters in hand (no envelopes - no security worries)...to hand them, individually, to her staff as we—politely—tell them that we want Jackie to vote AGAINST Nancy Pelosi's monstrosity.

Yes, I know the chances of changing her mind is slim. But it's important to let her know we are not going away—that the Tea Parties of this Spring/Summer were JUST THE BEGINNING of the Taxpayer Revolt!

Time: NOON

Location:

400 S. El Camino Real, Suite 750
San Mateo, CA 94402

One block North of Central Park
on the Corner of 4th Avenue and El Camino Real, San Mateo

Everyone bring a letter to Jackie...no envelope...just the letter, to hand deliver at her office!

I know this is the same day as our meeting (below). The day was chosen by Michelle Backmann, is being supported as "mass action" across America, and so we're going with the day.

wtp

We The People: No Longer the SILENT Majority!

Matt W sent this in. It's a great review of Jackie Speier's August 29 Townhall:

Hi All,

This morning's Jackie Spier town hall was a big success for sensible people.

It opened with a presentation by Jackie.  She explained that we need health care reform because people with acne, people who have had C-sections and/or people with too good a bill of health are and will continue to be denied because of it.

Per the official and well-known strategy, Ted Kennedy's impeccable (gag) record was attached to this effort as a way to legitimize it - that we should just pass it in his honor.

At first I thought I and a few others would be the only people representing our country and sensibility based on the number of Obama / Spier sign-bearing attendees.  And indeed, at first it appeared only a couple of people were refraining from the Jackie love fest and making contrary comments to her speech.

But someone out in left field (literally, relative to where she was standing on home plate) called her on the fact that the similar government Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid plans are heading to ruin.  It seemed that comment electrified the sensible people.

Before I go on, I just want to say how much I realized how important it is to go to these.  It is a WORLD of difference when there is a critical mass of people together.  Even if you don't ask a question yourself, just your applause helps out people that do.  It was amazing how the event went from me feeling timid and alone to being emboldened and excited when the other anti-health care plan folks stood up. 

I was shocked at question time at the ratio of Obama-lytes vs. sensible people.  Pleasantly shocked, that is.  I would say there was 2 pro-Jackie speakers for every 8 anti-Obamacare respondents.

Here's a few things I can remember...

First of all, the audio system was broken most of the time.  I had to cover my ears.  Questions were asked how well the govt can repair my body if they can't make a PA system operate.

0) No one made a comment about the costs of health care induced by illegal alien emergency room visits!  Jackie *did* say that E.R. costs for non-paying people will be just taken care of with this bill, but would not explain how this money magically doesn't still come from us.

1) Of the 3 people that stood up with their stories of denied coverage, 2 (and maybe all 3) were government employees (a former policewoman and a wife of a retired firefighter) and one was a university professor with a dead beat Stanford PhD MD.  It begs the question, if these people can't trust the government promises, how can we?

2) A very articulate senior asked Jackie if she would take forgo her gold-plated congressional plan and instead take the proposed plan first for a time, THEN tell us how great it is before voting on it.  Jackie proudly responded she does not take her plan; she prefers her husband's private industry plan.  She seemed to miss that that statement was not helping her cause.  People cried out that she should take it anyway and she went on to the next questioner with a smirk.

But right then someone behind me said "how many govt contracts does your husband get".  She *froze in her tracks*, leveled a stare at said person, paused seemingly ready to explode, then moved on.  If looks could kill...

3) Someone said, why not let the private industry solve the problem; her answer was that under this plan the insurance companies will THRIVE.

4) A latin senior woman with an eloquently prepared statement describing her democrat voting record asked in a shaking but emphatic voice how we will pay for this plan.  I believe this was answered with the typical "well if Bush didn't spend the money in Iraq we'd still have plenty of money".

5) A fellow right in front of me asked where in the constitution - which he had held in front of him - does it say Americans have a right to health care, much less control of banks, control of private enterprise via 'czars', control of energy, etc.  Jackie said that the constitution says congress can make laws, and this is another law.  And that the financial bailout was done because republican economists told her to.

6) One fellow clearly had her going as he sincerely said how much he wanted single payer health care.  But then he said people are also entitled to houses, gas, jobs, food, etc.  It was enormously amusing to watch how long into his speech he got before her face registered she realized he was being disingenuous.

7) A reform *supporter* asked why tort reform (reducing lawsuit damages to reduce malpractice costs to reduce premiums) was struck from the bill.  She said it was because the democratic party thought was too political and would make it harder to get the bill quickly through.  She also pointed out that CA law limits lawsuits to $250k which has made care cheaper here.  Doesn't seem that cheap to me, but if so I have to acknowledge that as a good thing.

8) Someone from China listed the facts: $11T in US debt today, projected to double by the end of BHO's term, 25% of our debt to China, $1500 per American per year to service the debt, etc.  He asked, how can we ever pay for all this and how can assume China will buy more debt?  No direct answer to the question.

9) In a mini debate behind me, I heard a man agree that health care would be run by "govt thugs" but would prefer that - and would prefer anything - to insurance companies.

10) A young gal with a prepared statement listed facts about other countries with socialized medicine; 3x the breast cancer death rate than the US, 100s of thousands on waiting lists, 40% of tax revenues in Ireland go to health care.  Jackie claimed the person wasn't listening close enough to her answer and just went on.

11) A senior said it was better to do what some countries have done - to just give out the health care and deal with cost containment later.

12) Someone who grew up in the projects and went to public schools (after which had to have his mother teach him to read as they failed) pointed out that Jackie was *not* elected by a majority of voters in her district.  She was elected by a majority of *registered* voters.  The majority of people did not vote at all - but implied that they *will now*.  He also asked how a Catholic can sponsor a bill that pays for abortions; she said it doesn't, folks in the crowd said it still does due to the failure of some amendments (I don't know the truth of this).

13) Someone asked how she can justify the govt intruding into people's lives with certain aspects of the bill - which he called out by page and section.  She said it was just to make sure people making $40k or less are really making that little. Very few people were satisfied with that answer.

14) Due to the microphone outage, one guy had to come forward (as her aides directed) to ask his question - the police almost tackled him not realizing this was not an attack.

15) Jackie and other liberal orgs were handing out literature and forcefully ordering people to register on the way in.  Why can't we have our own registration booth next time?

If I missed your comment I'm sorry!  But again, this really was a success in our almost entirely liberal neighborhood.

--Matt W

Thanks Matt. Wonderfully done! And it's good to know that even in our crazy Liberal area, people are beginning to wake up and take notice that our government is totally out of control, and that we have to TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!

wtp

Are We Famous Yet??

Please note, someone signing as "Mike Larsen, Communications Director, Rep. Jackie Speier" left a comment on my posted review of the TownHall meeting.

I find it interesting that our little blog could come so quickly to the attention of the Congressman's Communications Director....

If you click his name attached the comment, it does go to Speier's website...I'm not sure if that really means anything....

....but just in case they're actually paying attention...LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

Comment on the posts, and submit your own for publication!

Let's not let this potential crisis...er...opportunity go to waste...

wtp

Member Submission!

This review of the Jackie Speier Town Hall meeting we went to on Saturday was submitted by Sandy and Mike, two great people we met there. Naturally, we hope to be seeing a lot more of them!

wtp

Hi friends, Sandy here,

 

We made our way out to Montara (no parking left at the school--had to park 3 blocks up the hill.  Area had no sidewalks or much street side parking.  She couldn't have picked a harder place to get to--but that was the point--don't be accessible!) to protest Rep. Speier and her support of single payer healthcare (Medicare for all).

 

A group between 200-300 came out (I bet they were surprised to see so many due to the day, time and location).  It was split 60/40.  60% was pro Obamacare and 40% was the voice of reason. 

 

We brought our signs and I'm so glad we did, because people of "like minds" could find us and stand with us.  We shared emails and hopefully will get more organized as a group going forward.  We are Patriots of San Mateo County (wedapeeps!).  Hopefully, all of you will make the effort to come out and stand up for your liberties before they are gone.  Next outing Aug. 29th Burton Park, San Carlos, bring signs!

 

Thankfully, for some reason, those people that took to the microphone were "our side".  One man dressed in a nice suit spoke and challenged her thinking and said that the govt should fix social security and Medicare that is already in place--then we might believe that the govt could handle anything in this bill; one elderly man, a Vet of the Korean War challenged her taking away his rights--rights that he fought for, then a young junior in college spoke about the huge deficit that she will be paying for the rest of her life.  She also said "Are you aware that 90% of the people already have health care?"  Speier could not answer any of the questions.  All of them were wonderful and really upset the kool-aid drinkers.

 

There were a few news agencies there, mostly waiting for a riot to break out--in fact one young reporter and cameraman from L.A.'s Current TV came over to Mike and said "are you going to cause a ruckus?  yell and scream?"--Mike said "no, there's no need for that--everyone has the right to freedom of speech and assembly".  He seemed disappointed.  It was a peacefully assembly.  Except one black guy was walking around with a huge poster of Obama, with a tiny mustache--looking like Hitler.  He was passing out LaRouche literature (www.larouche.com).  The kool-aid drinkers were appalled to see a black man doing such a think and they said "you fool.  don't you know that we are trying to help your people?"--what a bunch of elitist!

 

Also, were you aware that the AFL-CIO called all of their members and left a phone message that all should show up and support Con. Speier and help to dispel the misinformation of the opponents to the bill.

 

Lots of people brought there kids since it was at an elementary school.  The kids were all having a blissful time on the play structures.

 

Sandy and Mike

More From the Townhall

At Jackie's Townhall today, we met a great guy named Jack. He's put up some pictures with a bit of appropriate commentary on his blog:

The City Square

hat tip/Jack

Thanks, N, for The Pix!

P & me at Jackie Speier's Townhall today.

Remember the little old lady I talked about (previous post) who tried to sic the police on us? She's the one in the red jacket with the big professionally produced "Health Care For America NOW" sign.



Below I'm blocking the face and sign of an Obamacare supporter who lunged to include herself and her sign in N's picture...mine was bigger.

...and several new friends who are holding signs we provided. Nice.


Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

wtp

Jackie Speier Townhall in Montara

Several of us went to Speier's "Townhall" today (Sunday, August)

I want to particularly thank Camele, Janey, Jim (sorry we didn't say good-bye!) Sean, Pete, Priscilla, Nunzio (forgive me if I missed anyone) who showed up to support our side.

Happily, we met several other great people who agreed with us, and have signed up with "We The People".

We arrived at about 10:30 for an 11:00 meeting (I was lucky enough to get one of the last parking places in the school parking lot.)

As we walked in, there were tables and other Jackie/Obama supporters signing up people and handing out pre-printed signs and stickers in support of government run health care.

There was a virtual sea of supporters...so much so that all the chairs in the school were used and still a LOT of people were left standing. Priscilla and I, who found seats, saw a few people in the back of the crowd, standing with one or two signs opposed, so so I dragged her to them, and ended up standing for the whole meeting. (Sorry, Priscilla).

I was surprised at the turnout until we talked to a man who said there was a huge organized union phone tree that sent out the word to come to the meeting...to make sure to drown out us opponents.

Though we were vastly outnumbered, I have to admit, several of the questioners were not exactly cheerleaders for Obamacare, and one or two were determinedly against it.

We stood for almost 2 hours, holding our signs, listening to the mostly vapid nonsense spewed by Speier who is clearly not conversant with the free market, basic economics or the Constitution.

Or the truth in several cases.

No surprise there, of course. But it's one thing to know it, and another to have to listen to it that long at one time!

(I did love her white jacket, though. Very chic. I want one.)

There were two interesting incidents that are worth sharing.

1) A black LeRouche supporter showed up, holding a big sign with that picture of Obama with a "Hitler" mustache. He came to the back of the group to stand among us until a couple of us sort of shooed him away. There were lots of cameras and that's just not something we need associated with us. He and his companion soon found a suitable place in the empty front of the building, at an abandoned "Jackie" table...and spent the meeting sitting alone out there with their silly sign.

2) A particularly nasty little-old-lady, who apparently decided it was her job to snottily scold us every time we reacted to a statement or question or commented in a way she didn't approve of, was finally told by one of us that we have the right to speak as we see fit.

There were two policemen standing very close by, and the white-haired harridan declared that'd she'd shut us up, and marched over to them to demand they tell us to stop talking.

They declined to do so.

She was not a happy camper.

And the degenerate language that came out of her prim little mouth after that...rather surprised us all. Of course, she never realized that she was more entertaining to us than otherwise. Her vitriol took its toll on her, leaving us quite unscathed.

Poor old thing.

The Lesson: Always retain a sense of humor, even while they're shooting at you. That kind of bitterness is so unattractive. Pinches you up even more than age does.

So...while we suffered for the cause —did I mention it was OUTSIDE in Montara...on the coast—in summer....COLD. We came away having made new friends, and a new appreciation of "Union Organizing", and a renewed commitment to beat them at their own game.

Power to "We The People"!

wtp

Jackie Speier - Townhall events

UPDATE:

SOME OF THESE LOCATIONS & DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. REVISED LIST WILL BE HANDED OUT AT AUGUST 20 MEETING. I'll update this post soon. wtp

Let Speier Know what you think:

AUGUST 21
Community Meeting
77 Cambon Drive
San Francisco
5pm

AUGUST 23
Cypress Meadows Conference Center
343 Cypress Avenue
Moss Beach, CA
11am

AUGUST 29
Burton Park
900 Chestnut Street
San Carlos
9am

Leave comment on this post if you would like to meet up with people for one of these events.
wtp

Jackie the Coward

Well, Jackie Speier will be holding a town meeting to talk about Healthcare.

Don't get too excited. She's going to do it on the phone. This showed up on her website:









No people, no face-to-face, no open questions. No crowd of unhappy people that she cannot ignore!

She will have total control of who asks questions, and the rest of us cannot even make our presence known. We get to just listen. We're supposed to be satisfied being treated like passive sheep.

I'm not going to bother listening.

However, I am going to complain LOUDLY to her office that this sort of duck and cover is unacceptable. And that's all she's doing. Totally controlling the conversation, and avoiding We The People.

Let her know what you think.

Here's her phone number and address:

District Office
400 S. El Camino Real, Suite 750
San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 342-0300
Fax: (650) 375-8270