Columnist Max Blumenthal, writing for on-line politics and culture journal The Daily Beast, says the fierce and vocal opposition to health care reform is the perfect elixir for Sen. David Vitter, whose re-election prospects not long ago seemed dimmed by his brush with the D.C. Madam. But Vitter has found in his barnstorming tour of the state “surrogate campaign rallies for the scandal-scarred senator’s 2010 reelection bid,” forums where he can play spokesman to the anxieties of the anti-reform “mobs,” as some on the left have characterized them.
Adds Blumenthal:
Unlike his Democratic colleagues who take all comers at their town halls, Vitter has sought to enforce a strict code of message control. According to a citizen journalist attending the August 8 Vitter town hall, “No one was allowed to spontaneously address the podium. There were no questions read that presented anything other than Vitter’s view and those who spoke with him. … Vitter was said to have no time to answer questions from the press.” Indeed, Vitter only responded to questions that were written on cards by audience members and screened in advance by his staffers.
Many of those attending Vitter’s town halls have been shepherded to the events by local chapters of TeaPartyPatriots.org, a supposedly grassroots network of national activists that happens to “partner” with the health-care and insurance industry-funded lobbying firm Freedom Works, which has directed angry mobs to Democratic events. At a town-hall meeting on August 10 in Jefferson Parish, many local constituents were reportedly turned away while Tea Party activists were allowed to enter. When the event concluded, Vitter rushed out of the back door and away from the press and his constituents, guarded by a phalanx of police officers.
... written by northsidian , August 15, 2009 - 12:31 am
we have always been sheep in this state. but, i have to say vitter is no quiter and i don't think he hit her!!
... written by Myrick6 , August 15, 2009 - 02:17 pm
Vitter is disgusting and it will be a dark stain on the intelligence of Louisiana if this whore-monger is re-elected. I hope someone of some ability will step up and run. The Republicans in this state cannot possibly be so crass as to let this happen. They cannot possibly still be of the win-by-any-means mentality. They surely can bring someone who could serve this state better.
... written by Phil , August 16, 2009 - 09:02 pm
I'm a tea party member. Around February, somebody said, if you don't like taxes being heaped upon you, your children, your grandchildren and bankrupting you, come to a protest meeting on April 15th. And we had another one on July 4th. And there are no "puppeteers" involved. Just a bunch of retired military, businesspeople, and truly concerned citizens. They are angry about what is going on, and the Democrats receive the brunt of that anger, because they are supporting an idiotic agenda.
... written by Al , August 17, 2009 - 05:37 am
To: Walter Pierce, Leslie Turk, Steve May, Robin May, and Jerry Reaux
Guys, As Steve, Leslie, Jerry and Robin know, I am a local business man in Lafayette for 30 years, as well as I consider Steve a very old dear friend. I do not represent anyone especially any insurance company nor do I represent the GOP. I have been to the TEA parties as well as peripherally involved, and believe me; you are not getting it right. In fact I saw and said hello to Robin at the first one and asked her to please get it right. You missed it. I got an email from Steve and gave him an estimate of the crowed at 1000, you reported over a hundred (a little disingenuous). If you check the police reports I heard they estimated nearly 2000. Guys, there are millions of people just like me that are very concerned with the direction of our country, and so should you. They are regular folks, rich and poor, white collar and blue collar. Our beliefs would be considered conservative and the “silent majorityâ€. As you can see the crowds are growing every day and the frustrations are getting hotter. I assure you this is as genuine of a grass route movement as they come. We see our country’s future slipping away toward a Socialist agenda and financial ruin, and so should you. My background and 40 year successful career has been in economics. You need to be listening to what these people are saying respectfully and not try to discredit them. No doubt as in any genuine grass root movement there are certainly going to be some cooks as well as some extremist. I am sure that’s coming. The fact that they are unorganized and unpolished should be evidence to you of their authenticity. To make fun of that as opposed to seeing the beauty of that is arrogant and unintelligent at the same time. Dependiong of course of your objective. If you really want to slant the story you might want to just focus on the cooks to unfairly discredit some very genuine good people trying to do good. I was really disappointed in the Independent and especially you Mr. Pierce in your coverage. I don’t know you, never met you, but your prejudice was evident of you political affiliation. I found your remarks uninformed and yet arrogant and aloof both at the same time. A very dangerous combination.
Think about this, I would estimate and be willing to bet big money that probably 80% of your customers feel the same way. Think about that for awhile. People just like me and just like your customers are fed up with politicians that mislead, obfuscate, and misrepresent. Likewise they are fed up with the bias news media that are supposed to be the unbiased watch dog, as they slant the truth toward their obvious ideology or self interest. That is what this frustration is all about, the lack of integrity of those of which we rely.
I have no interest in being quoted, but I can’t help myself when I see the truth being distorted.
If you are interested in knowing the truth, I am available on a off the record basis to cunsult. Steve and Leslie’s has my number
Al
... written by Walter Pierce, Managing Editor , August 17, 2009 - 02:48 pm
Al, our first estimate of the April 15 TEA crowd at Parc Putnam was “hundreds,†which I believe was fair. Much of the skepticism directed at the TEA party movement in these United States stems from the question of whether the root of all this political angst is really and simply the result of Obama’s election and less about genuine concern over the direction of our country. If you have time (you too, Phil), please enumerate for everyone the new taxes you have incurred since Jan. 20 and the taxes in proposed legislation before Congress that you expect to incur. In the meantime, please read Bruce Bartlett’s candid and revealing article, “The GOP’s Misplaced Rage†(http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-12/the-gops-misplaced-rage/). Bartlett is a leading conservative economist and was one of the architects of supply-side economics, also known as Reaganomics. The article begs the question, “Where were the TEA Parties during the Bush years?â€
... written by Taxpaying American Citizen , August 17, 2009 - 04:12 pm
Page 183 of H.R. 3200 - The Health Care Bill - lays out penalties against employers who do not provide paid health insurance to employees.
Even if you have a payroll of just 300k/yr., that can be as little as 10 employees at $30k/yr., then you owe the government a penalty of 2% of your annual payroll.
That penalty is a new TAX to subsidize government health care. A payroll of $300k is representative of a true independent, small business. You know, the kind of businesses President Obama campaigned to help, not hurt by increasing taxes upon.
... written by Phil , August 17, 2009 - 05:04 pm
[The article begs the question, “Where were the TEA Parties during the Bush years?â€] Should be obvious, Walter, because we could count on Bush to stop "the Democratic" Congress from getting too far off the rails. Now that we have a Democratic Congress and a Democratic Executive, we have no safety system. That's how you get Trillion dollar deficits, spending on boondoggles and pork. So we didn't need a TEA party to tell our representatives to stop wallowing in the mudfest.
... written by Walter Pierce, Managing Editor , August 17, 2009 - 05:14 pm
Phil, Bush had a Republican Congress for most of his two terms, did he not? Please read the Bartlett article I link to in my previous post.
... written by justwandering , August 17, 2009 - 06:13 pm
Don't expect this 'paper' to objectively report on anything related to GOP or Vitter. Walter and the staff has 'get Vitter' on the brain.......does obsessive-compulsive sound familar?
... written by Taxpaying American Citizen , August 17, 2009 - 06:39 pm
Bush and the Republican Congress pissed on the "Contract with America" once Republicans gained control of both branches of government.
Come on, Phil. I know you're a smart guy, but we could "count on Bush" to stop Democrats from getting too far?? The $700 Billion financial bailout was thanks to Bush and both party leaderships in Congress. TARP was definitely a boondoggle. The first "stimulus" bill was pushed and passed under Bush's presidency.
Both parties have failed us. So I agree, these Tea Parties should have started up 6 years ago, but I guess better late than never. However, let's not act like Republican leadership did the country no harm. They went from great fiscal conservatives in '94-'00 to just as much of big government, big spending promoters from '01-'06...and beyond.
... written by Town Hall Meetings , August 17, 2009 - 11:16 pm
Many of the people of this country are finally waking up and the liberals don't like it!! Most liberals don't respect the Constitution nor do they understand that this country was created as a Republic. The silent majority has allowed it to become a democracy which it only a stepping stone to an Oligarchy. An Oligarchy form of government is what Obama, his czars and administration are laying out to the American people. Americans are finally standing up for what they believe, for what they know goes againist the Constitution and they are finally making a choice to have their voice heard! The liberal media reports untrue and inaccurate news, they desire to stiffle & confuse with lies, they call concerned Americans mobs. The media is no longer trust worthy nor do they deserve to be called journalist. Liberal politicians want government control all the while they want their "Golden Fleece retirement plan" that they never pay into... they don't pay into Social Security but the politician and there spouse draws....much more than the person that paid into SS all their life. Also,they want there own special healthcare system, WHY is this proposed public health care not good enought for them? Liberal mouths.. actions are telling the American taxpaying citizen that "they (Americans) don't know what's best for them" This tax and spend administration has gotten way out of hand, in a very short time. The concerned American, the Tea Party people, the Americans for limited government, the young, the old, the republican, the democrat... make not matter the party.... we have had enough!
... written by al , August 18, 2009 - 02:25 am
Steve May, Jerry Rayou, Walter Pierce
Is this the best you can do? This is just the simple Democratic Party line and propaganda. Let me guess what affiliation you are. Trust me son you’re not getting it. Use your own brain. Be a journalist, get to the truth. This thinking is so 60's. The architect for the supply side economics was Arthur Laffer, try researching him see what he has to say bout what’s going on. . Try researching Charles Krauthammer or George Will of the Washington Post or the Wall Street journal, and see what they have to say. I have been following economist for 40 years. I know who is for real and who is not. I’ll answer your questions if you want to learn but I don’t have time for this silly left right debate that goes nowhere. Again your costomers i.e. small business think like me. It might be smart to ask why? Liberal journalist are driving taxis. Al
... written by northsidian , August 18, 2009 - 08:44 pm
Al my man. Where you been cuz? Looks like you been low-profiling. Most of the tea party members are members of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. The same people who rubber-stamped the school boards last tax increase for education. But, guess what? The scores tumbled and the Chamber fumbled!! Later Al. We all know you are never wrong!!!
... written by al , August 18, 2009 - 09:49 pm
northsidian So maybe you migh want to listen, Steve Al
... written by northsidian , August 19, 2009 - 12:25 pm
Al, what about a tea party to oppose citizens insurance co. It is a state run government insurance company. I saw on todays 5 page advertiser they owe 98 million in legal fees. What they mean by "they" is you and i Al.. Why is your group not protesting this existing government insurance plan?? It's either all or nothing!!!
... written by Al , August 20, 2009 - 04:26 am
northsidian(SM) I agree the state or any government has no business in the insurance business are any business for that matter. You're on the right trac. I think the tea party folks would agree with you on that issue. What about the independant? AL
... written by northsidian , August 20, 2009 - 11:21 pm
Al, my man, my question is not if you and your tea party friends agree with me. It is why ya'll are not protesting state run (government) homeowners insurance. I just read where mr. donlon the ins. guy wants to charge me another fee for them losing a lawsuit. Now cuz, that really p****s me off. When will the tea party call for a rally to protest this? You are tap dancing better than Sammy Davis, Jr. on my question Al. Let's rock my bro!!
... written by al , August 20, 2009 - 11:45 pm
northsidian Steve, Right out of Saul Alinsky rule #2 and Howard Zinn's Marxism to go. The 60s was fun, chicks were great, time to grow up, my friend. Al
... written by northsidian , August 21, 2009 - 09:21 pm
Al, you say it is time for me to grow up? And I say it is time for you to answer my question. We are not at a Chamber meeting!
... written by Al , August 24, 2009 - 01:42 am
nothsiden, Ad I said, I'm with you on the citizen’s insurance issue. The Tea party movement as well as The Tea Party of Lafayette and The Tea Party of Acadiana are just grass root reactions to the insanity in washington. There is no organization. They have no agenda other than to learn and be heard and promote a common sense approach to government and vent about the insanity. Promote the truth and speak out on deception and corruption, hold politicians accountable. They are of all types of people, democrat and republican, rich and poor, chamber, nonchamber, white collar blue collar. The demonstrations are presently about national issues. My guess is that it will take up state and local if it takes shape. There is no organization, people just show up. Come to the next meeting bring your research lets talk and let’s go. They believe, principally, that the government should stay out of business. Citizens is a good example. My guess is that your research will probably find incompetence, corruption, waste, as well as discouragement of other insurance companies to come in and properly evaluate risks and compete for the business. I don’t know the history but I assume that the state came in because the insurance companies were charging too high of premiums. Well the state now learned during Katrina and Rita why the premiums were high and why they have no business in the insurance business. The government screwed it up again. Now the state will have to come to you to pay their losses. This is exactly why governments should stay out of business. If you believe this too than you may be a “Tea Baggerâ€. Your best bet, right now, is The Tea Party of Baton Rouge, they are looking more at the state wide issues. I am sure they would oppose Citizens. By the way I quit the Chamber when they indorsed The LUS fiber deal, same thing as Citizens Insurance, eventually you are going to have to pay for their mess too, another government intrusion endorced by the Independant. Did I answer your question? Al
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