Comments on: Thoughts On Mike Castle’s Townhall

By: June

June — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:56:54 +0000

Now that I witnessed what happens at townhall meetings, I say Carper and Kaufman are doing the right thing by not having them. It’s just a forum for the right-wingers to perpetrate their screwed-up ideas.

By: Tom S

Tom S — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:23:43 +0000

What nice professionally-made signs the pro-govt health people had! Not a Castle fan, but at least he had the mangos to have a town meeting-what about Carp and what’s-his-name?

By: Frieda Berryhill

Frieda Berryhill — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:06:07 +0000

Ha! “Amazing how all the Republicans are suddenly scared of cutting spending on Medicare.” And amazing how they all worry about the deficit now that they have nearly spent us into bankruptcy….

By: xstryker

xstryker — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:24:01 +0000

4. Focusing on the Medicare population is good theater but the fact remains Obama would take money away from the program, about $500 billion.

Which is something you, Mr. Protack, support. Amazing how all the Republicans are suddenly scared of cutting spending on Medicare.

By: Unstable Isotope

Unstable Isotope — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:09:52 +0000

Thanks Nancy. That’s probably why I didn’t hear it, I was in the middle of the hecklers.

By: Nancy Willing

Nancy Willing — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:03:55 +0000

Actually, one lady speechified and included cap and trade in her rant..right about the time she got yells to “ask a question” already. That was the brunette whose WNJ photo looks like she’s baring her teeth.

By: Unstable Isotope

Unstable Isotope — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:39:04 +0000

Cap-and-trade didn’t come up and S-CHIP was discussed briefly by Castle in his opening remarks. There was at least on guy who said that Congress has taken unconstitutional power – basically a far right argument about the 10th amendment. Castle did shoot him down by saying using his logic a lot of programs would be unconstitutional. I got the feeling he may had heard that one before. There were at least two guys who attacked Castle from the right.

By: anon

anon — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:32:47 +0000

Out of curiosity: were there any wingnuts attacking Castle from the right, for example on S-CHIP and cap-and-trade?

By: Unstable Isotope

Unstable Isotope — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:24:43 +0000

So right anon, they all talked about reform when what they really wanted was nothing done.

By: anon

anon — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:22:45 +0000

The problem with a show of hands is everyone is for “health care reform.”

By: meatball

meatball — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:18:26 +0000

We got a robo call from Mr. Castle on our answering machine and my bride and I have always been registered independent now unaffiliated.

By: Delaware Republican

Delaware Republican — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:12:33 +0000

Good morning.

Let me offer some reality to those who did not attend.
1. Castle gave a lengthy pro and con beginning and also his version of what his principles and requirements were. Long but informative.

2. The 1000 page bill is its own worst enemy as it adds over a trillion dollars to the debt, does little for health outcomes and many of the sections are very intrusive.

3. The audience was about 65% against 35% for.

4. Focusing on the Medicare population is good theater but the fact remains Obama would take money away from the program, about $500 billion.

5. The bill will not pass, at least not anywhere near what is now. Obama dropped the ball on this one badly.

6. Yes, too many of the questions were mini sermons not Q & A.

7. The people were called on was a cross section even if you disagreed with their views and three of the most vocal people were women under 50. There were two Dr’s and the most supportive Obama plan supporter was a male senior citizen who is a Republican.

8. I offered to UI an opportunity to be part of a real Town Hall meeting September 8th at Talleyville Fire Hall where the left and right will offer ideas and debate plans.

It is time for those who say they know so much to speak up logically and leave the silly keyboard comments.

Mike Protack

By: June

June — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:22:15 +0000

I just called Castle’s office and politely explained how unfair it was last night that no pro-reform participants had a chance to talk. The young man said there was no way to tell how someone felt when they had their hand up (which is true) but I suggested next time he deliberatly ask for pro-reformers to raise their hands and call on them also. The staffer agreed that was a good point and said he would suggest it to the Congressman.

UI, I think that’s a good idea. Since he said that to you, call his office and repeat what Castle said and ask to make an appointment. It never hurts to have our side talk to anyone, even if it seems hopeless.

By: anon

anon — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:49:32 +0000

Castle is a long shot. Health care reform will be passed without Republicans, so the time would be better spent meeting with Kaufman and Carper, to let them know we will hold them accountable if they vote for half-measures.

By: Geezer

Geezer — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:41:57 +0000

What I find depressing is that people showed up not to ask questions but to deliver emotional but otherwise content-free speeches. If that’s the goal, write a letter or email — don’t force everybody else to listen to the bee in your bonnet.