I attended Jesse Jackson Jr's (IL-02) townhall meeting to discuss health care on Tuesday. I've tried to get to as many townhalls as I can in the area, and I've watched them on TV. I have a fair idea of what to expect when I arrive at a meeting. My republican rep holds insider events that are not really townhalls. She doesn't produce alternatives, and she's become adept at the scare tactics. Once she's off her talking points, she's lost. I've heard other republican reps, too. Some are better speakers, but none with solid alternatives that they can produce. None of their ideas have been submitted to any accounting office so I'd be able to compare them with HR3200. These affairs are not well advertised and often only "invited guests" get in.
I showed up at Jesse Jackson Jr.'s townhall, which was open to everyone, expecting that teabaggers, conservatives, Larouchies, Republicans, and the whole cast of anti-health care crowd would attend. Finally, a chance for them to take a progressive politician on. Location near two large airports and just off two major interstate highways, so there would be no problem with transportation. Given their presence, the Chicago Police felt the same way.
But, nary a one of them showed up.
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