Why is Bush so afraid of Democrats that he won't even talk to us?
or even
Let us in to listen to scripted Social Security conversations with people who agree with him?
It's time to call his bluff.
Bush's "town hall" meetings are being sold as "conversations" with down home folk.
But citizens in Denver, Tucson, and Fargo have been denied access because they:
- wore an "incendiary shirt" which said "Young Democrats"
- had a car with a frighteningly "threatening" bumper sticker which said "No more blood for oil"
- were known "dangerous" individuals such as a city council person (blacklisted for unknown reasons presumably for progressive beliefs)
Bushco claims that these incidents were caused by (recent dkos diary) 'just a few overzealous staff.'
Can you say "shift the blame?"
Just "a few bad apples?"
Let's show that this is a policy, not a mistake.
And if they do let you in... Find out how you can ask a question...be a "Citizen Reporter." Blog your experience here!
Tuesday, April 5th Bush is in Parkersburg W. VA
Bush will arrive at the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport Tuesday morning, then tour the Bureau of Public Debt facility in downtown Parkersburg. After that he will go to West Virginia University at Parkersburg to discuss his plan for Social Security reform....The event is open to the public, Gross said, but seating is limited and a ticket is required. People can call (304) 424-8363 for tickets.
On Thursday,he was scheduled to be in Columbia, SC... But this has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled.. But I suggest calling your Senator/Reps office to ask if you can get a reservation.
In general I urge everyone to call your local US rep, or Senator's office, and ask to be put on a list for tickets if Bush does come to town... They're FREE (well paid for by your taxes, anyway)
Your local actions can give this story legs!
Show up peacably, and presentably but with an obviously Democratic t-shirt or pin. - Or ask the event coordinators how you can ask a question.. Record their response. Blog/comment on your experience....
A friend of mine who is a news reporter for a local paper attended one and told me afterwards:
"I wish the paper had sent the theatre reviewer, not me... the thing was a staged performance.."
Let's force the MSM to report these things for what they are: partisan campaign speeches paid for by taxpayers' money - Presented to an elite, screened audience... And that the president is excluding many of the very citizens whose taxes pay for the events... Because their political views aren't pure enough...
Links:
Good summary on democrats.org
dkos story 3/29/05 "Suppressing free speech