Saturday, August 8, 2009
Out of Chaos, Cohen Manages a Bona Fide "Town Meeting" on Health Care
Posted by Jackson Baker on Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 8:32 PM
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In the last week we had all seen the network newsclips of turmoil and shouting and the close-ups of confused and cowed legislators in this city or that who were prevented from conducting public dialogues on pending national-health measures in Congress.
Judged by those precedents, 9th district congressman Steve Cohen did well indeed when it was his turn to take on the issue at a Town Hall meeting, held Saturday in the huge, barn-like confines of the Bridges Center downtown.
The structure was, as they say, filled to the rafters, with several hundred, maybe a thousand or two attendees, the great majority of whom seemed to be worked up to a frenzy, one way or another. Undeniably, naysayers — organized and otherwise — predominated, with high-decibel noise of all kinds, including groans, cheers, and persistent chants of “term limits!,” “tort reform!” and “read the bill!”
Cohen, assisted by a full-out effort on the part of his overloaded staff, was able, despite the din, to maintain order and get statements made from the podium that reflected both, or rather all, sides to the current health-care debate. There were physicians — like Drs. James J. Klemis and Frank McGrew — who made reasoned and steadfast objections to a developing bill that may or may not end up with a “public” (i.e., government-managed) option for the medical-insurance seeker. There were also physicians — like Drs. Joe Weinberg and Jeff Warren — who delivered reasoned and passionate defenses of the brewing legislation, or of something like it.
There was also a drumfire of more rabid and demagogic statements made, from the podium and elsewhere, and there’s nothing much to be gained from apportioning it out as to pro and con. The point was that a dialogue was created and maintained, despite all odds. Cohen was able to establish the fact that he had indeed “read the bill,” as had most of the others who were able to address the throng.
One speaker, with a nod to known sports nut Cohen, likened the bedlam in the audience to someone’s trying to hold a pep rally before a University of Memphis-Louisville grudge match and filling the auditorium with both student bodies at once.
At one point, as if to challenge the very fates, Cohen strode down the center aisle amid this cacophony of contending partisans, delivered his response to a question, and, after doing so, returned unscathed to the podium. (That feat, like the relative order of the proceedings, may of course have been enabled by the conspicuous presence of uniformed city and county security officers — yet another credit due to local district chief Randy Wade and the rest of the farsighted Cohen staff, especially since there were unconfirmed reports that guns may have been confiscated from some of those entering.)
At the end of the proceedings, Stuart Ellard, an opponent of the bill now pending in Congress and a self-professed foe of “liberals” in general, made his way to the head table, penetrated the crowd collected around Cohen to hold out his hand to the congressman and thank him for holding the meeting and doing so fairly.
Not that everybody was so happy. Jane Pierotti, a professional consultant and local Republican activist, complained to a newsman that the questions presented to the congressman for reply had been “screened” by his staff to be one-sided. “We couldn’t ask everything we wanted to,” she said.
To this a Cohen staffer would note common-sensically that attempting the usual mode of having a mike line and accepting questions at random would very likely have degenerated into chaos. “We made every effort to group the questions by subject matter, and no other criteria. We made no effort to judge their point of view,” she said.
And, indeed, there was a fair amount of redundancy to the questions. Usually that’s anathema to the success of a “town hall” assembly. In this case, given the volume and persistence of shouts, applause, and interruptions, the repetitiousness was an aide to framing both the basic questions and the range of answers.
Certain themes recurred. Various speakers and shouters condemned the concept of “government” medicine, giving Cohen the opportunity at several occasions of underscoring the irony of that complaint by noting the general acceptance of such venerable institutions as V.A. hospitals, military medical corps, and Medicare. Indeed, when he asked those audience members to stand who approved the achievements of Medicare, undeniably a form of “government” medicine, a majority of the audience seemed to rise, even many (and not all of them elderly) who had been hurling verbal abuse at the proposed bill.
Cohen was able, too, to point out that the bill did nothing, despite suspicions to the contrary, to alter the current state of physicians’ freedom of action regarding abortion, nor to legitimize euthanasia or unpopular or illegal forms of sexual practice. He noted, to what sounded through the hubbub like audience approval, that the bill would extend insurance coverage to patients with pre-existing meedical conditions.
Though he took an equivocal stand in favor of the final congressional bill’s containing a public option (for which he received as many cheers as boos), Cohen refused to say in advance whether he would vote for it, contending that to make such a declaration would be irresponsible without knowing what the bill ultimately would involve.
As the meeting wore toward its close, there were even moments of general agreement, as when one questioner wondered about the prospect of converting The Pyramid, a nearby structure which continues to be unused, into a facility to be administered by the Smithsonian. The crowd murmured its approval, no one seeming to mind the suggestion of “government” administration.
As noted above, Cohen and other participants were swarmed over by attendees when the meeting broke up, but this was no hostile melee — rather a continuation of a conversation on national health care which, miraculously enough, had actually gotten under way.
There were those, generally proponents of the congressional bill, who would argue later on that the rowdiness of the meeting had been an “embarrassment” to the city. At least one journalist complained of being manhandled by someone in the crowd. A photographer got into a shoving match with a heckler. And the sound system, which sometimes dissolved into unintelligible electronic mud, left much to be desired.
But again, given the recent precedents of disrupted meetings and frustrated dialogues in other cities, Saturday’s “Town Hall” was a model of decorum and light. Cohen and his staff have reason to be proud.
UPDATE: Given the fact that so many Tea Partiers slammed away at my innocent if ignorant original usage of the term “TeaBaggers” to describe them in a previous post, this note from an authentic Shelby County conservative and patriot sheds some light on the recent history of that term as applied to health-care protesters.
Comments (39)
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Yes good article. I am also glad that Cohen hung in there and did not walk out. It is good to get opposing views together and begin a dialogue that will hopefully be constructive and move us in the right direction.
Amazing that the behavior of these crowds are the same around the country. l I wonder if the Republicans organized this deliberate chaos.
there was no point in talking to liberal Cohen anyway. he will vote as the democratic leadership wishes. lets just hope that as more people realize what is at stake that the congress will back off this take over of health care.
we don't need the problems of Europe and Canada.
marie, what's scary is that Republicans aren't orgnizing it at all--they're just being duped and used by those that want to protect insurance company profits
more insidious is that the mis-infomercials driving the teabaggers' rage is being fed to them under the guise of news without the disclaimer you used to get at the bottom of the screen
Man, rharris, you are so right. The very last thing we need in this country is healthcare for the 18,000 Americans who die every year because they have no access to it.
Why is it that when Republicans organize themselves it's considered "chaos" and "disruptive." BUT when Democrats rally for any reason they're only excercising their rights as Americans?
Do you actually know people in canada and europe? I do. A few in each place very well. While none of my friends would say their respective healthcare systems are perfect, not a single one would trade their situation for America's current health care system. Not a single one.
Remember "Don't Taze Me Bro?" -- that kid only asked a question during a town hall political forum. Yet nowadays, people are screaming and shouting and disrupting and nobody even gets escorted out of the meeting, much less tazed.
Hmmmmm????
Good article, JB. It was worth the wait. Bill Dries, step aside and let a pro show you how it's done.
I saw you on the TV coverage, in the thick of things, doing your best "Ernie Pyle." I'll bet you have dozens of pics you didn't have room for in the piece. How 'bout posting them in a separate location? The crowd dynamics were fascinating, and words alone didnt' do them justice.
Erineast asks: "Why is it that when Republicans organize themselves it's considered "chaos" and "disruptive." BUT when Democrats rally for any reason they're only excercising their rights as Americans?"
Well, Erin, that's because Republicans, as a rule, don't "organize," and the only times they've made any pretense of doing so, it's been this fake kind of "astroturfing," done as shills and proxies for the special interests Republicans typically sell their souls to. For example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6GTPi5qPhM…
I wouldn't knock Bill Dries, Alias. He does a fine job. I'm sure Jackson would agree.
You're right, of course, aec. I'm a big fan of Dries'. If you check the comments posted to JB's earlier story about the Cohen meeting, you'll see why I said what I did. Let's just say it was a little healing.
I appreciate A.E.'s kind words, but yes, 'Crat, I will happily endorse Bill Dries as a worthy journalist. He's the kind of competition I relish -- doing the best job he can to shed some light and raise the same bar you're trying to lift rather than trying to take you out at the kneecap, which is what hacks consider to be "competition.:"
what blows me away is the utter bullshit that's capturing the imaginations of those on the extreme right, the catchphrases like "socialized medicine," a system whereby doctors work for the state. It's nothing of the sort.
I haven't showed up at any meetings, but the Republicans really should fear me -- I'm that 20% who vote both ways & determine who's president. I've voted for 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats so far, but at the point I cannot see myself ever voting Republican again. They simply oppose all reform, and healthcare is badly broken -- something must be done. I'll take some reform over none. They had the House, the Senate, & the presidency, and they did nothing.
Jackson,
Here is a quote from your article.
"As the meeting wore toward its close, there were even moments of general agreement, as when one questioner wondered about the prospect of converting The Pyramid, a nearby structure which continues to be unused, into a facility to be administered by the Smithsonian. The crowd murmured its approval, no one seeming to mind the suggestion of “government” administration."
FYI the Smithsonian is NOT a goverment entity. It is a private organization that was established by an act of congress. This is directly from the Smithsonian's web page.
an Act of Congress signed by President James K. Polk on Aug. 10, 1846, established the Smithsonian Institution as a trust to be administered by a Board of Regents and a Secretary of the Smithsonian.
Love your level of research dude!! Typical of the Flyer. Lets see I took all of 17 seconds and a google search.
True, it was established as a trust. Let's see though, that trust is home to several national collections, museums, and the national zoo. The board of regents that oversees operations consists of the the Chief Justice and Vice Prez, three appointed Senators, three appointed representatives, and a group of nine appointed civilians. The operating budget requested from congress for 2010 was $634 million dollars. They are audited by the GAO. Oh, and being employed by the Institute makes one a federal employee. I think all of these things put together would equal up a "government" entity.
Presenting only half of the facts is far worse than presenting none of the facts.
You took the words right out of my mouth, Merc. (Actually, I didn't have ALL of those words in my mouth; to parrot Jimnaz, I love YOUR level of research. For real.)
Many (including Mr. Baker, I believe) think that the groundswell of people opposed to the train wreck that is the Democrat Healthcare bill are being "organized" by some massive group opposed to "reform". What I am seeing and hearing, personally and online, in email and on Twitter and Facebook, is that people, normally not politically active people are getting stirred up and speaking out.
This is not a group of radicals (or paid trouble makers like Obama's alma mater, ACORN) organized by the "right wing conspiracy." They are not violent. They do not stink or poorly dressed. They are grandparents and average citizen who are being over taxed and who are concerned about our countries future. They have the right and duty to speak out and Congress has a duty to make themselves available and to shut up and listen to it.
As for "reform".... the Democrat takeover is no more an attempt to fix or improve our healthcare than the Porkulas bill was intended to help the economy. It is intended to gain power for the liberals and those in charge who WILL NOT accect or have to same medical benifits as the common people. Just as Pelosi and company excoriated the heads of GM, Ford and Chrysler for coming to Washington in corporate jets and then turn around and put $500 million (!!!) in luxury executive jets in the Defense spending bill to have themselves ferried about in. It is disgusting.
If Congress wants to make healthcare more available (they cannot make it better, it is be best in the world... they can only degrade it) for all here is what they could (but will not) do: Malpractice reform (do away with punative damages and "joint and severa" liability), give insurance portability and not restrict companies from selling across state lines, allow insurance companies to tailor what will and will not be covered in a policy (like your home and car insurance).
Bottom line. Just like the recent economic downturn was caused by bad government policy (see: housing bubble and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac), the present "crisis" was actually the result of government intervention in the private sector. It all needs to stop.
What you are seeing on Twitter and Facebook, and in email, is people parroting things they think their party is telling them, but have actually been ginned up for their party by a PR firm that is owned by one of the nation's largest insurers.
And by the way: I'm a Liberal Democrat, I support ACORN's mission. I also bathe every day and dress pretty snappy, if I do say so myself.
Next time you bemoan the stereotyping of you and your fellow right-wing conspirators, you might want to avoid doing that exact same thing in the very next sentence.
private citizen, you just reaffirmed the source of your misinformation--the recent collapse of the stock market wasn't caused by loans issued to home buyers, it was caused by unregulated gambling (derivatives) on whether or not they would be repayed
I'd bet a six pack of beer that, if asked in person, "Private Citizen" couldn't name one actual provision of the bill currently being debated in Congress. None of that nonsense he spouted out has anything whatsoever to do with the bill.
"couldn't name one actual provision of the bill currently being debated in Congress. "
apparently ordained saints of the Right can't either. That ethics-violating, philandering nitwit Newt Gingrich was on ABC's "This Week" with baseless claims about euthanasia in the Dems' health care bill. Stephanopolous slapped him down pretty good though. all it takes to dimsmantle the fearmongering tactics we're seeing is ACTUALLY READING THE BILL.
you want to talk about the cost? fine. at least that's a legitimate concern- as much for me as anyone. but peppering your rhetoric with fantastic, outlandishly ghoulish claims (*cough* Sarah Palin *cough*) just makes you look desperate and stupid. welcome to GOP 2009.
B: Good post. Like you I am a liberal democrat, support ACORN, bathe every day, and, well, do a pair of crocs and a NIN T-shirt count as "pretty snappy?"
Phlo, they'd better!....I'd hate to have to toss my Crocs and T's....No NIN shirts, but I do have a few from despair.com....
I thought "despair.com" was Glenn Beck's blog. Heh. Actually I just ordered the "1 Random Thing" T-shirt. Way cool.
My favorite says "The Time For Action is Past. Now is the Time for Senseless Bickering."
I attended this event. I doubt many of the posters here did. It was a wonderful exercise of our rights as citizens..and we must continue to fight for these rights. Democracy is ugly...but it works. Clearly there is a double standard vis a vis conservatives and liberals...that's not new so I'm not bothered by the coverage or the snarky adolescent comments. I went there on my own...I decided to go the night before the event after discussing the issue with my neighbor. No one made me go, paid me to go or provided me with info. I went as a concerned taxpayer and small business owner. Thus far I have drudged through about one third of the house bill on healthcare reform and one thing seems very clear to me. If you think medicare, medicaid, social security, VA hospitals, Amtrak, the Post Office...or anything run the goverment is full of waste and inefficiencies...this proposal will scare the hell out of you. It is going to take hundreds of thousands of bureaucrats just to administer this monster. We cannot rush this through the system...there needs to be much discussion before any informed decision can be reached. Cohen said he read the bill.....I doubt he has but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.....it scares me more that he has read it and still supports it. If he does support it...I will support whoever runs against him next fall.
Let me interject here. I am not a liberal democrat, nor am I right wing republican, although I do bathe regularly and have been known to wear a tie on very rare occasions. I am lifelong member of the middleclass worried about the taxes I pay. I do not care for this bill, as I have made known before. At the same time I am fully aware that our HC system is in desperate need of overhauling. I just don't like the way that this has been done. To be perfectly honest I favor the single payer system, which will draw cries of me being a communist or socialist. The reality is working in the health care field has made me realize that Medicare is the best thing going for patients, for doctors, for facilities, and for the lack of administrative costs. Yes, it needs an updating. Yes, it needs some cost control measures put in place. Yes, the drug benefits need to be worked on. These seem like easy fixes compared to this huge mega-bill that is co-authored by insurance and drug companies.
Even so I still feel that tort reform is vital and that our tax system is convoluted and wasteful. The federal government is wasteful and has numerous programs/departments that should be scaled back or scuttled altogether. I know I'm living in La La Land to think that ALL of these things could be done at once. But Obama ran on a platform of change, I say let's roll up our sleeves, dive in, and make some positive changes.
"Thus far I have drudged through about one third of the house bill on healthcare reform and one thing seems very clear to me. If you think medicare, medicaid, social security, VA hospitals, Amtrak, the Post Office...or anything run the goverment is full of waste and inefficiencies...this proposal will scare the hell out of you. It is going to take hundreds of thousands of bureaucrats just to administer this monster. We cannot rush this through the system...there needs to be much discussion before any informed decision can be reached."
wow, sailor jerry... i actually agree with this. could you please inform others in the opposition to stick to the issues instead of dreaming up death camps for aging Nanas?
The only potentially violent disruption I saw was caused by a wormy intellectual type who screamed in the face of a protester actually spitting on him. He was shouted down by several people and the incident made the news on WPTY.
This was a preaching session and unworthy of Steve Cohen, one of the two Democrats I have voted for more than once (the other Bredeson who I would vote for president for over anyone who has run in the last 45 years). There was no give and take and the opponents had to resort to screaming to get their views heard.
Steve Cohen, a man who sponsored the concealed carry bill (NRA A+), should have been ashamed by the gun demagoguing at the beginning. It was complete hypocrisy. I can't vote for Herenton but I won't vote for him again.
Use the Commerce Clause like it was intended and regulate these insurance companies.
Create one pool outside of Medicare and keep these insurance companies from cherry picking. Everyone gets the same rate. We are broke and can't go single payer and it would grow at the rate of Medicare/aid.
Keep it private and regulate it. It would be one of the few legitimate uses of the commerce clause.
re wvii: if you read the bill.....it's not too far to go to get to where the "nanas" are. It's scary stuff when bureaucrats start making the rules of life. Laugh if you like.....I just read about a lady who died in Oregon because the state health plan would not pay for the drugs to save her life...but offered drugs to kill her. The government has no business in the health care business.....none.
if you want to post a link, i'll read it (but if it's "article" from somewhere like Dick Armey's Freedomworks, you'll understand if I'm more than a little skeptical). And for every scaremongering story you could produce about state-run health care, there's one that's just as frightening from the private sector. Seriously. "End of life care" has been needlessly demonized in the (right wing) press. It's something that EVERYONE is going to face. Might as well do it in a sober, adult, responsible manner.
re wvii: Here's the article. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5517… I don't know how prevalent this is but I can easily see it happening within a government run program. Within medicare many new treatments are not provided unless "approved" by some bureaucrat no matter how hard the doctor argues. As far as addressing the end of life issue....it's none of the government's business. Those issues are deeply personal and should be addressed by the individual....
this is an interesting bit from conservative Georgia Republican Johnny Isackson about the lunacy surrounding the euthanasia scare. looks like Palin's fearmongering and ignorance strikes again.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klei…
sorry dude......don't read the Washington Post, comic books or consumer warning labels. I like my life real.
that's real enlightened of you. FYI it's basically a very cordial Q & A with a CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN Senator who "scores" well (NRA = A; Christian Coalition of America = 92; National Journal recently rated him the 7th most conservative Senator in the Senate). But hey, if you don't want to read the Washington Post (what with all those pinko commie hippies like GEORGE WILL over there), that's your business.
re wvfi: again...sorry dude...I have my standards. No WP, no CB and no CWL. No disrespect to you. I hate that we now have to put conservative in front of the Republican moniker for some of them....in the day they were all conservatives. Now it's hard to tell a Repub from a Dem. What are your thoughts on the Oregon thing?
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