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Location: Blogs Dan's Blog |
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| Posted by: Dan McGrath |
8/26/2009 |
 Minnesota Majority Calls on Elected Officials to Engage their Constituents
Senator Al Franken has been strangely quiet in the health care debate taking place in public forums around the nation.
Today, Franken held two “roundtable” meetings on health care reform. But neither was open to the public. They were exclusive "by invitation only" discussions conducted behind closed doors. Instead of everyday constituents, Franken encircled his roundtable with representatives from like-minded special interest groups.
During his morning meeting, Franken invited media to witness his gathering of hand-picked groups that were all in agreement with his position on health care reform. Attendees included union and welfare organization leaders. His afternoon meeting gathered together various like-minded women’s groups, like the League of Women Voters.
“Al Franken clearly isn’t seeking any diversity of opinion and doesn’t appear to want to hear from citizens at large. Surrounding himself only with people who agree with him and then inviting the media to come witness all of them slapping each other on the back is a farce,” said Minnesota Majority president Jeff Davis.
Representative Oberstar of Minnesota’s 8th congressional district has been similarly reclusive, eschewing calls for a public forum on health care.
“It’s apparent,” said Davis, “that some of our representatives don’t care what their constituents think. Instead of getting public input, they think they’re going to tell us how it’s going to be. I don’t think Minnesotans will stand for this kind of elitist attitude. The 2010 elections are going to be a rude awakening for officials that govern like arrogant rulers instead of carrying-out the will of the people.”
Take Action: Contact Senator Franken and your other elected representatives today. Ask them if they intend to serve their constituents, or special interest groups.
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Re: Franken, Oberstar Hiding From Health Care Debate |
By Jennifer Brigham on
8/31/2009 |
| I couldn't disagree more. I was invited to the afternoon roundtable, and I represent the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. We absolutely are NOT a like-minded special interest group, but represent small business. We are concerned about the impact of many of the things contained in the bills--how small business will fare. Franken and his staff listened to my concerns and the concerns of our members, and responded with respect and knowledge of what the bill actually contained, rather than the fear and misinformation that is being fed by special interest groups on both sides of the aisle. I was impressed wtih the diversity of backgrounds and opinions represented in the room, and how Franken and staff listened and responded respectfully, fairlyly and knowledgeable to all--whether we agreed or disagreed on the issues brought up. The press was definitely invited, but not many attended. |
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Re: Franken, Oberstar Hiding From Health Care Debate |
By Linda Mueller on
8/31/2009 |
Whenever I called and asked when Al Franken was having a Town Hall meeting
for all ...and not just "interest groups", I was told that he would instead be at the State Fair and would be able to speak to even more people of Minnesota.
When you call or email and ask dates and times when he will be there, we are told that he has a very busy schedule and cannot commit to a time. Hiding? I think so! |
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Re: Franken, Oberstar Hiding From Health Care Debate |
By Barb on
9/23/2009 |
| Just last night I heard how the public is misinformed. What a bald face lie of an excuse. The public read the bill. The public knows what is written and what it is communicated. From the words written defines socialized medicine/healthcare. Say good-by to your privacy (although that's corrupt), say good-by to your doctor, say good-by to your freedom of choice. Say hello to no accountability, poor care with limited quality, rationing of medicines of the chronically ill, approved generic medicines by obama's fda, etc, creating illnesses to keep em' in business and crisis. Say good-by to freedom and hello to government control. No trust . |
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