Yep, I’ve been “ politikkin” today…well as close as I have ever been to being close to politics. I got real brave and went to a town hall meeting that one of the Senators from Tennessee held. Yea, I know, I’ve heard all about the awful things that go on in these meetings and I went anyway. See, I’m pretty comfortable with the folks who live in my area and trust them, even though my views don’t always reflect theirs. I sat right in the middle of a group of citizens who were on the opposite side of legislation that I am…and you know what……they treated me just like they treated each other!!! Now, that is what America is all about.
This man has just influenced my views about politicians…Senator Bob Corker, from Chattanooga…He was a perfect gentleman who respected every person in this Town Hall Meeting. Now, he fielded some pretty tough questions covering lots of things that are going on in our nation right now. I’m not going to quote his remarks here since I don’t think I’m qualified to do so.
He even politely listened to my concerns dealing with how the healthcare legislation that is being proposed could be compared to Tricare (active and military retiree insurance).
See this lady, she asked Senator Corker some of the most difficult questions that were posed to him. She works in the small community where this Town Hall Meeting was held.
A local politician, Judy Barker, from an opposing political party was in attendance, also. Ms. Barker was available for questions from her constituents after Senator Corker’s meeting concluded. Kudos for Ms. Barker!!!
These ladies asked some hard questions also. One lady asked about abortion issues and others issued their opinions about other issues.
This nice lady, Shirley, registered everyone and gave us all a name tag…Sen. Corker addressed us by our first names…cool…
…and this lovely lady…I don’t know if she asked any questions, but I asked her if I could take her photo simply because I thought she was so cute in her orange outfit.
Senator Corker has given me a new view on politicians…they’re not all “Bad”, like I’ve been thinking…he actually has some morals and is listening to the people who elected him and who pay his salary. Now, maybe I’m thinking, there could be a few more. I’m open to getting to know some more people who speak and act with morality.
Also, he was treated with great respect and even got a standing ovation and he reciprocated by treating everyone with great respect. Thank God, maybe we’re not going to go down the tubes after all!!!
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I've always wanted to go to a town hall meeting, but like you, I have some trepidations! I know they can get pretty spirited, but everyone should be treated with respect, like they were at yours. Maybe I'll get the nerve to check one out some time. If nothing else, it won't be boring!
ReplyDeleteAs long as no one throws any chairs or starts shoving I would go. Hope they hold one in our area.. have not heard about one yet.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for attending!
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
I'm so glad you had a good experience, Becky. I have always liked Bob Corker --and we voted for him.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a member of a 'tea party' ---but definitely am on 'their' side. I don't believe in hollering or anger---but I am totaly distressed by what is happening in Washington these days. That healthcare bill scares me to death...
BUT--we all are Americans first and not just members of political parties --to fight among each other. I hope that Congress WILL listen to the people --and that Obama and his team will slow things down and not spend so much of our money and pass bills that none of us want.
Nuff said. Glad you had a great experience.
Hugs,
Betsy
Sounds like all sides were listening and communicating which is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
Good Morning... Hey, the Blue Ridge Gal has changed. She's now Snappy Finger and her new blog location is here http://snappyfinger.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks!!