Senator Ben Cardin, Maryland
Senator Ben Cardin (D) will be holding a town hall meeting on health care reform in Baltimore County on August 10 at 7:00 p.m. Unfortunately, I can’t give you more information than that, because the location has not been announced. As a matter of fact, just eleven days before the scheduled event, the town hall meeting itself has not been announced. I’ve scheduled pedicures earlier than that.
Nothing about the town hall is posted on the senator’s website. When I called Senator Cardin’s office to get further information, I was told the way they are notifying the public about the meeting is through Senator Cardin’s constituent email list. The constituent email list is a list of people who have contacted him in the past. In other words, this “town hall” meeting is by invitation only. Further, interested constituents must RSVP in order to attend!
Now, call me crazy, but I thought the idea of a “town hall” meeting was to have an open conversation with constituents. It seems Senator Cardin is not interested in having the public attend, unless they have received his personal invitation. I have emailed and called the senator in the past, so I know I am on his constituent list, and I also placed a special request for an invitation today. I am anxiously awaiting my personal invite from the senator.
Senator Cardin held his first Town Hall meeting on health care reform on July 20th in Prince George’s County. He ended up on Rush Limbaugh and Fox News’ Neil Cavuto getting chastised by a constituent.
Watch the YouTube video:
Fox News’ Neil Cavuto interview
Could it be that our representative to the U.S. Senate is afraid of his constituents? Frankly, I don’t even think the question that was asked of the senator by his constituent was all that hard ball. Mr. Broadus was reasonable and within normal codes of polite conduct.
In order to ask a question, attendees must submit it in writing on a form provided when they enter the meeting. What happens after that point was not able to be explained by Senator Cardin’s office.
Comments
Cardin is being dishonest in calling this a townhall meeting when he is putting controls on the entire process. I hope this will incentify more people to attend. It's all a big show for these supposed representatives.
I got a call last night from Rep Cummings on the house health plan. It told me if I listen to his statement I could then "join in and ask a question" with the others on the call.
I listened and listened but it went about 6 minutes. I had to make another call and this one seemed to go on and on.
I hung up, dialed the new number and hit talk.
I heard Cummings. I hung up again and waited about 15 seconds. Dialed the number and hit talk. CUMMINGS!!! This went on for 6 minutes. Thank God I didn't have to make an emergency call. What a terrible way to get your point across. Well, it DIDN"T WORK and I WILL find out about Cardin's little public secret meeting.
This is NOT representation.
The only thing is, although the progressives know "we're onto them", it doesn't matter. The big gov't agenda must be passed, or progressivism itself is doomed to fail. If they can't control health care, then they can't control medicare/medicaid costs. If they can't control entitlement costs then the government will collapse under the weight of its debts. The health care bill will pass. Cap and tax will pass because they need a "legitimate" expansion of the tax base, even though it is based on a premise (global warming) that can not be addressed by the actions they propose (carbon capitation). My prediction is massive voter fraud in the 2010 elections and continued liberal dominance of national government. All of these things MUST occur for the corruption, tyranny, and ruling class of big government to perpetuate - and who are we to stop these dominoes from cascading? Grass roots indeed. We will be ignored.
news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090731/pl_politico/25646
"Screaming constituents, protesters dragged out by the cops, congressmen fearful for their safety — welcome to the new town-hall-style meeting, the once-staid forum that is rapidly turning into a house of horrors for members of Congress.
On the eve of the August recess, members are reporting meetings that have gone terribly awry, marked by angry, sign-carrying mobs and disruptive behavior. In at least one case, a congressman has stopped holding town hall events because the situation has spiraled so far out of control. "
No wonder Cardin is silent! His office told me this morning he has no schedule set yet.
I just called all 3 of my reps and NONE had a public schedule they could give me. I guess they REALLY DON"T care what their constituents think!
2010 will be a very interesting election.
The Bobber: You are the liberals' dream conservative. Defeatism has never won a battle, much less a war. I understand and empathize with your points, but it's time to stand up against the odds and claim a victory. Remember, we surround them. Hope to meet you at the town hall meeting on Aug. 10.
When was the last time any of you felt you were being represented by the idiots you voted for. Look in the mirror for your answer. All these people need to go. Even the good one, but if they have done a good job they can get back in. We desperately need to let them know who is in charge and that they do not have a job for life. Voting them all out will send that message. EVERYONE must get involved. Take 15 minutes out of every day to send a message to the individuals you voted for. Eventually they may listen.
Cardin The Coward
Cardin must live in an "invitation only" town. That is like a "gated community".
I've emailed Cardin multiple times in the past. I haven't received my invite yet. Not holding my breath either.
I know the Baltimore Democrat Liberal, er, uh, I mean, Progressive Sun is ignoring this and I can't post it at their Talk Forum because one of the little women over there, I think her name is Stevie, hates me and might have had me blocked, but not banned, from the site. Another Talk Forum poster heard the woman, Stevie, mention me at a party and how they hated me, even though they have never met me. How...tolerant. Anyway, "blocking" is where someone is allowed to read a site but cannot Reply or Post New Threads. In other words, they are as big a coward as Cardin.
You guys are idiots. These townhalls are supposed to be discussions, not lynch mobs!!!!!!!!!! Where is America?? I thought this was a free country!
In a few years, democracy will be dead, replaced by a giant lynch mob. Mark my words.
I have received one reply from Sen. Cardin in the last several emails I've sent. Neither he nor Sen. Mikulski seem to be interested in really learning what their constituents think about the health care train wreck that is under way. There's no excuse for unruly behavior in a town hall meeting, but for Sen. Cardin to surround himself with supporters in an invitation only meeting is equally inexcusable. Maybe a recall vote is in order...
Ron Miller from Insude Charm City News
Senator Cardin is scheduled to hold another “town hall” meeting in Towson on August 10th at 7 pm. This one, however, is essentially by invitation only. First, you have to be on the Senator’s constituent email list. Second, you have to contact Sean McKew in the Senator’s Washington office (sean_mckew@cardin.senate.gov) to verify that you’re attending. Third, you have to submit your questions in writing at the door as you enter the Towson University Center of the Arts where the faux “town hall” meeting is being held. Apparently, Senator Cardin doesn’t like anything but spoon-fed pabulum when he faces the “public.” As with too many of our elected officials, the servant has become the master.
If you disagree with Senator Cardin’s interpretation of his contract with his employers, the voters of Maryland, rally with like-minded people at the Townson University Center of the Arts on August 10th at 6:30 pm.
I greatly appreciate info above re verifying attendance and email address for Sean McKew. I have not received an invitation to Public Servant Cardin's August 10 Towson Town Hall Meeting, but I just now emailed S. McKew verifying my attendance. To think that all who are represented by Public Servant Cardin in the great State of Maryland would not be invited to any Town Hall Meeting to let him know how he needs to represent us on the current history making bills - bills that have been passed and those pending that have and will set our great Nation on the path to socialism - lacks common sense, is supercilious and just downright un-American. Hhhhmmmm … now … could it be possible … could Public Servant Cardin … possibly lack common sense … possibly be supercilious … and possibly be downright un-American … ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, UNEQUIVOCALLY AND INDUBITABLY … YES HE IS! Thanks again for the info.
Wanted to share following email reply I just received from Sean McKew (sean_mckew@cardin.senate.gov) who was replying to my email to him RSVPing to Public Servant Cardin’s August 10 Towson Town Hall Meeting to which I did not receive an invitation. Interesting …
“Good Morning:
I received your email RSVP. Please be advised that your RSVP is not a reservation or a guarantee of a seat. The purpose of the RSVP is for the Senator’s office and Towson University to have an idea of how many people to expect. Space is limited in Kaplan Theater to 500 people. In accordance with fire regulations, when the venue is full there will be no standing room available.
Thank you,
Sean F. McKew
U. S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
100 South Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201”
Time for the tar and feathers!
He's not afraid of his constituents, he's afraid of the citizens in his state. He constituents are the socialists who donate big bucks to his campaign. George Sorrel and his ilk.
Oddly enough, those will be the same people at his town hall.
It's not invitation only. Go to his website and you will clearly see the town hall date, time and location posted - all you must do is rsvp. It's unethical to print and report false information. You should be ashamed.
Good try Jennifer. That's a new posting that occurred after this article ran, and probably as a response to it. As of Friday last week, I had in my hands an email that had been sent out to the Baltimore County and City Democrat Parties with all the information. So I called Cardin's office and asked once again for the location and Ashley told me they didn't yet have one. I did finally receive an email "invitation" like what Independently Patriotic posted. Cardin's office seems to have done a softening of the attendance requirements. See what a little outcry from the public can achieve?
Not a tea bagger, just an idiot; what mob? Oh forgot, if you have an opposing view point to yours, just toss in some ad hominem attacks to ridicule those who have questions about government health care. Well I can insult with the best of them, and I hope your health care is rationed.
Senator Cardin must answer the tough questions since this is a man who voted YES to the banker bailout without READING THE DARN THING!!!! If he voted YES and knew it was a multi TRILLIONS give away that gave the Treasury unlimited POWER, then shame on him.
So why should we trust Cardin to watch out for the peoples best interest in health care when there is lucrative pharmaceutical money to be had?
Cardin has proven with his YES vote to give TRILLIONS to wall street FOR BONUSES, that he is a sell out.
People deserve the truth, and the more they press the Senator, THE BETTER. MAKE HIM EARN HIS VERY HIGH SALARY AND BIG FAT PERKS.
The bill already makes room for rationing and long waits, yippy.
No doubt the list of personal invitations will include those to carefully chosen media who will "document" this intentionally non-representative meeting. Reminds me of companies who try to pass off favorable research "results" from surveys sent ONLY to their own customers. So Cardin will send his invitation to the membership lists of Acorn (and all it's alternate names and fronts) and to the list of contributors to his past campaigns. Democracy has broken down irretrievably.How exactly is this a Townhall meeting when only some of the town is "invited"? Maybe those who are not invited need to fight this under taxation without representation in a literal sense. There also needs to be a test of healthcare bill knowledge. Only people who have read and pass a test on the specifics and implications of it (including Cardin) can attend any townhall meeting.The arrogance and dismissiveness of Obama and his minions (Cardin)toward the American people who dare to dissent is mind-blowing.
You teabagger idiots are pathetic. 70% of the people in Maryland voted for Obama and this is waht is wanted. Why not go out and live in Western MD with Bartlett you drooling troglydytes!
Hey Fred, learn how to spell.
Further, if what you espouse is the way things should be, then according to your logic, all minorities should just shut up, right?
"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression. " - Thomas Jefferson.
This meeting is open to all--just RSVP on Senator Cardin's website.
its time we vote these turkeys or weasels out and start over.
Should Mr. Cardin have arranged to hold the town hall at Ravens Stadium? People would complain about that as well. Reading these and other blogs, it seems clear that people have a need to vent, but few seem interested in discussing issues about what is good or bad about the current health care system in this country. There is a lot of ignorance and hostility and little else.
don't blame me, I voted for michael steele.
As someone who works in healthcare, I am well aware of the cost of healthcare in this country and the need for reform. It seems that any attempt to change our healthcare system is characterized as socialism and unnecessary. What most folks don't realize is that without reform we will ultimately end of with a system that is not affordable for the small businesses who employ most of us and whose cost will continue to rise for all who are fortunate enough to have a job that pays part of the premium. WAKE UP!!! Take a look at the history of payments for health insurance by you and your employer in the past ten years and if you do not like what is on the table at the moment.....come up with a better idea!
Folks are tired of being dismissed and not represented. They are loud because noone is listening. They are angry because their futures depend on someone hearing them. Stop voting yourself and start voting the people.
Healthcare should be a choice. Those that want it should be able to aquire it at a reasonable rate. Work on the illegal issues and healthcare gets better without all of this mess. Then work on improving what we have not overhauling the whole country.
I'm afraid that if these so called represenatives keep dismissing, call names, talking on the cell phone during questions, picking and chosing who gets a seat, belittling, talking down to and sending in x-ACORN workers to these events this is only going to get worse.
The people didn't want the recovery package last fall and they were right. Unemployment surpassed that which POTUS projected and GM went bankrupt anyway. The people aren't being represented or trusted to know what is best for them and this country
Don't we have something in this country's history called the Boston Tea Party. This thought popped in my head when I read some of the above blogs. And, shouting our concerns isn't such a big no, no...violence would be and I haven't seen the attendees resort to that. So, if the shoe fits...wear it, practice what you preach...civility.
Assembling is our right!
Seems like folks need to become informed. Admittedly, there is a problem with illegal immigrants that needs to be addressed, but their impact on healthcare costs is minimal when compared to the doctor who orders a $2000 MRI for a simple back sprain, or admits a patient in the hospital at the cost of $8000 per day to do a procedure that could be done for $400 in an outpatient setting. The more of these unnecessary procedures ordered, the more we pay in healthcare cost and in health insurance. A conservative estimate is that 30-40% of procedures conducted in the US healthcare setting are not necessary. They simply generate money for the hospital, the doctor, and drive up healthcare costs and insurance rates. Think about it, a 30% savings on a 2.4 trillion health expenditure in 2008 would have saved more than $600 billion in 2008 alone. The healthcare costs for illegal immigrants in 2008 was estimated at approximately $10 billion. The priority should be on healthcare reform.
Informed? Okay, let's do some more of that. The 47/48 million uninsured falls into three categories (recall only two): younger generation who chooses not to be insure (I've been there myself), and 15 million illegals. And, it is my understanding that malpractice insurance has driven (or nearly so) doctors out of practice (use ob/gyn as example) and they test to protect themselves from frivolous lawsuits. (Laws controlling such would save lots of money...England, I believe, has a good one.) And, guess what folks, there are doctors/hospitals out there that will work with you (this from personal experience.) Also, there is a Women's Wellness program that uninsured women (under whatever the current income level cap is) can use and get their yearly exams at no charge! Do some research...check it out! State programs can be created and/or expanded upon.
As for townhall meetings, I agree with having them, would like to see more of them, and will go if I get the opportunity to do so.
It might not hurt to read the 2008 US Census Bureau Report on Health Insurance Coverage in America starting on page 18. The largest group of uninsured fall in the age category of 25-64, approximately 28 million, with the age group of 45-64 comprising 10 million of these. Of the 46 million uninsured, more than 65% have a annual household income below $50K and 36 million are US citizens (33 million US born). Moreover, most of these folks work and have held part-time or full time jobs.
It's true there are considerate hospitals and kind doctors who will work with you to provide services or ease payment burden, but I'm afraid these are the exception rather than the norm. The insurance companies place a lot of pressure on these kind folks to cease and desist, it doesn't make money for them.
I am all for townhall meetings. I just wish people would come to seek information and discuss the real issues rather than to push an agenda.
I'm decidedly against Obamacare. I suggest, if there is something that can be done, it be at state level. Certainly there are many other ways to manage healthcare and insurance company costs and have programs for the uninsured other than going to or thru the federal government.
As for kind doctors being the in the miniority, I have personally found it to be the other way around.
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