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Ick. Just ick.
I sucked it up and called The Colonel’s office this morning, asking to go on record as a constituent who is appealing to Congressman John Kline to support the public option. Whereupon the phone answering guy launched into the Republican talking points du jour.
He told me that the issue is not health care. That it’s control, implying, I gather, that the Dems are attempting to seize control of the insurance industry. That the cost for public option et al is going to be prohibitive (my word, not his). That it’s a purely political ploy (again, my words).
I noted that there is a significant amount of scare tactic-ery going on. “No, ma’am. No scare tactics. It’s all based in facts. Research shows . . .”
“Sir, I have heard about the insurance industry research.”
Finally, his voice lost all animation, and he said he would see that Congressman Kline gets my message. I could almost picture him making a tick mark in the “pesky and slightly deranged liberal constituent” column.
It was a thoroughly unsatisfying exchange. Why am I not surprised?
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P.S. Excerpt from yesterday’s Kline’s Corner (where rats congregate?) newsletter:
As pointed out by my friend leftymn, “The sky is falling, the sky is falling.”
I’m thinking of doing a short post on something that I think belongs here, too, at least in comments.
Anthony Weiner has published a list of 55 Republicans who oppose the public option, while they are on medicare themselves.
I think more shaming is in order…
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Great link! Thanks. And yes to shaming.
Barbara, good on you. I talked to my Blue Dog congressman, and it was equally unsatisfying. It has to be done, though.
Ask them: What’s your solution?
and then: Why didn’t you do this when Repubicans had majorities in the House & Sentate and the Presidency?
Hey, thanks! Really appreciate the shout-out. Need a stiff belt tonight to mitigate against Republican-ear. Oh, wait. I don’t drink. Not much, anyway. That could change, however . . . .
Oh, I think one small nip won’t hurt tonight. Thanks for taking them on. I’m going after my wingnut Congressman on Monday. He’s on Weiner’s list that KarenM published.
Actually, it sounds like you did better than I did with my “moderate” Democrat. Her staffer went straight to the loss of all animation when I brought up healthcare and straight into line about passing on my message.
Okay, I’m back and I did have one wee glass of wine, having dinner with Dem friends.
Jim White, go get ‘em. I might even be emboldened to phone the rest of MN’s reps (some of whom are arguably Dem) to test the waters.
Synoia, good one! That’s a keeper for all issues!!
robspierre, that’s what I was expecting. So I was surprised to find someone who’d been carefully coached about how to respond to people like me. Caveat emptor! Or something.
How about rhubarb wine on pancakes for breakfast?!
good morning Barbara,
sorry I missed this in real time. I bet I’ve made a thousand phone calls in the past few months and never, I mean never did anyone respond with talking points – and I call Cornyn’s office on a regular basis. my own critter is a far right, reliable soldier and I’ve never been insulted with that crap. even when I’m moved up the chain and speak with a legistlative counsel type, no one has ever given me that kind of guff –
damn Barb, a big phat good on ya for calling
Thankee, ma’am. Kline is altogether inaccessible to his “constituents” (read “Democrats”), and surrounds himself with pitbulls (no offense meant to dogs). The guy I talked to was a real piece of work. Caught me totally off guard, because I expected a quick in and out. He had big attitude, and what launched it was when I said, “Please, please, please.” I hate calling this guy anyway, because I’m not even sure they tally comments from the opposition. But Jane told me to do it! :-)