Dennis Moore’s constituents ‘greet’ him at JCCC today trying to have their voices heard

Concerned citizens listen to Congressman Dennis Moore on radio at 6:45 AM

A group of concerned citizens met in a parking lot north of Johnson County Community College (JCCC) about 6:45 this morning and listened to Congressman Dennis Moore on KMBZ news radio before ‘greeting’ him upon his arrival at JCCC.

For months Congressman Dennis Moore has not been willing to meet with many of these constituents, who are frustrated with the huge stimulus spending, the House passing the “Cap and Trade” bill that will increase taxes, and more recently, health care reform that is being rushed through Congress.  Those listening to Moore on the radio in the parking lot today feel Congressman Moore is not listening, and is not voting in Congress as the fiscally-responsible  “blue dog” Democrat he claims to be.

On KMBZ Congressman Moore responded to questions from E.J. and Ellen on a number of issues.  [See Moore: No public meetings with angry constituents for KMBZ audio.]

Dennis Moore constituents waiting to 'greet' Dennis Moore at JCCC north entrance

Those listening to Congressman Moore in the parking lot thought he was being less than honest with his answers, and was not addressing the whole story. Several mentioned the video  of candidate Obama talking about the ultimate goal of a single-payer health care system, and remarks from Congressman Barney Frank about the true intent of the legislation, all of which Congressman Moore ignored in his responses.

Congressman Moore mentioned security concerns and two specific threats for not holding a public forum to discuss health care.  Moore did not mention other threats, but protesters at Moore’s office have also been the subject of threats of “violence” that were reported to the FBI.

Congressman Moore complained on the radio that he would not meet with “angry constituents” but he fails to understand he is exacerbating the frustration of constituents by not meeting with them.

A KMBZ caller later commented how pompous and arrogant Moore was on the radio today. Perhaps Moore should study how Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter addressed his constituents today and was willing to listen to the people he represents.

Moore constituents wanting their voices heard at the JCCC northeast entrance

Congressman Moore and others in Congress are making more and more people upset by their quick actions and their huge expenditures of tax dollars. One woman protester at JCCC today commented, “This is so out of my comfort zone.”  Some people who have never been interested in politics before are now involved in protest rallies.

The concerned citizens listening to Congressman Moore on the radio planned to greet him upon his arrival to his 2009 Government Procurement conference to be held today at JCCC.

Pro-Government Health Care supporters near east JCCC parking area

At the same time, a group of pro-Moore and pro-government health care supporters met near the parking lot east of the JCCC buildings.  These people were asked by security to move to the sidewalks on the periphery of campus where their opposition was.

But, there were only a few interactions between the two groups that differed on health care along the sidewalk.

Pro-Government Health Care Supporters asked by security to move to the sidewalks

After talking to both sides, the pro-Moore group generally thought the health care system was broken and the reform would reduce costs. The liberty-minded group generally thought reform and improvements were needed, but not a radical overhaul. The liberty group feared huge new government expenditures instead of promised cost reductions.

The pro-Moore group generally worried about the word “profit” and how much money companies made, especially insurance company executives. The liberty-minded, free market group worried that government health care would reduce innovation and research if there were no profit motivation.

Both sides of Health Care debate wait to 'greet' Congressman Moore at JCCC at southeast entrance

The pro-Moore group used the word “trust” to describe the federal government and health care and generally had few concerns about bureaucrats deciding their health care. They did not want the decision left to insurance companies because profit might be a motive.

The liberty-minded free market group wanted limited government and no government control of health care. The free market group worried about politics becoming the deciding factor in health care and feared bureaucrats making any health care decisions.

While a few individuals exchanged opposing viewpoints, there is still a wide chasm between the two groups.  With few agreements on “facts” it’s not clear how common ground can be found.

Both sides of health care debate exchange views

The pro-government health care group was offended by some of the chants led by the young man with the flag below. The young man explained that one of his chants was “Who are we?” with the response “We the people.” When he pointed to those supporting government health care he had shouted  “Who are they?”   The response he shouted was “astroturf”, which offended that group.

In discussions with the pro-Moore group I agreed that name calling didn’t help the public discussion. But I’m not sure why they thought being called “Astroturf” was name calling when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi used that word to describe the right several days ago and prominent Democrats are vilifying everyday citizens voicing their views.

We agreed the yell leader had the right to say whatever he wanted, and we agreed they had the right to walk away and not listen to him.

Unlike Congressman Moore, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins plans a listening tour in her district soon.  Jenkins plans to visit 25 counties.

• The real right to medical care versus socialized medicine, Voice for Liberty in Wichita, Aug 11, 2009.
• Organizing for America sending invites Congressman Moore won’t, Kansas Meadowlark, Aug 9, 2009.
• Both sides of health care debate meet briefly in Overland Park, Kansas Meadowlark, Aug 1, 2009.
• 1100 Sign Petition for Congressman Dennis Moore to support “Audit the Fed” Bill, Kansas Meadowlark, July 24, 2009.
• Government Health Care Protest at Congressman Dennis Moore’s Office, Kansas Meadowlark, July 18, 2009.
• Congressman Dennis Moore: Congress exempt from FOIA; Declines to release count on “Cap and Trade” calls, Kansas Meadowlark, July 10, 2009.
• Modern Day Patriots protest “Cap and Trade” at Johnson County Courthouse, Kansas Meadowlark, June 28, 2009.

Tags: Congressman Dennis Moore, Health Care, JCCC, KMBZ