Memo From Speaker's Office: Expect TENS OF THOUSANDS In DC Tomorrow
Posted by Jim Hoft on Monday, March 15, 2010, 5:52 PM
This memo was obtained and forwarded to me from the Office of the Assistant to the Speaker. It was sent out earlier today by Doug Thornell.
Democrats expect TENS OF THOUSANDS in DC tomorrow for the Code Red rally against their unconstitutional takeover of the health care industry:
From: Thornell, Doug [mailto:Doug.Thornell@mail.house.gov] Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 5:25 PM
To: Thornell, Doug
Subject: Tea Party EtiquetteTO: Freshman and Sophomore House Democrats
FROM: Office of the Assistant to the Speaker
DATE: March 15, 2010
RE: Tea Party Etiquette
As many of you have read, tomorrow, Tuesday, March 16, 2010, tens of thousands of conservative and Tea Party activists will be on the Hill as part of what they are dubbing a “Surge Against Obamacare.” Rick Scott, a multimillionaire investor and former hospital executive, is helping to lead the grassroots effort along with a number of other groups on the right like Dick Armey’s FreedomWorks. While many of you have met with outspoken activists in your districts in the past, we wanted to remind you of some of the best practices to review with your DC staff:
1. Be prepared. Activists are expected to begin arriving around 9am and they have been given instructions to wait in your office until they can have a meeting. Please have an orderly process and enough staff and interns to welcome what could be a very large number of visitors throughout the day:
• Have staff and/or Member time set-aside to visit with attendees in small groups;
• Ask for extra chairs or seating to be brought to your office or the hall in case there are seniors or disabled visitors that need to be accommodated;
• Consider having some light snacks, H2O, and coffee available;
• Ask visitors to leave all signs and banners outside the office.
2. Prioritize listening to your constituents:
• Have multiple guest books/comment sheets available for all visitors to sign-in and leave comments — we recommend you have one for residents of your district, one for residents of your state (but not your district), and one for out-of-state visitors. Have a Capitol Directory and map available to direct visitors to their Member of Congress and written instructions on how
to get over to the Senate side of the Hill.
• There is limited rationale for your Member to meet with out-of-district constituents, especially if you already had other business or meetings previously scheduled with constituents who had planned to visit with you tomorrow on other topics. It is up to individual offices to decide if staff would like to take these meetings.
3. Listen and communicate in small groups:
• As we learned in August, small groups are typically the best venue for exchanges on this complicated topic.
• Many of the conservative activists are not opposing the actual provisions in the bill, but are instead reacting to a caricature of the reform bill presented by right-wing media outlets. In fact, many conservative and GOP ideas and concerns are addressed in the legislation:
ü Reduces the deficit;
ü Cracks down on Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse;
ü Provides historic tax credit for small businesses and individuals to purchase health insurance;
ü Allows consumers to shop for health insurance across state lines via multi-state compacts;
ü Inaugurates medical malpractice reforms, (an area where the GOP failed to take any action when in charge of Congress for 12 years).
• Also, don’t assume common myths about this bill have been debunked. Be prepared to explain that there are no death panels, that Medicare is in fact strengthened, and that reform is not a government take-over, but it is an attempt to crack down on the abusive practices of health insurance companies by providing oversight and increasing competition.
• Finally, work to establish common-ground with visitors by ensuring they are aware and supportive of the important changes that will take place immediately:
ü Offer tax credits to small businesses to purchase coverage;
ü Prohibit pre-existing condition exclusions for children in all new plans;
ü Provide immediate access to insurance for uninsured Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition through a temporary high-risk pool;
ü Prohibit dropping people from coverage when they get sick in all individual plans;
ü Eliminate lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on benefits in all plans;
ü Require premium rebates to enrollees from insurers with high administrative expenditures and require public disclosure of the percent of premiums applied to overhead costs;
ü Ensure consumers have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal new insurance plan decisions;
ü Require plans to cover an enrollee’s dependent children until age 26;
ü Require new plans to cover preventive services and immunizations without cost-sharing;
ü Relief on the Donut Hole.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Doug Ross reported that his source in DC said the unconstitutional “Slaughter Rule” will likely be used on Wednesday.
More… AllahPundit offers this advice to protesters tomorrow:
A few tips if you do find yourself inside some lucky Blue Dog’s office: Be sure to ask (a) what Pelosi’s bribing him with; (b) why, if Democrats are so confident about cost control, they had to rig the estimate on the first decade of costs by delaying the program’s start by five years (in fact, just hand your rep a copy of this); (c) how he/she can be so sure what’s in the bill when they’ll be busy writing it right at that very moment.
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Published February 8, 2012 at 8:42 pm - 98 Comments
bill-tb commented:
It’s weird, it’s as if it’s OK for lobbyists to meet with any Congressional member, and give money, but people should be restricted to ‘their congress clinker only? I wonder why that is.
Can I not give my money to whomever I choose as does the lobbyists?
Just a thought commented:
I’m #1.
Just a thought commented:
Drats.
Joan in Alaska commented:
And yet obama and his minions insist the public wants their Socialist Agenda.
Do they think “tens of thousands” of Americans are marching to wish them well in their endeavors?
How can obama and pelosi explain the March while saying the public wants their debacle?
MANHATTAN DECLARATION commented:
Yes We Can http://www.ScrapSchumer.com YES WE CAN!
kato commented:
They forgot to tell the useful idiots that the snacks should be organic and the coffee should only come from a benevolent country, like Kenya or Venezuela.
Doh-San commented:
“Many of the conservative activists are not opposing the actual provisions in the bill, but are instead reacting to a caricature of the reform bill presented by right-wing media outlets.”
They still just don’t get it, do they? Cretins.
Mary commented:
Every person should be asked if they personally read the answer they are giving in the bill OR taking someone’s word for it. The next question would be how they can continue to believe they will not be thrown out of office if they go along with the path their leadership is taking.
jjjjjj commented:
bring gasoline and ammo.
Militant Conservative commented:
Wish you could march with “blue guns” to signify our displeasure. These weasels need to know they are on the HUNTING list. OUR constitution gives us the rights to remove them and stomp thier guts out. I just reloaded about a 1000 rounds of magazines that I shot in Texas. That was a light day. Ya’ll better listen (congress) cuz we’re coming for ya. Better hope it is a civil election not a pitch fork and torches meeting. You’ll lose, We are many and you are few. We know where you live you know us not.
jjjjjjj commented:
Why doesn’t someone post the home addresses of all the Democrats in Congress?
pm commented:
Wonder how it sat with SanFranNan that this dude referred to the conservatives and Tea Partiers as “the grassroots effort.” Hmmmm…
And they’re instructed to treat them so graciously! The “welcome” with refreshments, chairs for seniors and the disabled; not to mention, of course, the ever popular “exchange” of thoughts that “small groups” would enable. We know how well that goes.
In such an environment, one could almost forget that, when they open their mouths, out come those inevitable lies.
Rosemary Woodhouse commented:
Memo to those still asking “why”:
They. Do. Not. Care.
Militant Conservative commented:
Rosemary Woodhouse
March 15th, 2010 | 6:51 pm | #15
You got it, we are the serfs and they are the kings. Time to reset the measure of freedom.
AF commented:
Perhaps you don’t realize this, but the Slaughter Rule was used by Republican Congresses. It’s not anything new and Republicans didn’t think it was unconstitutional when they used it. http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/03/15/re-and-here-we-go/#more-23441
Militant Conservative commented:
AF
March 15th, 2010 | 6:57 pm | #17
Your surfing some questionable sites. This will not bode well. The American Public does not want this crap. nuff said.
Neoavatara commented:
It is time to start considering impeachment of anyone considering the Slaughter rule. It is clearly unconstitutional, so what remediation is there other than impeachment?
http://neoavatara.com/blog/?p=10390
Lance commented:
Ask yourself now about what you can’t escape later.
Robert commented:
AF #17
There is no comparison to the scale of effect this
current legislation will have, nor to the current
amount of opposition.
pjean commented:
I gotta say when I’m communicating with BlueDogs, I don’t use threats. I choose to appeal to their conscience and tell them that they shouldn’t be afraid of standing on principle. I tell them that if they stand on the side of the people, the people will respect them and support them fully. You put something positive out, your chances of getting a positive back are more likely.
pm commented:
Has the word been out there to confirm or publicize this event enough to get such a huge turnout?
Makes me think this memo is purposely predicting tens of thousands so the Dems will just love shouting a big, fat “Fail” if anything less occurs.
Joe College commented:
If the Dems say expect tens of thousands and then leak that memo, it means they do not expect tens of thousands and will say the demo was a failure if tens of thousands do not show up.
Show up! Go! Your life depends on it.
Opus #6 commented:
Neoavatara, what is available other than impeachment?
Tar. Feathers. Rail.
scguy commented:
AF, the days of bickering and debating are over. It’s time to get down to brass tacks. The real Americans have had a gut full of socialism, and it’s time to put an end to it! Your posts fall on deaf ears. April 19th 1775.
Britny commented:
Repeal healthcare!
BHG commented:
Why haven’t the Dems and their Coffee Partiers organized and brought tens of thousands to Washington to counter the Tea Partiers? That’s the number one question I’d ask a Blue Dog: where are Obamacare supporters? Why can’t he get them here to support him?
h00v3r commented:
@Militant Conservative – it’s a little too obvious that you’re a kossak sock puppet – go away
bitterclinger commented:
I’ve got a slew of letters ready to hand deliver tomorrow, but I can guarantee you that the cowards won’t be there. When they know we’re coming, they hide. I’ve been there twice for these rallies and they leave their college-age staff out in the front office to grimace at the incoming peasants.
tkh commented:
Since the Democrats are considering the Slaughter rule to pass this bill, tea partiers should be prepared to have protest signs against the Slaughter rule at the rally tomorrow.
down with dems commented:
Give ‘em hell, patriots.
Mike commented:
I live under public healthcare. I can tell you it is a nightmare. I actually don’t bother using Canadian Healthcare for the most part because the specialists are few, inexperienced and unknowledgeable compared to their U.S. counterparts and don’t offer the latest medical procedures like they do in the U.S.
If I want to see a specialist in Canada, undergo some diagnostic tests, get an assessment and then treatment, it will take about 8 months if everything goes in an ideal manner. If you need additional tests or a second opinion, well, you can guess as to how this adds to the wait time.
I was actually without a family doctor for approximately 2 months while I was suffering from LPR (acid coming up and buring my throat). I had to go on a waiting list and apply for acceptance to the one family doctor in my city that I found out was accepting patients. I then had to go and meet her for an interview. She decided to accept me and I accepted her. I actually was not happy with her training and experience (she was trained in China over 30 years ago and was specialized in pediatrics). Anyway, I accepted her because if I refused, I would have to go on a waiting list again and be without a doctor. I decided that having a doctor you don’t necessarily want is better than not having a doctor at all. Anyway, I found out that the waiting time to see a Gastroenterologist to aid me with my LPR symptoms was approximately 4 to 6 months. So, I called around, offered money to each of the secretaries that book appointments with the Gastro doctors, and luckily I was able to shorten my wait to 6 weeks. However, all this time I was continuing to regurgitate acid into my throat. I had to hire help to cover me at my place of work because I was unable to perform as before. The cost of the labour was $80 per day for about 3 months. The total cost of seeing the specialist was 2 visits at $100 per visit. You can do the math. Had the government let private health care develop in my country, I could of paid $200 on my own, seen a doctor in about a week and saved myself alot of heartache and money.
By the way, for anyone wondering about Canada, we spend about $4000 per capita on health care spending, have massive shortgages in PCP and specialists, plus equipment and technology etc. So in other words, a family of four forks over $16,000 in taxes to the government on average and waits and waits and waits for inferior medical treatment.
But, that’s public health care for you.
nickless commented:
H20? They couldn’t just write ‘water?’
wee-wee\'d commented:
Also ask the staffers what they will be doing when they are suddenly unemployed this fall.
The congressmen who vote for this will get some cushy job as a bribe. Their staffs are getting thrown under the bus!
JonahVark commented:
Know anyone who is going to be in D. C. tomorrow?
Maybe they would be willing to pray for our country and walk around Congress seven times.
See Joshua, Chapter 6 and
Hebrews 11:30 – By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
We need the walls of deception and dishonesty to come tumbling down. The walls of arrogance and apathy need to fall. Also the walls of self-righteousness and dishonor.
Solaratov commented:
AF
March 15th, 2010 | 6:57 pm | #17
Perhaps you don’t realize this, but the Slaughter Rule was used by Republican Congresses. It’s not anything new and Republicans didn’t think it was unconstitutional when they used it. http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/03/15/re-and-here-we-go/#more-23441
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wrong, troll. Not the same thing at all.
As you can plainly see – if you read the rule – that particular bill (with the new bill added as an amendment) WENT TO CONFERENCE WITH THE SENATE.
Thanks for playing. Better luck next time.
.
.
.
.The only good communist is a dead communist.
KR commented:
Mike #33,
But… all the obots whine about how Canadians have FREE health care and they want it too.
Kate commented:
Dang! I keep forgetting how ignorant I am, incapable of reading the bill for myself (which I have) until I read something like this memo.
wanumba commented:
Summed up as:
Be prepared to lie through your teeth to your constituents.
Make sure they sign their names so you can blacklist them later.
Have a nice day.
Britny commented:
Sad Headline of the Day:
Pro-Life Dems Start Breaking In Pelosi’s Direction
Kurt Montandon commented:
Wow, what an awful response to petitioning.
I mean, just look at that part where she encourages violence and suppression.
Wait … no … Pelosi is encouraging politeness, listening to constituents, and educating them on the true contents of the Health Care Reform bill. Hmm, that doesn’t fit the woe-is-us narrative.
Quick, think of something new to explain how this memo is an example of horrific CommuniSecretMuslimAtheistFEAMDeathCampTyranny!!!1!!
Andreas K. commented:
Good luck!
I hope for a massive turnout.
Male Silverback commented:
Hoov3r, you seem to be trying to pick a fight. Why don’t you go back to your best of Olberman collection and leave the real patriot work to some real Americans.
Hangtown Bob commented:
If Obamacare passes, we should do everything that we can to shut down or seriously disrupt the Federal government. We now have the perfect opportunity. The 2010 Census forms are now being mailed to 100 million households. We should all refuse to send them in until Obamacare is DEAD. This would send an immediate and undeniable message to the Government. The Census Bureau has not planned on having to do 100 million personal visits to collect these forms. This peaceful disobediance would send a message that cannot be ignored.
If you like this idea, please pass it on as comments in other blogs and talk it up at the Washington Tea Party.
aprilnovember811 commented:
Mark Levin said that imposing the Slaughter Rule would be the equivalent of instituting marshall law. He said that he will be one of the first in court. He also said it is blatantly unconstitutional, which we already know.
Bring on the slaughter rule, you communists, the Supreme Court is going to publicly slap you in the face for it, as are we!
nick b commented:
How do all these people get time off work? Or are they just unemployed riffraff?
Chisum commented:
nick b,
You forgot to call them “bitter clingers”.
Moron.
averagemelon commented:
Now I know why the rack was invented. Seems appropriate.