Congressman throws temper tantrum...

[KimberChick]

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2009/09/08/congressman-erupts-arrogantly-local-newspaper-fails-cover-blowup

Congressman Erupts Arrogantly; Local Newspaper Fails to Cover Blowup

By P.J. Gladnick
Created 09/08/2009 - 20:38

(UPDATE: Baron Hill claimed he didn't allow taping of his town hall meetings. However the local newspaper was allowed to record all of this meeting although they failed to report in print on the blowup. More details at update following story.)

A congressman from the Indiana 9th district named Baron Hill had a major league arrogant temper tantrum on camera last Wednesday which has become a big hit in the blogosphere with over 100,000 viewers on YouTube. So one would figure that the local Bloomington newspaper, the Herald Times [1], would cover it, right? Wrong. Amazingly the most interesting thing that has happened in Bloomington in at least a year has been studiously avoided by that newspaper.

Here is the scene as described by the American Thinker [2]:

It is not just the career safe seat members of Congress and the Senate who are vulnerable to getting caught up in the arrogance and elitism of power. Relative back bencher Baron Hill from Indiana's 9th District might well have surged into the lead in the contest to see which member of congress had the most out of touch and arrogant attitude during the town hall meetings.

You have to watch this video [3] to believe it. It starts right after he has announced that there will be no videos allowed and goes into question and answer. The first question is from a school student trying to fulfill a class assignment.
A couple of Baron Hill's "memorable" lines:

"This is my town hall meeting -- and I set the rules."

"Let me repeat that one more time -- this is MY town hall meeting (snip) and you're not gonna tell me how to run my congressional office..."

It looked just like Baron Hill committed political suicide on camera yet somehow the Herald Times just couldn't get around to writing a single story about it (so far). One wonders what their reaction would have been had Hill had an (R) instead of the magic (D) after his name.

Even the liberal Huffington Post had a story [4] about how it looks like it will soon be sayonara time for Baron Hill in the Congress due in large part to his blowup. Here is how Hill was described in the HuffPo by Gail McGowan Mellow:

...Four days later, at a meeting in Indiana University Bloomington (IUB), farther north in Indiana, Hill grabbed headlines by erupting at a young student journalist -- there to talk about the recent death of her mother and her own commitment to health care reform. Congress was soon buzzing with it. Congressman John Yarmuth (D-KY) from across the river in Louisville, Kentucky recounted, "Baron Hill may have lost his job that night. He had a town hall in Bloomington and apparently banned recorders. When a 17-year-old girl asked why, he kind of went ballistic on her and said 'I set the rules and no one tells me how to run my office!'"

It also hit cable and YouTube.

But not the Herald Times of Bloomington where the mental meltdown actually took place.

Mellor also noted that Hill's website [5] is unclear on how he stands on health care:

...Constituents at the New Albany town hall whispered that on Hill's government website under Issues, he stated that health care was a right, but said little about how to provide it, let alone cost-effectively. When searched for "health care bill," the site accessed Thomas, a U.S. government database that coughed up only old health care bills. When "single payer" or "public option" was entered in the search box, it brought up no reference more recent than 2004. Even when the accurate number of the main 2009 reform bill, H.R. 3200, was entered, Hill's site--or Thomas-- wrongly identified it as a proposal "to expand the travel and transportation allowances available to members of the Armed Forces granted leave...."

This was not the first time that Baron Hill blew up. Take a listen to this revelatory audio [6] via YouTube in which an angry Hill lashes out at his own constituents at another meeting which also resulted in a mental meltdown. Perhaps the haughty Baron Hill thinks he can get away with his temper tantrums because the local Bloomington media seems to give him a pass. However, despite his expressed desire not to be on YouTube, his video there has become a web sensation.

It could be time for Baron Hill to get a cue from Dave Buznik and take some Anger Management therapy from Dr. Buddy Rydell. Singing "I Feel Pretty" from the middle of a bridge might be a big step on the road to recovery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtmgQ2W3lhM

[10thvet]

maybe the people will take back THEIR congressional office

[grog18b]

Seems there are a lot of them throwing in the towel lately...

[btq96r]

he stated that health care was a right, but said little about how to provide it, let alone cost-effectively. When searched for "health care bill," the site accessed Thomas, a U.S. government database that coughed up only old health care bills. When "single payer" or "public option" was entered in the search box, it brought up no reference more recent than 2004. Even when the accurate number of the main 2009 reform bill, H.R. 3200, was entered, Hill's site--or Thomas-- wrongly identified it as a proposal "to expand the travel and transportation allowances available to members of the Armed Forces granted leave...."


If you want to know how a congressman feels on issues dont rely on his self promoting website, see how he votes. www.opencongress.org, www.govtrack.us are good for that.

The final version of the House health care bill was HR 3962 Affordable Health Care for America Act, not H.R. 3200 (which was never voted on) as the article quoted. It took me a whole half minute on google to find that out. For the record, if you care, Mr. Hill voted 'Yea' on it.

[Dark Helmet]

Real leaders no longer run for office.

[MikeC2W]

Good lord, the irony.

[Polypro]

Incidents like this continually reinforce the need to treat ALL politicians like the public servants that they are. I have NEVER understood the reverence that some (most) people give the these employees? "Oh yes senator", "Right away congressman"...all the way up to the white house (former congressman and senators, some of which probably felt the same way...but were smart enough to keep their mouths shut). Why? Somebody should have stood up in that meeting and yelled "Bitch, you work for me".

I'm seriously giving thought to adopting the "Never vote for an incumbent" technique.

P

[Rough Raven]

Incidents like this continually reinforce the need to treat ALL politicians like the public servants that they are. I have NEVER understood the reverence that some (most) people give the these employees? "Oh yes senator", "Right away congressman"...all the way up to the white house (former congressman and senators, some of which probably felt the same way...but were smart enough to keep their mouths shut). Why? Somebody should have stood up in that meeting and yelled "Bitch, you work for me".

I believe at least half of the politicians actually go out of their way to reinforce the idea that we taxpayers are here to fund their ideas and dreams (and mortgages, and facelifts, and wardrobes, and transportation...) Some may actually have deluded themselves that we are their servants. Okay, maybe not. I think all of them are too crafty and slick to be crazy. Some just aren't very good at keeping their cover.

They've even glamorized themselves. Look at how many of those people at the campaign rallies of President Obama are staring at him with stars in their eyes, caught up in the rapture, or fainting like they were at an Elvis concert; they voted on him because they were in love with him and his vague promises of 'hope' and 'change.' Of course he's the most prominent example, but this blind "follower-ship" happens at all political rallies.

Chuck Norris, regarding President Obama, is the most well-known person I can think of who didn't get swoon or get those heart flutterings and kept it in perspective.

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/n/norris-obama-letter.htm

And yes, I agree with Dark Helmet that real leaders (or men with real intelligence instead of just cunning) do not run for office. If the opposite were the case, we'd see more Admirals or Generals, or men like Stephen Hawking in the Oval Office.

[8Ball]

Real leaders no longer run for office.

I like this guy. I don't live in his District but maybe he has higher aspirations. He is LTC (Ret) Allen West. He was forced out due to some "naughtiness" in IZ while he was a Bn CO. Basically, he fired a gun next to the head of shit bag to get some information. He later "self reported" and got his pee pee slapped. Now, I am sure there are some individuals on here that know more or were personally in the vicinity. Or, maybe, served under him. This is just what I know at the present time and I never served under him. Opinions and other info would be great. All I know is this video is pretty good. He gets fired up and I like the message. It's 6 minutes long but worth it IMO.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP2p91dvm6M

YMMV.

[8Ball]

Here is another with his opinion on Muslim Extremism from a question asked by a Marine.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkGQmCZjJ0k&feature=player_embedded

There are plenty more but these two just stand out.

[Outofcontrol]

WOW...

"You are not going to tell me how to run MY congressional office."

OOC, out

[sabasarge]

I would have loved to have been in that town meeting, to be able to have stood up as the anger within me was building, and in a barely controllable voice tell that self righteous prick......"YOU....WORK.....FOR......US, AND THAT CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE IS OUR OFFICE!"
And a big +1 for LTC (Ret) Allen West...may he not get too discouraged too soon.

[ET1/ss nuke]

Real leaders no longer run for office.

The new governor of New Jersey, Mr. Christie, might be an exception.

[Rough Raven]

And a big +1 for LTC (Ret) Allen West...may he not get too discouraged too soon.

In reaction to the second clip:
The first thing out of my mouth when he spoke up regarding the terrorists: "My Lord, he gets it!"
I used to tell people there is no such thing as separation of Church and State when it comes to Islam, and the only time they are a religion of peace is when they are severely outnumbered. But I digress.

Another thing he said which was between-the-eyes dead on: "Until you get principle leadership in the United States of America that is willing to say that..." He proved in those few words the current leadership is out for their own personal gain and prestige and not for protecting America from anything which threatens to destroy her.

Oh yeah, and "I don't care about being popular, whatever!" I LOVE IT. I cheered when he said that.

Where is this guy's district? I might see a move coming in my future. :smile:

[HighDragLowSpeed]

I used to tell people there is no such thing as separation of Church and State when it comes to Islam, and the only time they are a religion of peace is when they are severely outnumbered. But I digress.

You do realize that only about 20% of Muslims live in Arab countries and about 50 countries are Muslim majority, don't you? Why let little things like facts get in the way of a good rant though...

[Rough Raven]

You do realize that only about 20% of Muslims live in Arab countries, don't you? Why let little things like facts get in the way of a good rant though...

It's hardly a rant. Regardless of where they live, they are first accountable to Allah and their local imams. Only after that do they hold themselves accountable to the laws of their local jurisdiction, and only then when it suits them to use it to their advantage. Do you really think the muslims are going to tell their imam to 'get lost' if he tells them to do something which is against local laws?

And your statement that only 20% are within the ME proves a point he makes in the clip. The desire is not to be isolationist and sovereign. They are doing what the Qur'an says to do, and the way they are doing it is to infiltrate and convert rather than launch a full frontal assault while they are still outnumbered. No, they play games until the numbers are on their side and then the local laws, treaties, whatever, no longer apply.

But we were talking about leadership in the US. Methinks this part of the discussion belongs in another thread.

[rubberneck]

The new governor of New Jersey, Mr. Christie, might be an exception.

I wouldn't call Christie a leader but I think he is a vast improvement over his useless predecessor.

[Always Jolly]

The new governor of New Jersey, Mr. Christie, might be an exception.

I'm SOOOOOoooooooo Hoping you are right!!!

My wife and I retired from the Mil a couple of years ago, and decided NJ was where we would retire to due to family issues.

Chris Christie is a breath of fresh air here. Let's hope he's successful, and that he get's re-elected!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HighDragLowSpeed]

It's hardly a rant. Regardless of where they live, they are first accountable to Allah and their local imams. Only after that do they hold themselves accountable to the laws of their local jurisdiction, and only then when it suits them to use it to their advantage. Do you really think the muslims are going to tell their imam to 'get lost' if he tells them to do something which is against local laws?

And your statement that only 20% are within the ME proves a point he makes in the clip. The desire is not to be isolationist and sovereign. They are doing what the Qur'an says to do, and the way they are doing it is to infiltrate and convert rather than launch a full frontal assault while they are still outnumbered. No, they play games until the numbers are on their side and then the local laws, treaties, whatever, no longer apply.

But we were talking about leadership in the US. Methinks this part of the discussion belongs in another thread.


I just find it interesting that you are choosing to speak authoritatively for almost 25% of the world's population without clearly understanding anything about Islam or knowing anything about the daily lives of the vast majority of them.

It would be just as easy to say that "all Catholics are first accountable to God and then the Pope". How true would that be? Of course, there aren't any extremist Catholics at all, are there? :rolleyes:

[8Ball]

Where is this guy's district? I might see a move coming in my future. :smile:

http://allenwestforcongress.com/

And, I prefer the first clip. I like his anger. Anger makes me warm and fuzzy.:biggrin:

[Rough Raven]

I just find it interesting that you are choosing to speak authoritatively for almost 25% of the world's population without clearly understanding anything about Islam or knowing anything about the daily lives of the vast majority of them.

It would be just as easy to say that "all Catholics are first accountable to God and then the Pope". How true would that be? Of course, there aren't any extremist Catholics at all, are there? :rolleyes:

I'll start another thread.

[Ranger5280]

Rough Raven...

It's not your job nor is it considered appropriate here at SOCNET to suggest to someone with BTDT under their username that their comments should be used to form another thread (your post #16).

You're a guest here collecting information for a novel. You won't be the first one to get shut down if you get sideways with this community.

[Rough Raven]

Rough Raven...

It's not your job nor is it considered appropriate here at SOCNET to suggest to someone with BTDT under their username that their comments should be used to form another thread (your post #16).

First I apologize, as I didn't readily interpret the "Been There Done That," as BTDT. (Hey, I read the stickies on posting on the forum AND checked your profile. I just missed the connotation in the phrase).

Ranger: I didn't want to be accused of carrying on a thread in the wrong area, so the statements regarding taking it elsewhere were meant to CMA.

Halo:
I have been studying world religions and philosophies (I want to know who my friends and my enemies are) and am intrigued to discuss it further. This is said without sarcasm: if you feel there is something I am grossly misinterpreting regarding Islam, I would love having the facts and your opinions on the matter. I leave that up to you, should you want to pursue it.

[magician]

Bringing the dialogue back on track:

Throw ALL the bums out.

Start over.

With term limits the very first order of business.

[HighDragLowSpeed]

Of course, the problem with term limits is who has to vote for them in order for them to be enacted - both Houses of Congress.

Figure the odds.... :tongue:

[ET1/ss nuke]

Of course, the problem with term limits is who has to vote for them in order for them to be enacted - both Houses of Congress. Figure the odds.... :tongue:

There is another way, via the state legislatures in a constitutional convention, but that would open up a multitude of other cans of worms. Better to stick with the devil you know ....

[Spot379th]

Bringing the dialogue back on track:

Throw ALL the bums out.

Start over.

With term limits the very first order of business.

Something like... http://vetonow.com/?

[Polypro]

Of course, the problem with term limits is who has to vote for them in order for them to be enacted - both Houses of Congress.

Figure the odds.... :tongue:

Never vote for an incumbent ;) "We" can do it. (Yes, I know the odds).

P

[smp52]

Of course, the problem with term limits is who has to vote for them in order for them to be enacted - both Houses of Congress.

Figure the odds.... :tongue:

I like the concept of term limits and overall am a proponent of them, however unless people hold their elected representatives feets to the fire, term limits aren't the solution, more like a band-aid. It really does boil down to people voting for the right candidate and tossing them when performance is poor.

Here is a report on California's Term Limits (http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/rb/RB_1104BCRB.pdf)

[Remember When]

You have to remember when this was taped and when that town hall meeting was. Baron Hill was "hot stuff." Why, he had President Obama in for a fund raiser and got to ride back to Washington on Air Force One. He'd been in office since the 1998 election except for one term in 2004 when he lost to Sodrel and then got back in.

However, Hill should have already been realizing he was sinking with his constituents. He represents a part of the state that is heavy into coal ... and he voted for Cap and Trade. This didn't "make friends and influence people." His constituency were already grumbling when this town hall came out ... and he's not doing well in the local polls.

[Believeraz]

Bringing the dialogue back on track:

Throw ALL the bums out.

Start over.

With term limits the very first order of business.

I will both drink to that and vote for you. :biggrin:

[Hiking Dad]

Never vote for an incumbent ;) "We" can do it. (Yes, I know the odds).

P

I rather like the incumbent in my district, Mike Rogers (R-MI), he is doing a good job.

Now, just a few miles away is the district of Rep. Marc Showers, came in with the 2008 crowd and may be going out this year. One can only hope.