His One – ONE – Free Town Hall Over, It's Back To Pay-Per-View For Paulsen

On the day Erik Paulsen, R=TargetCorp, announced his candidacy to run for Congress, Paulsen claimed he was a moderate in the mold of Bill Frenzel and Jim Ramstad.

Yeah, “right.”

Anyone paying attention knows the LAST thing the former State House Majority Leader is, is a “moderate.”

And Paulsen’s inaction on holding Town Halls clearly indicate he’s anything but out of Ramstad’s mold. Here’s what Jim Ramstad said in an interview, before he left office:

“I have had regular town meetings all 18 years I have been in office.” (LawAndPolitics.com)

Which is true. Twice a year, Ramstad would hold a series of Town Halls in different cities at different times and usually on different days so everyone – EVERYONE – got a chance to see and hear and maybe even get to ask their Congressman a question.

So, when Paulsen didn’t hold any Town Halls last spring, there was muttering. When Paulsen didn’t schedule any before starting the August Recess, there was more.

Then along came MudSlingerMike, Deputy Chair of the Minnesota GOP, making it worse for Paulsen. Brodkorb ripped Democrat Colin Peterson for not holding a Town Hall – even though, at that time, neither Michele Bachmann nor John Kline nor Erik Paulsen had scheduled any. It was hypocrisy epitomized – so, let’s watch it again!!!

“If you don’t want to be asked questions, if you don’t want to interact with the public, if you don’t want the opportunity to get a tough question, don’t run for office.” – MudSlingerMike, 29 July 2009

After MudSlingerMike spouted off, criticism got heavy, especially from bloggers like Gavin Sullivan and Dusty Trice and, of course, yours truly – the ol’ TwoPutter.

Still, no Paulsen Town Halls. Sure, pawlenty plenty of closed events; such as the one at an auto dealer where a citizen journalist was refused entry – but, no Town Hall.

Dusty caught up with Paulsen at the State Fair – and “right” after (coincidence? I think NOT), Paulsen announced a Town Hall, held last Friday. Now that that one is out of the way?

“Business” as usual – take care of the base! Gotta dance with them that brought ya, doncha know?

From the Bloomington Chamber Of Commerce:

Governmental Forum: Mr. Paulsen Goes to Washington
Friday, September 18, 2009
7:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Price: Member $20 Non-Member $40

So, if you can get the time off of work, for a mere forty smackers you, too, can watch Paulsen perform for the Captains of Industry – them that bought brought him.

(crossposted at MnProgressiveProject)

Breaking! Paulsen Bows To Liberal Blogger's Pressure; Schedules Town Hall!

So, I’m reading/watching Dusty Trice’s blogpost, about Erik Paulsen ducking Dusty’s questions about a “free and open Town Hall.”

As Dusty noted, Paulsen “Spokesman” Luke Friedrich says, “right” at the beginning of the YouTube:

“We don’t do questions from the liberal blogs. Sorry.”

Imagine that; Paulsen NOT taking questions….

Anyway, Dusty’s pressure must have gotten to Paulsen, because this one was just posted!!!

Town Hall Meeting
Town Hall Information

Who: Congressman Erik Paulsen/3rd District Constituents

What: Town Hall Meeting

When: Friday, September 11th, 2009
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Where: Maple Grove High School Auditorium
9800 Fernbrook Ln N, Maple Grove, MN

QUESTIONS? Contact me at mn03townhall@mail.house.gov

(Paulsen.House.Gov)

Well, all “right”!!! Won’t take questions from “liberal bloggers”, but: will bow to a “liberal blogger’s” pressure!!! Way to go, Dusty!!!

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Another Example Of republiCon Hypocrisy

There’s so many examples of republiCon hypocrisy, that it’s becoming hard to keep track of them all. As Congress readies to go back to W.D.C. without John Kline nor Erik Paulsen holding a Town Hall, it’s important to remember that this summer, in the Great State Of Minnesota, one of the most amazing acts of hypocrisy ever – EVER – was performed, and Michael Brodkorb performed that feat in a mere 9 seconds! Let’s look!!!

Now, when Congress convenes after the August recess, be ready and waiting for more republiCon hypocrisy! Here’s Rachel Maddow, explaining the hypocrisy of republiCon Judd Gregg, R=Hypocrite, with Gregg’s amazing hypocrisy concerning the fillibuster – let’s look!

As Rachel explained: “It’s O K When A Republican Does It” – although I personally prefer:

“Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP”

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Puppet Paulsen To Pose At State Fair, Today!

Even though GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb thinks anyone afraid to take questions shouldn’t run for office (see YouTube, below the fold), Erik Paulsen continues to follow John Kline’s lead and shun Town Halls. However:

In lieu of district town hall meetings, Paulsen has opted to hold smaller forums with groups of constituents ranging from seniors to meetings with large employers and business leaders. (EdenPrairieNews.com)

“In lieu of district town hall meetings….”

Just like the guy he replaced, “right”?

WRONG.

Anyway, Paulsen is scheduled to pose, er, ‘scuse me, “appear” on Salem Communication’s KKMS radio station today at the State Fair at 3:00 pm. KKMS’ booth is located near Clough and Judson streets. Stop by if you’re near, and if you can, ask Paulsen: “Dude – Where’s My Town Hall?”

GOP State Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb, on Town Hall Forums:

Paulsen ’09:

Salem raadio stations; in Minneapolis/St. Paul:

KKMS-AM 980
KYCR-AM 1570
WWTC-AM 1280 (The “Patriot”)

(originally published at MnProgressiveProject.com)

Why Does Puppet Paulsen Act The Way He Does?

Molly Ivins said that a definition of an honest politician in Texas is one that once bought, stays bought. Look no further than John Kline for proof of that, in a Texas politician. And Freshman GOPer Erik Paulsen sure seems to be following John Kline’s lead! Let’s look!

(hat tip to DustyTrice.com)

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)

That Old GOP Double-Standard, Once Again

Last Monday, Dusty Trice put up video demonstrating “Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP” in a big-time way. So, I wrote a blogpost that same day entitled “Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP…and MudSlingerMike is the mouthpiece. Here’s the deal, and it should be of no surprise to anyone remotely familiar with why GOP now stands for GreedOverPrinciples: Dusty’s video is of State GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb ripping Rep. Colin Peterson, DFL, for not holding Town Hall Meetings, even though Bachmann and Kline, GOP don’t and it sure looks like Paulsen, GOP, won’t.

The hypocrisy was so blatant that the St. Cloud Times wrote about in an editorial.

And all week people talked about MudSlingerMike being the chief spokestool of the hypocritical GreedOverPrincipels party. Well, they talked MORE about the thuggishness of the GOP, but the GOP’s hypocrisy was a hot topic, too.

Over at a website named SCSU Scholars, Professor Banaian made a post were he scored high on etiquette. The Good Professor made some talking points for rightwingers to ask Congresspeople AND highly suggested they do so on their best behavior. Like I said, The Good Professor got high marks for that.

However, bein’ a GOPer, The Good Professor just couldn’t help doin’ the ol’ GOP Double-Standard in the comments section of the post. I sometimes wonder if it’s not only in their nature, it’s a party plank, too, but: we’ll go down that road, later. For now, let’s confine the discussion to Professor Banaian’s GOPer SNAFU.

Now, The Good Professor said, and I quote:

These are to be a substitute for yelling, not a complement. I agree with those who are saying to stop the shouting matches at the town halls. It’s unhelpful, it plays into the hands of the Democrats and their love-slaves in the media. (Tapper not included.). Ask the questions, record the answers, then find a reporter and tell them what you thought of the answer. Get your opposition, if you are, in the newspaper and on the radio and TV in a way you’d be proud to show your grandchildren.

OK, ignore the stuff in the middle, that’s just The Good Professor acting like The Absent A Mind Professor. Do give credit where credit due, like I did, and score The Good Professor high for calling for civilized behavior at Town Halls.

Now, on to the comments, the first made by yours trulty, the ol’ TwoPutter:

Say, Professor? What if my congressman happens to be a Republican, and doesn’t/won’t hold town hall meetings?

TwoPuttTommy | Homepage | 08.05.09 – 2:34 pm | #

The second comment isn’t worth reposting; rather inane blather, so who cares. It’s The Good Professor’s response to yours truly’s comment numero uno, that demonstrates the title of this post:

TPT, she doesn’t have a bill to sell. Your comedian-cum-senator does.

kb | 08.05.09 – 3:43 pm | #

Which elicited my response in the very next, and so far last, comment:

***TPT, she doesn’t have a bill to sell. Your comedian-cum-senator does.
kb | 08.05.09 – 3:43 pm | # ***

O
M
G.

Is that REALLY your position, Professor?

TwoPuttTommy | Homepage | 08.05.09 – 4:24 pm | #

And as of the time of this post, that comment of mine – last Wednesday – has gone unanswered.

Now, virtually all regular readers here will know EXACTLY why the ol’ TwoPutter wrote what I did; I’d even surmise that The Good Professor figured it out, too – even though he hasn’t commented….

….but, I’ll explain it anyway, for teh GOPers that stumble upon this post:

The Professor is taking the position that Senator Franken has a duty and responsibility to appear in public to defend and explain his support “for” health care reform, BUT (and it’s a big “BUT”) Bachmann has NO duty NOR responsiblity to appear in public to defend and explain HER OPPOSITION “against” health care reform.

Clearly, it’s that ol’ GOP Double-Standard, once again.

Spotty over at The Cucking Stool takes a long look at Professor Banaian’s post and how it fits into the scheme of things. It’s a good read.

Oh – and here’s that YouTube of MudSlingerMike, once again:

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)

"Keep Your Government Hands Off My Medicare!"

That’s a real quote, from a “participant” (cough, cough) at a Town Hall held the other day by Rep. Robert Inglis, R-SC.

Unreal. The disinformation put out by rightwing astroturf groups are even hitting the GOPers that do hold Town Halls – which, of course, don’t include GOPers Bachmann, Kline, or Paulsen.

Not only did GOPer Rep. Robert Inglis, R-SC, have the guts to face his constituents, he also had the common sense to tell them the truth:

“I had to politely explain that, ‘Actually, sir, your health care is being provided by the government,’ ” Inglis recalled. “But he wasn’t having any of it.” (WashingtonPost.com).

And why wasn’t the “keep your government hands off my Medicare” guy having any of it? Disinformation, pure and simple. Recently, the astroturf group “Conservatives For Patients Rights (yeah, “right”) had their ad fisked by FactCheck.org. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that their analysis of rightwing claims are, well, to quote the analysis:

CPR Administers Bad Facts, Again

* It’s not true that any of the health care overhaul measures that have been approved by committees in Congress would add “a trillion to the federal deficit,” as the ad says. The Senate bill would add roughly $597 billion over 10 years, and the House bill that was approved by the Ways and Means Committee in mid-July would add a much smaller $239 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. (FactCheck.org)

Now, I’m looking at a very fancy brochure recently mailed out – at taxpayer expense – by Rep. Erik Paulsen, R=republiCon. And what does Rep. Erik Paulsen claim, in his published and mailed at taxpayer expense brochure? It’s “right” there, on page 2: “Their plan would cost over $1 trillion”

Way to go, Erik! Mailing out debunked disinformation, published and mailed at taxpayer expense.

Paul Krugman opined a little over a week ago on the subject: Why Americans hate single-payer insurance. Paul Krugman’s explanation? “Because they don’t know they have it.” And Paul Krugman uses the “particiapant” at the Town Hall, referenced above, as an example. Here’s what else Paul Krugman said:

One of the truly amazing and depressing things about the health reform debate is the persistence of fear-mongering over “socialized medicine” even though we already have a system in which the government pays substantially more medical bills (47% of the total) than the private insurance industry (35%).

In a way, this is the flip side of the persistent belief that the free market can cure healthcare, even though there are no places where it actually has; people also believe that government-provided insurance can’t work, even though there are many places where it does — and one of those places is the United States of America. (NYTimes.com)

And rather than correct the disinformation, Rep. Erik Paulsen, R=republiCon fuels the fire.

Gotta love today’s “conservatives”, doncha?

Well, in a word, “no.” And you certainly can’t trust them to tell the truth, either.

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)

Hypcocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP…

…and MudSlingerMike is the mouthpiece.

By now, everyone knows the story about the MN GOP ripping DFLer Colin Peterson for Peterson’s decision not to hold “Town Hall” meetings. Dusty Trice made a great catch of State GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb engaging in the hypocrisy the GreedOverPrinciples party is so well-known for. Let’s watch!

Dusty followed up that YouTube with another YouTube of Michele Bachmann ducking questions. The contrast between what GOPer Brodkorb mouthed off about and Bachmann’s actions is quite clear – link here for Dusty’s entire post.

And Dusty Trice isn’t the only one that caught the blatant demonstration of GOPer hypocrisy; the St. Cloud Times Editorial Board weighed in, too! Let’s look!

Then what about Peterson’s neighbor, the GOP’s own 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann?

Except for one tightly controlled forum at which she barely spoke, we don’t recall any town meetings she’s held in this area since elected. (St. Cloud Times)

Ladies and Gentlemen, MudSlingerMike is simply demonstrating – once again – why reasonable people have no reason to believe anything that the GOP says (or, “trust”, as GOP National Chair Michael Steele said).

As Dusty said, Brodkorb’s actions are “unbelievable.” Nice catch, Dusty.

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)

Dude – Where's My Town Hall?

Today was the day I was going to write about how GOPer Erik Paulsen had abandoned the tradition of the accessible Jim Ramstad and is acting like the reclusive John Kline, concerning town hall meetings. However, when I logged on, I noticed on the blogwire that Gavin Sullivan beat me to it. Here’s the start to Gavin’s post, last Saturday:

Congressman Erik Paulsen’s several predecessors established a decades-old tradition of holding quarterly ‘Town Hall Forums’–in which constituents could address questions to their solon face-to-face. Upon assuming the seat, Paulsen unilaterally erased this democratic inheritance.

And Paulsen ducking out should not be a surprise to anyone. Paulsen started his campaign for congress claiming he was something he clearly is not – a moderate in the mold of Frenzel and Ramstad. Paulsen started his congressional career under a false facade; his record in congress clearly points out Paulsen is hardly a “moderate” – why would Paulsen take the chance to expose the charade in a public venue?

And what’s really not surprising is just the other day, the state GOP, led by FEC Tony and MudSlingerMike, ripped DFLer Peterson for not holding Town Halls.

Everybody got that? The state GOP’s position is:

Rip Peterson, but ignore Paulsen doin’ the same thing. Well, Kline and Bachmann, too.

Which, of course, proves once again:

“Hypocrisy, Thy Party Is GOP”

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)

Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive, Last Night

Some call it disinformation, some call it lying, but what ever it’s called, it certainly isn’t the truth. Keep in mind republiCon John Kline had to be pressured into holding his one and only “Town Hall” – and I use that term loosely, Erik Paulsen has shown no inclination to do any “Town Halls” despite his predecessor’s record of doing multiple – and legitimate – Town Hall meetings twice a year. As far as the ol’ MotorMouth herself, as far as I can tell Bachmann has never held a “Town Hall.” She did “host” a “Forum” earlier this year, but: she let a paid shill lawyer do the talking.

Fast forward to last night: wanting to see how long it took Sean insHanitty to say something stupid, I tuned to Faux News at the top of the hour and was not disappointed. Especially since he had Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive on, “right” away! Let’s look!

Everybody catch that? Let’s review:

(3:15) Hannity: “What do you make, I’m watching Barney Frank and it doesn’t really really surprise me, he’s got a very safe district, but you know, the arrogance, the condescention, you know, the battling with the voters – something’s changed and I can’t quite pinpoint what it is. I’ve never seen voters attacked this way, have you?”

Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive: “Well, the great thing is that Members of Congress are at home this August – they’re having an opportunity to be actually able to hear from normal Americans about how they feel about this health care proposal rather than the lobbyists that have been swirling through the halls of Congress. This is a wonderful thing – we’re actually seeing Democracy in action and it’ll be very difficult for members of congress to go back to Washington DC in September and clearly vote against their constituent’s interests. None of them can say now that they didn’t realize where the heartbeat of the American public is and we’ll soon see if the liberals in Congress are listening to regular Americans.”

So, here we have Bachmann MotorMouth Overdrive talking about how “wonderful” Town Halls are, and she’s never had one. And lest we not forget, Kline had to be pressured into holding his one and only “Town Hall” and Paulsen shows no inclination to ever holding one.

Let’s watch what Minnesota GOP Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb said, concerning Town Halls:

Which brings us back to what I said, up at the top:

Some call it disinformation, some call it lying, but what ever it’s called, it certainly isn’t the truth.

(crossposted from MnProgressiveProject)