Saturday, August 08, 2009

Rachel Maddow discovers just WHO is behind these Health Care town hall meeting disruptions.

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It appears that an organized effort is behind MOST of the attacks on bloggers, politicians, comedians, and news outlets that dare to challenge the frenzied Right Wing on ANYTHING!

Trust me on this one.

And it only gets worse.

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34 comments:

  1. the past few days Rachel has been amazing - in her revealing stories, with her guests and more importantly in the style she presents the facts - she is the anti-Glenn Beck

    this woman deserves a Pulitzer and more for the work she has been doing...... amazing

    she is eviscerating everyone.

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  2. How interesting, that the unaffiliated-with-any-party "mom from down the street" Heather Blish who turned out to be a Republican operative, is lugging around her own little political baby prop.

    Can't imagine where she got THAT idea...

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  3. Anonymous8:52 AM

    For anyone who wishes to double-check Ms. Maddow's facts, they can go to FOX news website. They list ALL town hall meetings, not just Dems.

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  4. Thanks for posting, Gryphen! Great clips!

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  5. damnit..kajo said what I wanted to say...geez I thought I was so clever to figure THAT out...LOL...thanks for covering the healthcare mess...that has now entered Crazyland...

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  6. Anonymous9:29 AM

    Anon at 8:52, Fox and "facts" do not usually inhabit the same sentences. Pat in Texas

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  7. Anonymous9:55 AM

    @8:52, FOX is not a news channel. It is paid propaganda, like QVC-- but for racist maroons only. Rupert Murdoch, an Australian, has successfully poisoned your mind. By its own definition, FOX is anti-American.

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  8. Anonymous9:57 AM

    Thanks for the posts Gryphen...Is anyone else out there getting as scared as i am? I thought after Palin was defeated these violent, ignorant masses of people would crawl back under the rock they came out from, but obviously i was wrong!

    Where are the strong Congressman and Senators, be they Republican or Democrat, who will stand up to this nonsense in the town hall meetings? They are so afraid of not being re-elected, they are unable to stand up and tell these people to "SIT DOWN AND LISTEN-there will be questions AFTER the discussion. If you are unable to be civlized, you will be removed from the meeting!" I mean this is all just BULLSH*T -to allow these people to behave in this manner.

    Also too! (small joke) why isn't anyone comparing these hordes of "REAL AMERICANS" to the frickin TALIBAN! That is exactly who these people represent. They are against any kind of intelligence, progress, discussion, compromise, minority rights etc. If they continue to compare Obama to Hitler, and themselves to real patriots, why isn't someone turing the tables on them?

    Trish in New York

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  9. Trish in New York -

    I'm grateful today that I'm a praying sort of person, because I'm praying pretty hard for the safety of President Obama and his family. We are seeing exactly the sort of hateful rhetoric that came out just before the 1963 Kennedy assassination. And yes, that scares me.

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  10. Thanks for this Gryphen. Frank Schaeffer is an amazing person who truly "saw the light" and regardless of what he helped his father begin, he now is trying to fix it. I have to applaud him for getting out there and trying to right this wrong.

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  11. mlaiuppa11:08 AM

    It's hate speech. It's domestic terrorism. It's our own home grown Christian Fundamentalist Taliban with some old fashioned Corporatism/Fascism thrown in.

    When is the Government going to step up to the plate and use the law to muzzle these traitors?

    Rush and Glen Beck should be yanked from the air and prosecuted for the violence they are inciting. And all of those secret groups behind the violence? They can be tracked down too.

    Right now I'm blaming the media. They've become lazy and complaiscent. Rachel nailed it. Here was a reporter that did his due diligence, tracked downt he lying RNC mole and exposed her. Why aren't more reporters doing the same. Why isn't *that* all over the news instead of Palin's "death panel" magical rhetoric? Why is Michelle Bachmann getting air time while the corporations, lobbyists and RNC sponsoring encouraging these fringe groups into violence are not being exposed?

    We need more muckrakers. We need more investigative journalists. And we need the networks to grow a pair and keep hammering on the lies being perpetrated by Faux Noise hosts, shows and networks.

    But we the people also need to step up to the plate. We need to contact all of the sponsors of the hate mongers and tell them that if they continue to fund the hate they will no longer see a penny from us. And we need to follow through. Yes, it will be inconvenient. But you can avoid a lot of products from these companies. There are off brands. And you can cook a lot from fresh produce. You don't need to buy Nabisco or Kellogg or Procter and Gamble. It is possible to forego General Mills and Progressive Insurance.

    Freedom isn't free. But it isn't always fought on the battlefield. Sometimes it's fought in the grocery store or the local Town Hall.

    Go to a Town Hall and take it back from the carpetbaggers and paid scabs.

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  12. Unfortunately Frank Schaeffer probably has a target on his back every bit as big as the one our President does...

    I hope Schaeffer has a Tank Jones type bodyguard. Smart of Levi Johnston's lawyer to provide one for Levi.

    I guess you can call them not just the Wasilla Mafia, but the Wingnut Mafia. They sure don't make any bones about wanting to kill the opposition, literally.

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  13. Anonymous11:27 AM

    Now we know why Bush's meetings were scripted, only open to registered republicans and tightly policed. It's time for the democrats to wake up and follow some of his example.

    There should be a few local police at health care information meetins to make sure that no one is disturbing the peace. In order for people to each have a fair turn at speaking, the same sort of rules should be in place as, for example, when people line up to voice a five minute statement before a local governing board. People in the audience will all have a fair turn, but they may not shout down other who are also having a fair turn. Nothing like an off duty policeman or security guard to act a sargeant at arms.

    People of all parties should be welcomed to speak. But, they should identify themselves as to name and home town, party affiliation if any. Yes, republicans or loyal fox viewers may adopt a phony name and town, but how embarrasing it is going to be on the local news the next day when there is Joe Blowhard the Aggitator claiming to be Joe Local Citizen. A side by side picture of the two of them will speak volumes.

    One of Rachel's best pieces is the identification of the protest rabble during the Florida 2000 recount. When she identified them as not-local citizens but bussed in agitators, it really says what the republicans are all about. People should be scanning the videos of similar protests, looking for outsiders. I know, it sounds like police state tactics, but when people don't show respect for others or the law, then they have to be dealt with harshly. It should not be viewed as mean and resorting to Bush era policy; it is to protect the speakers who are being subjected to ever escalating threats of violence.

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  14. Anonymous11:35 AM

    It's interesting how many of these protesters against health care are gray-hairs, who, themselves, get government health care. My parents and my brother have been decrying socialized medicine of late. My parents both get medicare and my brother is covered by the Oregon Health Plan. Hypocrisy anyone?

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  15. Anonymous11:39 AM

    Don't just get mad, donate. Give to Move On - www.moveon.org - or any other PAC that is trying to get advertisements on the air to expose all this BS. Even if you can only afford $5 or $10, give it. Every little bit adds up

    Don't just get mad, organize. We took back this country with the election, but if we sit on our behinds complacent, we will lose it again.

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  16. Anonymous11:42 AM

    Left wing protests against bush for 8 years = freedom of speech and grassroots efforts --- Right wing and independent protests against Obamacare = astroturf mobs caring 'swastikas' 'bussed' in by corporate special interests

    Can someone tell me who to contact to get paid to show up at a townhall? I believe Mark will be in town on Monday to discuss healthcare, and since I was already going to go on my own, I might as well hook up with the local right wing and make some money out of it. Do they pay per townhall or by the hour?

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  17. Republicans are bullies. Everyone knows how you deal with bullies. Democrats and the Whitehouse are doing something about these folks. We may not think anything is happening but look how long those two journalist were in China and for a while there it looked like they were going to be in China for the next 12 years doing hard labor. We didn't know that the US was quietly negotiating these ladies release. Believe me when they decide it's time to take down Rush, Sean, Glenn and the rest of there elk...it will be a joy to watch. In the mean time keep on praying for our country and our President.

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  18. To Gryphen:

    I am so glad that you are a strong person. During the last week, you have been put through the wringer. You have been the victim of sleazy innuendo regarding your career choice, and threathened with a law suit. You chose not to back down and I applaud you.
    Re: Trish in NY, mlaiuppa:
    Your posts were excellent. I,too, worry about this increased violent rhetoric now being practiced by the far right. These people should be interviewed and their affliations should be "outed". Palin's minions had no remorse when they "outed" Gryphon's identity or anybody else that gave the former governor worry.
    If you look back in history and read about some citizens in Texas on the eve of President Kennedy's visit, it should make everyone concern about the safety of President Obama. The Secret Service should be making this an urgent priority. I agree with Mr. Schaeffer. If something were to happen to a Senator, Congressman, or even the President, these people will deny their actions had anything to do with the end result. They were just practicing their rights as U.S. Citizens. Baloney, it makes me sick to think that they would be dancing in the street. They fear foreign terrorists. Please explain the difference between the two.
    I realize that the Senators and Congressmen holding these meetings are concerned about their safety. There should be extra security to maintain order. Anyone who is trying to incite the audience should be ejected. Once we lose the right to rational discourse and the right to disagree rationally, we lose our freedom as U.S. citizens.
    Re: Sarah Palin's Facebook
    It is obvious that she did not write it. Just a thought..... while she was in N.Y.C, she paid a visit to Fox. I wonder who could claim authorship. J in NY

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  19. Anonymous2:18 PM

    Hi, from NC. It was reported here last week that "busloads" of people will be visiting 30 townhall sites in this state. I just hope people are paying attention to this. These rabble rousers remind me of modern Brown Shirts.

    These people have no respect for the law--even when fire laws are invoked, as has happened at other meetings. You just cannot allow 1,000 people in a room that only holds 250. So they yell, scream, hold up their lying signs, even when they're not a constituent of the person holding the meeting.

    FatHermann would be proud of Palin, Bachmann, and their partners in crime (with names like Rick Scott and Dick Armey).

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  20. Anonymous2:26 PM

    Thank the gods for Rachel for shining a light on this. It is pure intimidation because they feel entitled to do so. The loons carrying on about Hitler and the Nazis need to look in the mirror.

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  21. Anonymous3:09 PM

    I love what Rachel Maddow has been able to do in exposing who and what is really behind the protests. When she started circling the faces of the Brooks Brothers protesters from the 2000 Recount I was full out laughing.

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  22. Anonymous3:16 PM

    These town halls need protest signs publicizing Rick Scott. He is the face of Conservatives for Patients Rights and he is the perfect face for all that is wrong with the GOP. Since his former company Columbia/HCA was fined 1.7 BILLION in fraudulent billing fines, the largest in US history, and he advocates a single understaffed dirty hospital per area as good medicine, we need to make him famous.
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/06/rick-sanchez-grills-rick_n_253389.html

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  23. Anonymous3:42 PM

    I think it is time for the FCC to step in and tell Fox News and whoever Limbaugh's show is produced by to cut the hate rhetoric. I agree totally that we should stop buying products of P&G or whoever else is advertising on Fox and the Rush Hate Show. Unfortunately, the only thing that gets these people's attention in money. I am reading Schaeffer's book and strongly recommend that everyone places it on their reading list. He is indeed a brave man. I am sick in my heart that there is so much hate and ignorance in this country.

    SoCalWolfGal

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  24. I, too, thought the election of Obama would drive the creepizoids that came alive during the campaign would go back under their rock
    Why my fingers were pinched crossed at the bewitching hour of the tally of votes
    When a Landslide was imminent I relaxed..
    The next day, Wednesday.. I was relaxed..
    Then I realized Palin and her gnarly teeth were still big news
    McCain kinda retreated

    I knock these people.. and they are one of me.. I went through the religious church, I have hillbilly blood.. I have a brother who I can't even really talk to anymore because he goes off on incoherent rants when it comes to Obama.. I love people.. I strive to have an open mind despite my very sheltered childhood.. progressive is good.. the youth having a voice is good
    Sadly I wish these pitchfork carrying, juggler vein about to burst, wanting to punch anything that isn't pure white and american pie revival meeting friendly .. to die off.. like I want evolution to take it's course

    and I am speaking of my own family.. who I love to death.. but a life driven by hate and fear and physical harm .. stick and stones may break my bones but WORDS leave internal scars.. I want them to die
    I want the youth to be the next voice..

    In a way I like the way things are .. finally things are coming to a head.. much like a pimple.. this stuff has always been around us.. but ignored.. but there and we all knew it to be so
    I kindof salute McCain.. although any white man up against PRESIDENT Obama in the election would of served the same purpose.. for bringing this stuff up
    NOW it is out there
    NOW we can talk (yell, scream, get all gnarly in the face) about it
    Unless something comes to head (think pimple) .. it can't pop.. it can't heal

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  25. Anonymous4:12 PM

    Bring that I am from North Eastern Wisconsin I feel extremely embarrassed that Heather resides in this great state. I always thought the people of Wisconsin were above the petty bs we always find in N. Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas etc. Ya know though, Heather is married to Anthony Blish and together they have a very impressive background with the Wisconsin Court System. You see, old Tony is a 2 time drunk driver (State of Wisconsin vs. Anthony Blish) the second, of which, was a felony. Heather the fibber, is a little less impressive with a Non-Registration of Auto and 2 speeding tickets with one being 25-29 over the limit. What amazes me however, are the number of Small Claims Suits against “good old I’m not a republican” Heather and Anthony Blish from Medical Clinics, Dental Clinics and Hospitals. Prevea Clinic Inc., Dental Assoc. of Fox Valley, Para Tran Inc., Door Co Memorial Hospital all filed in small claims against the Blishs and won thousands of bucks. So, if Heather doesn’t want to pay her own medical bills who does she want to pay them for her? Ladies and gentlemen of the blogosphere, I present to you the “Republican Crazy Lady from Wisconsin”, HEATHER (I’m not a Republican) BLISH. I have all the case numbers also,too
    wbbob

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  26. Helen4:24 PM

    OMG OMG Frank S. is able to say it outright, say it loud, he's calling them out! HE and his father started a lot of this? OHM he's got so much to do to undo his work, but at least he has realized, he wrote a book, he's on television, and he's not mincing words. I feel very emotional watching this man speak to the horror he helped create.

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  27. Anonymous5:36 PM

    @anne s. Well, I like the idea of branding the GOP as severe acne. But I don't think psychology quite works that way all the time. And does that mean that Dems are Retin A?

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  28. Anonymous6:22 PM

    A number of the tea party/birther/astroturf organizing blogs and websites that I monitor are getting angrier because their birther movement imlpoded, and they have latched onto the new Palin "death panel" talking point.

    Many, many more of the extremists are reminding the mob that they have concealed handgun carry permits, and that this is exactly the time and the place to exercise their Second Amendment right to prevent government tyranny.

    Thanks to Sarah Palin, who has already shown her contempt for civil debate, but rather resorts to angry mob encitement by "making things up," the mob mentality is being stoked again to explosive extreme.

    I have contacted my Democrat reps to inform them of the danger, and have asked them to consider cancelling town hall meeting for their safety, and the safety of participants.

    With the recent murder of the pro-choice doctor, and now with Palin's explosive rhetoric, there is no way I will attend a town hall meeting. Our reps can use their web sites and other media channels to discuss the issues.

    I would suggest that all take immediate caution and be on constant vigil if attending these meetings.

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  29. Anonymous7:20 PM

    In St. Louis, it was a protester that was hit in the face by an SEIU thug. The SEIU thugs were the ones arrested, something that Miss Rachel declined to specify. The SEIU has a whole site on how to "fight the right". Check it out. Guess who runs the SEIU? Andy Stern, multimillionare who visits the WH on a weekly basis. Who is really influencing health care?

    While I don't like the nazi/hitler comparisons, I have to laugh at the outrage...where was it when the same was done to Bush? OMG, did you see that?! Fake outrage people.

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  30. Anonymous10:27 PM

    TO HELL WITH ALL YOU SORRY ASS COMMINISTS -

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  31. Anonymous10:28 PM

    Schaeffer's "Scorched Earth Policy" can be read here: Why Conservatives Are Rampaging Town Halls.

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  32. Anonymous10:31 PM

    THIS WEBSITE PROVES MY POINT - YOU WANT TO CONTROL WHAT IS BEING SAID - WHEN MEANS YOU DONT REALLY CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH - COMMUNISTS

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  33. Anonymous10:33 AM

    But that's the problem -- it's not the truth, it's jst what you want to hear.

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  34. This over-theatrical outrage is being spread way too thick. You have to wonder just how badly these people must what this black man out of "thier" White House? - To support the corporate whore(medical insurers) that gouge Republican and Democrat alike just to bring about failure to the presidents agenda is incredible. I'd rather they just say what is really on their mind, call Obama the "N" word and tell him to get the "F" out of town. At least that way we could have a real debate over race and racism instead of pretending that it's about health care reform.

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