Jackson Free Press

Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi's Democratic congressman from the state's Second Congressional District, will host a town-hall meeting in Jackson tonight. The meeting, providing an opportunity for constituents to get their questions answered about the health-care reform measures being debated in the U.S. Congress, begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Stringer Grand Lodge, 1072 J.R. Lynch St. in Jackson.

Thompson, who says he supports universal health care, along with increased accessibility and quality in a statement on his Web site, has scheduled additional meetings in the Elks Lodges in Greenville and Greenwood for Aug. 25 and 26, respectively. Those meetings also start at 6:30 p.m.

Previous Comments

ID

151151

Comment

At least he's got the guts to show up. Some democrats can't even face their electors. I doubt, however, any people who oppose HR 3200 will be allowed in.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-08-24T08:42:29-06:00

ID

151152

Comment

I doubt, however, any people who oppose HR 3200 will be allowed in. I disagree. I believe opponents are welcome to attend and will not be barred from entering. Most of them, I suspect, will choose not to come.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2009-08-24T08:46:53-06:00

ID

151153

Comment

Oh yes... look for me. I'll be there.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2009-08-24T08:55:35-06:00

ID

151154

Comment

I don't know.... the commentary during the local morning news seemed to bait those who oppose the health care plans to dare them to come out. Might be interesting... if they do show up they will be in a group because they are afraid of the area, and probably will not be that vocal.. most of this opposition is for the publicity anyway - they simply are not interested any type of reasonable debate.

Author

lanier77

Date

2009-08-24T08:59:26-06:00

ID

151155

Comment

I'm sure the local media would love to film a fight during tonight's meeting. I don't think it will happen.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2009-08-24T09:24:51-06:00

ID

151163

Comment

Ironghost, the same can be said about republicans not facing their electors. most of the townhall coverage we've seen on tv have been at democratic townhalls. the repubs have had a much easier go of it primarily because they are just sitting back and not proposing to do anything at all. i just hope this townhall is about debate and conversation, not shouting down opposing points of view.

Author

eyerah

Date

2009-08-24T14:57:34-06:00

ID

151165

Comment

I think Bennie will have it easy. I understand there is a Republican version of Health Care reform either in the making or will be introduced sometime. I haven't heard much about it, however.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-08-24T15:24:34-06:00

ID

151168

Comment

"Might be interesting... if they do show up they will be in a group because they are afraid of the area, and probably will not be that vocal.." Afraid of the area? What's to be afraid of? I'm sure there will be plenty of police present, and I know Bennie has his bodyguards (right?) so why should "I" be afraid? Too bad this is on such short notice or we could have gotten an Open Carry rally like the guys did out in Arizona.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2009-08-24T15:57:12-06:00

ID

151171

Comment

I went to Greg Harper's town meeting Saturday and some ole man looked at me and said, "you and Obama are not going to take my truck patch, tools and tractor." I said sir I doubt Obama wants those things and I know I don't, but if you got some crowder peas, greens, lettuce or other fresh vegetable I would like to buy some." He said, You and Obama stay away from my truck patch," and he got up and left. As I was leaving I heard unknown voices screaming at me and saying, "you and Obama aren't going to get our 3 Wheelers." I looked around for some more blacks to bond with and buttress my feeling of fear, but discovered I was alone in the land of nuts.

Author

Walt

Date

2009-08-24T16:44:17-06:00

ID

151186

Comment

I just find it ironic that most of the people that come to the Town Hall Meetings to object to health care reform appear to have reached the age to receive medicare.... Wicker's meeting this weeked was full of old, white haired angry people. Most of the naysayers at Thompson's meeting were also old, white-haired angry people. They are objecting to government health care, but they are probably already receiving government health care (or will in the next couple of years)??? It makes everything they say seem... I don't know what to call it... irrelevant maybe? Or maybe I'll just say it doesn't seem very well thought out.

Author

News Junkie

Date

2009-08-25T09:01:26-06:00

ID

151188

Comment

Bennie set the record straight at the beginning. He made it crystal clear that the town meeting would be for discussion, questions and answers: All to be done is a civil fashion. I'm sure that you would not find many folks willing to tangle with Bennie on Lynch Street. LOL! Baquan2000, I agree in total. It is interesting how the very people who need insurance, a reduction in their premium, if insured, or, Rx cost reduced are the very ones who are acting a nut at these town-hall meetings. They put a new meaning to brain-washing. How could anyone in their right mind act so irresponsible?

Author

justjess

Date

2009-08-25T09:11:29-06:00

ID

151191

Comment

Maybe they are still worried about being left out of healthcare. We've all heard reassurances from the government (heh!) , but until we see a final plan no one's taking any chances seems like. I have no problem with them reminding the government that it exists of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-08-25T10:16:50-06:00

ID

151194

Comment

When all you do is watch Fox News and listen to Rush Limbaugh, you don't think for yourself.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-08-25T10:29:25-06:00

ID

151199

Comment

You're one to talk. Seriously, why are people so upset a portion of America doesn't trust the government? If we go back a couple of years, we'd see the same situation only with the liberals not trusting Bush and "his illegal war". Why should people blindly trust the government? Why can't people stand up and question it? Maybe this is their first time to actually stand up for themselves, rather than sit back and gripe about things. Do you have a problem with them getting involved? Would you rather them sit down, shut up, and trust Big Brother?

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-08-25T10:37:45-06:00

ID

151202

Comment

Ironghost, i hope u weren't talking about that weak Bill of Rights Steele introduced. i'm not saying the democratic bill will be perfect (legislation never is), but at least they are rolling up their sleeves and trying to come up with something that will work. republicans aren't even trying at this point. how is it that we've been talking about healthcare reform since the campaign and republicans STILL don't have an alternative bill with real numbers and projections? what are we paying them for?

Author

eyerah

Date

2009-08-25T10:44:21-06:00

ID

151204

Comment

If the government truly is of, for and by the people, then a public option would be part of the health care reform. At one point, polls have shown that 70% supported the public option. However, it's being sold as something sinister and has since drop some. Still, the majority of Americans support a public option. However, I see government of, for and by the corporate lobby.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-08-25T10:55:19-06:00

ID

151206

Comment

Baquan: I'd say inexperience and lack of paid handlers, like Democrats have been doing since 2000. :) GE: Maybe it can be attributed to people finding out what "Public Option" really meant. Like, not having a private one.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-08-25T10:57:59-06:00

ID

151209

Comment

I didn't think the Obama administration ever put forth a public option as a single-payer system, but rather as an alternative to private insurance that would be up to the consumer.

Author

Izzy

Date

2009-08-25T11:06:32-06:00

ID

151211

Comment

Ironghost: A lot of people that have been sick and faced a mountain of healthcare bills realize that they do not have a private option now either. If the government option represents inferior care, why would so many employers opt for it? Just because it would be cheaper? That would go against the very notion that you all try to insist to people that corporations are better than the government. If corporations would choose to make bad health insurance decisions for people because of costs, why wouldn't I assume that they do that all the time? Companies and insurance companies are going to look out for their bottom line regardless of the existence of a government option.

Author

Goldenae

Date

2009-08-25T11:14:14-06:00

ID

151217

Comment

Untrue, Iron. All it means that if you can't afford private insurance, or if you think getting insurance through the government will be better for you, then you have that option. That's why it's called an option. You will not be forced to dump private for public. It's just opening up competition to make insurance affordable for those who need it.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-08-25T12:14:40-06:00

ID

151221

Comment

Thanks GE, the key word is "option"

Author

lanier77

Date

2009-08-25T13:03:33-06:00