Much like the child in the condom ad, the Party of No has embarked on a new strategy to obstruct health care reform--having mobs throw temper tantrums at public meetings where reforms are being discussed.
Some choice bits of the strategy:
The objective is to put the Rep on the defensive with your questions and follow-up.Of course, the tantrum throwers themselves expect to be treated courteously.
You need to rock-the-boat early in the Rep's presentation, Watch for an opportunity to yell out and challenge the Rep's statements early.
The goal is to rattle him, get him off his prepared script and agenda. If he says something outrageous, stand up and shout out and sit right down. Look for these opportunities before he even takes questions.
When called on, ask a specific prepared question that puts the onus on him to answer. It can be a long question including lots of statistics/facts. You will not be interrupted from reading a solid question.How does this strategy play in practice? Rep. Lloyd Doggett got a taste of it inside and after a recent town hall meeting.
As did Sen. Arlen Specter and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius...
The Party of No has a right to express its views; however, it does not have a right to shut down (or more to the point, shout down) all dialog. If the Party of No continues with its tantrums, the public will soon see it in the same light as the child in the condom ad.
