Event fills agricultural center to near capacity
By Sid Riley
On Wednesday Congressman Allen Boyd came to town to face the voters of Jackson County. Many came to voice their concern over the economy and the moves the Obama administration has taken to handle the growing economic problems. At the height of the economic dilemma the Administration has also thrust into an attempt to create a socialized, government controlled medical system within the country.
Although supposedly a member of the small “Blue Dogs” group of conservative congressmen, Boyd has been following the Party Line dictated by the Democratic leadership of Nancy Pelosi, Henry Reed, and other party liberals. He recently voted in favor of the controversial “Cap and Trade” bill, and has agreed to support the move to socialized medicine. Although he was deluged with pleas from local constituents to not vote in favor of these measures, in the opinion of many he yielded to the pressures exerted by the liberal leadership of his party.
It was in this hostile environment he took the podium at the public meeting on Wednesday morning. Boyd began with a prepared statement in which he attempted to explain why he had decided to vote for the Administration’s proposed health plan, why the plan is needed, and how it would benefit many American citizens. He stated that in its existing form he would not vote in favor of the bill. He also stated that 17% of the nation’s GNP is being spent on health care, and this will prevent our crippled economy from ever recovering.
He defended the Administration’s programs, citing that recent trends show a significant improvement. “Our economy is still losing, but not as badly”, he stated.
He also reminded the crowd that over $24 million in stimulus money has been designated for Jackson County, including the repairs at the Woodruff Dam. “The stimulus money has saved teachers jobs here in Jackson County this year”, he said.
Then came the Question and Answer session:
Judy Williams, Marianna – “I’m a small business owner, if I have to provide health insurance for all of my employees I will have to shut the door. This plan will hurt small businesses.” Boyd responded that he understood her problem.
Man from Calloway in Bay Co. – “How could you vote for the omnibus bill without even reading it, and also vote for Cap and Trade when it represents the largest tax hike in the history of our nation?” Boyd – “I support increasing drilling at every opportunity, use of coal, nuclear, and all other forms of available energy that will help reduce our dependence on Mideast oil.”
Homer Hirt, Marianna - “Sir, you CAN change course, and if you need help I can show you how! Also, a committee in the VA just changed my co-pay plan after reviewing my sinus problem. How can I be sure you are not going to create a system where bureaucratic committees will be making other decisions about my health? Also, all spending bills originate in Congress, so I blame your group more than the President.” Boyd- “Homer I understand your concern, and I would not vote for any system with a committee making those decisions.”
Marianna Woman – “Every time government sticks its nose in my life…things get worse! (Applause from crowd) We feel like we are being lied to! (More applause) My electric bill this month was over $500 and I can’t pay any higher taxes, fees or other costs!” Boyd – “I understand, and am trying to help you in Washington.”
Marianna Man – “You voted for Cap and Trade and that bill will make the cost of every item we purchase go up. You voted for a bill that will hurt our industries and every household.” Boyd – “I feel it is necessary if we are going to gain energy independence.”
Summary of Meeting (Opinion of Writer) - The large crowd came to the event generally prepared to give Congressman Boyd an earful. The attitude was generally hostile, yet they remained restrained and polite.
Congressman Boyd adeptly skirted around the thorny issues, promised he was not blindly following the party line, and preached his desire to represent their feelings and attitudes when he returns to Washington. He did a good job of demonstrating the traditional political side-step around the rough spots and pit holes.
The crowd left the event with many feeling they did not have a real opportunity to express their feelings and opinions, nor did they get all of their questions answered. Boyd may have stopped some of the momentum gathering against him, but much disillusionment remains.
It will be interesting to observe Boyd’s actions and directions when he returns to the next session of Congress.
On Wednesday Congressman Allen Boyd came to town to face the voters of Jackson County. Many came to voice their concern over the economy and the moves the Obama administration has taken to handle the growing economic problems. At the height of the economic dilemma the Administration has also thrust into an attempt to create a socialized, government controlled medical system within the country.
Although supposedly a member of the small “Blue Dogs” group of conservative congressmen, Boyd has been following the Party Line dictated by the Democratic leadership of Nancy Pelosi, Henry Reed, and other party liberals. He recently voted in favor of the controversial “Cap and Trade” bill, and has agreed to support the move to socialized medicine. Although he was deluged with pleas from local constituents to not vote in favor of these measures, in the opinion of many he yielded to the pressures exerted by the liberal leadership of his party.
It was in this hostile environment he took the podium at the public meeting on Wednesday morning. Boyd began with a prepared statement in which he attempted to explain why he had decided to vote for the Administration’s proposed health plan, why the plan is needed, and how it would benefit many American citizens. He stated that in its existing form he would not vote in favor of the bill. He also stated that 17% of the nation’s GNP is being spent on health care, and this will prevent our crippled economy from ever recovering.
He defended the Administration’s programs, citing that recent trends show a significant improvement. “Our economy is still losing, but not as badly”, he stated.
He also reminded the crowd that over $24 million in stimulus money has been designated for Jackson County, including the repairs at the Woodruff Dam. “The stimulus money has saved teachers jobs here in Jackson County this year”, he said.
Then came the Question and Answer session:
Judy Williams, Marianna – “I’m a small business owner, if I have to provide health insurance for all of my employees I will have to shut the door. This plan will hurt small businesses.” Boyd responded that he understood her problem.
Man from Calloway in Bay Co. – “How could you vote for the omnibus bill without even reading it, and also vote for Cap and Trade when it represents the largest tax hike in the history of our nation?” Boyd – “I support increasing drilling at every opportunity, use of coal, nuclear, and all other forms of available energy that will help reduce our dependence on Mideast oil.”
Homer Hirt, Marianna - “Sir, you CAN change course, and if you need help I can show you how! Also, a committee in the VA just changed my co-pay plan after reviewing my sinus problem. How can I be sure you are not going to create a system where bureaucratic committees will be making other decisions about my health? Also, all spending bills originate in Congress, so I blame your group more than the President.” Boyd- “Homer I understand your concern, and I would not vote for any system with a committee making those decisions.”
Marianna Woman – “Every time government sticks its nose in my life…things get worse! (Applause from crowd) We feel like we are being lied to! (More applause) My electric bill this month was over $500 and I can’t pay any higher taxes, fees or other costs!” Boyd – “I understand, and am trying to help you in Washington.”
Marianna Man – “You voted for Cap and Trade and that bill will make the cost of every item we purchase go up. You voted for a bill that will hurt our industries and every household.” Boyd – “I feel it is necessary if we are going to gain energy independence.”
Summary of Meeting (Opinion of Writer) - The large crowd came to the event generally prepared to give Congressman Boyd an earful. The attitude was generally hostile, yet they remained restrained and polite.
Congressman Boyd adeptly skirted around the thorny issues, promised he was not blindly following the party line, and preached his desire to represent their feelings and attitudes when he returns to Washington. He did a good job of demonstrating the traditional political side-step around the rough spots and pit holes.
The crowd left the event with many feeling they did not have a real opportunity to express their feelings and opinions, nor did they get all of their questions answered. Boyd may have stopped some of the momentum gathering against him, but much disillusionment remains.
It will be interesting to observe Boyd’s actions and directions when he returns to the next session of Congress.
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