From the APC
One of Kagens staff was counting each person who was let into the hall. One of the TV guys asked her what was capacity? She said the room could hold 250. At 9:30 she was at 188 with her little clicker.
If they can't get the inside number right, how can we believe the outside number!
"U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen's listening session draws crowd in AppletonJ E, were you at the wrong listening session? Hostile crowd? the average age was 68! Did J E call for extra police back up? What hostile crowd?
By J.E. Espino • Post-Crescent staff writer • August 4, 2009
APPLETON — A hostile but orderly crowd packed the Thompson Community Center Monday morning, peppering U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen with questions about the health care bill, sometimes drowning out his answers with groans.
“I don’t know if he’s completely truthful,” said Sue Schini, an Appleton resident who arrived a half-hour before the event to ensure herself a seat at the center’s auditorium, which seats about 300.
One of Kagens staff was counting each person who was let into the hall. One of the TV guys asked her what was capacity? She said the room could hold 250. At 9:30 she was at 188 with her little clicker.
An estimated 200 people stood outside the center after an Appleton fire marshal determined the room was at capacity, said Appleton police Lt. Steve Elliott, one of several officers providing crowd control.
If they can't get the inside number right, how can we believe the outside number!
The Appleton event was the second of two forums Kagen’s staff scheduled to explain the legislation and get public feedback. Monday’s forum in Green Bay also required police presence. Angry protesters chanted and shouted at Kagen.Way to go Bill!
Participants at the Appleton event said some of their anger is stoked from fear of what reform entails and what that will mean for taxpayers. Some also are frustrated by the number of costly financial bailouts and stimulus packages Congress and President Barack Obama have approved.
“I resent this current administration’s agenda, to turn this country into the United Socialist States of America,” said Bill Recker, an Appleton resident and business owner.
“I resent the bailout money that’s been spent, the money that’s been pissed away, and no accountability for it.”Tell it like it is!
Recker questioned the bill’s constitutionality, saying it “borders on tyranny.”
Kagen said it is understandable that people have a lot of fear and angst.
“There is fear of the unknown. Change is always very difficult,” he said. “But quite frankly we can’t afford not to change our health care system and to do it in a way that improves our economy and doesn’t damage it. I think it’s possible to do.”
It's easy to say something when it's not your money.
Chuck Schmidt, an Appleton resident and an Outagamie County Board supervisor who stood outside the forum, said people he has talked to say they’re concerned the plan will give the government too much control over people’s lives."
U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen's listening session draws crowd in Appleton | Postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent
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