They also wanted to know why Hinojosa has yet to hold a town hall meeting in the northern part of his congressional district on the proposed bill.
“Where is he? Why won’t he meet with us? Why doesn’t he answer our questions or return our phone calls?” said C.R. Pendley, who carried a large sign that included a photograph of Hinojosa and the words ‘HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?’
The group met on the lawn of the Bee County Courthouse around 10 a.m. to kick off the protest rally.
Ann Allard told the group that Hinojosa’s office had expressed concern that the group would damage the Veterans Memorial, located in front of Hinojosa’s office, during the protest.
“How many of you here today are veterans, are married to a veteran or has a parent who is a veteran?” Allard asked the group.
Most of them raised their hands.
“How many of you want to damage the Veterans Memorial monument?” she asked.
No one raised their hands.
Virginia Pendley, who helped organize the event, told the group that Hinojosa’s office contacted Bee County Judge David Silva’s office and the Beeville Police Department and expressed concern about possible damage to the monument and the service plaques hanging on the wall of the Justice Center, as well as possible littering.
Silva confirmed the phone call and said he informed Pendley of the congressman’s concerns.
Beeville Police Chief Joe Treviño also confirmed that he was contacted by a member of Hinojosa’s staff.
“He said he knew the group had the right to march but he was worried about them littering or damaging the Veterans Memorial statue,” Chief Treviño recalled.
After meeting at the courthouse, the group marched across the street to Hinojosa’s office.
Pendley said Hinojosa was invited to meet with the group on Saturday. However, the congressman did not show.
“We need to sure remember this at election time,” said Kathleen Fish. “We’re going to remember that he doesn’t even want to talk to us. He’s not a representative that we need.”
Deborah Bailey, secretary of the local Tea Party Patriots, also had a message for the congressman: “We would like Mr. Hinojosa to represent the people of his district and not just the Democratic Party.”
Some members of the group carried signs that protested high taxes, government spending and taxation without representation.
Most of them said they were worried that the country was on the fast track to socialism because the government was bailing out private businesses and looking at providing free health care service.
“Mr. Hinojosa, I want you to vote no on the health care bill if you haven’t already voted yes,” Virginia Pendley said.
Donna Davis said she drove all the way from her home in Refugio to protest the proposed health care bill, which she called socialized health care.
Davis, a Hispanic, said she also wanted to ensure that Hinojosa knows that the Tea Party Patriots are not only made up of wealthy, white people, as some Democratic leaders are proclaiming.
“I thought that it was important to show that minorities were also attending these rallies, that Hispanics and blacks were also protesting,” she explained.
“Because that’s not what is being reported on television. The television news people are reporting that only neo-Nazi, wealthy white people are attending these rallies. Well, we’re not Nazis, Mr. Hinojosa. And I’m not white and I’m not wealthy. My husband is a blue collar worker and we are a middle-class family, like most of the people here today and like most of the people attending these protest rallies across the country.”
The group marched around the courthouse once and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
They left no litter behind when they departed after about an hour. The Veterans Memorial and the service plaques also were undamaged.
The group met again Tuesday night at the Joe Barnhart Bee County Library.
Obama uber allen!
Look at that spectacular turnout at Rep Hinojosa's office = what a great display of GOP power LOL.
I didn't want to jump into this fray really but I just couldn't take this one sided attack every single time I went to this online newspaper.
So... I peppered the site today so they can see what it feels like to have truth hit them in the face instead of the smug satisfaction they get from seeing their name in the paper.
The pundits say that Texas is up for grabs now, not a solid red state. The GOP has offended Latinos, myself included, and they may be paying the piper in the next election.
As a Yellow Dog Democrat, I can't wait to see it happen. Its no longer a crime to be a Democrat anymore in Texas. Tom DeLiar can't gerrymander districts anymore, so maybe we will have government that will represent the people of Texas that have been taken advantage of for so many years.
Let us both have a lovely four Liberal and Democratic years!
Love to hear from you and laugh about Hellfire's lies. He claims not to watch Fox News, but almost every piece of drive he repeats comes from there. I'm available at 214-566-4064 after 6 p.m. He must be having a fiery, hellish day having to respond to both of us. I bet he is going to go home, cry and then take his Xanax. :-)
What funds are being taxed for this 80 year old mentioned by Vlad the Impaler? First, Social Security is actually income redistribution from the young to the elderly--if these people oppose socialist policies, then once again they have contradicted themselves. Second, the Website http://www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.htm indicates that Social Security income isn't taxed until after $25K in other wages for single filers and $32K for joint filers. Considering that the cost of living is lower in South Texas in comparison to other places, this allows for a reasonably comfortable life. That's why the "snowbirds" invade the region every year.
Apparently, Hellfire must be so busy today that he has not hit the Drudge report about allowing the government to take control of the internets (sic) in case of emergency--similar to what civil defense channels channels are allowed to do on tv and radio. I'm just ready to LMAO to see his posting on this issue and how he is going to spin it--we might have to wait awhile though if it hasn't been discussed on Fixed News. I'm praying that an emergency is declared in Bee county so that this fool can be silenced in perpetuity!
Yes--I know what a teabagger is and I had to explain to some other right wing nutcases in my office. Since this is a family paper, I'll refrain from further comment and let those who do not know and are curious Google it.
Rest assured that you are not alone in your beliefs. That's why this past election was a comparable landslide in contrast to those in 2000 and 2004. My only regret is that in my Texas House of Reps district the Dem candidate only lost by 21 votes; otherwise, the Texas House would have had a Dem speaker.
By the way, this genious investigative reporter still has not determined who I am or where I am from. Even if he did learn my identity, I would not be bothered since there isn't a darn thing that he could do to me.
The government funds payouts due now with the medicare and SS taxes paid by current workers.
If you only want what you've paid in, you won't be getting much.
You should research this issue a little more.
Unlike others who only care for themselves and their money.
The protest was as stupid as the people who call themselves Teabaggers? Good lord, do you know what a teabagger is? LOL
Liberals and Democrats will continue to fight the good fight and not stoop to throwing around lies and half-truths to scare people.
Have a wonderful Liberal 4 years.
GOP = GONE OFF PRESCRIPTION
I gave you the benefit of the doubt because in your own posts you have identified yourself as a reporter in Beeville, don't your remember?
In regards to my comments about the Tea Party demonstraters, you indicated that there only a couple of dozen (or so) protesters and you blasted my analysis that only 0.2% of Beeville residents protested. What's the matter Hellfire? You've apparently written so many lies that you are no longer able to keep track of them! Now are you also going to contradict the report in this newspaper and say that there were hundreds or thousands of protesters? Your credibility is stretched so tightly that the rubber band is about to pop.
One possible reason the sheriff's department was called is that is possible that the protesters could have prevented legitimate business occurring in Rep. Hinojosa's office. Also, how many people were intimidated by the protesters and did not take care of their business with at the rep's office? After the videos on TV showing protesters carrying weapons, I certainly could understand why someone would be afraid. Your group has the right to protest as long as they have the proper local permits to do so, but if it disrupts the operating functions of the government, it then becomes a crime. I wasn't there, so I can't draw any conclusions. All I know is that when there are civil protests of this nature (whether from left-wing or right-wing groups), then the police are usually present. This is done to protect everyone's safety and avoid riots or other civil disobedience.
Why don't you actually review your previous set of lies before making posts--otherwise, you reinforce how foolish you are.
You've been caught and exposed again! Liberal and proud of it, I hope that you call me tonight! :-)
1. “Insurance” should merely be viewed as a “bet” between the Insured and the Carrier. The Insured bets he will at sometime, during the policy term suffer injury or illness,” the Carrier “bets” that the Insured won’t suffer injury or illness. The Carrier hedges his bet by increasing the group of people he bets with. The “odds” are reflected by the Insured history, the Insured lifestyle, what maladies the Insured and Carrier agree will be covered and how much that coverage will cost for the term. This works out to everyone’s satisfaction until and unless the government gets involved and screws around with the odds.
2. People are responsible for paying themselves. People may choose to support churches and charities to provide for the destitute but they should never be forced by government coercion to pay for others’ misfortunes. If “Liberals” would spend their time, talents, and efforts raising money for private charities instead of jealously advocating that the government reach forcefully into the pockets of prosperous citizens, the poor would have adequate heath-care.
3. Stupid, lazy people should expect to dig ditches, scrub floors, and clean toilets for a living if they wish to eat. In America, sometimes stupid, lazy people get rich despite being stupid, lazy people. Sometimes, in American, bad tings happen to smart, industrious people. Life is not always fair . . . complain to God, but don't try to rob me of what I've earned.
4. A frail eighty-year-old who has taught, nurtured, counseled and raised industrious, honest children is more valuable that a twenty-year-old dope-dealing, crack-smoking, welfare-receiving baby dispenser. The government should not tax away the funds which the 80-year-old’s family could use for her care only so that it can expend those funds on the 20-year-old’s health-care.
5. Like Woodrow Wilson and F.D.R., Barrack Obama’s professed view of the role of government is more closely reminiscent with the views professed by Benito Mussolini and the National Socialist Party in the 1920's and 1930's than anything expressed or advocated by a modern evangelical bible-thumpin’ Republican. Wilson advocated eugenics, President Obama apparently advocates end-of-life just-hurry-up-and-die counseling. Franklin Roosevelt seized control of industry and President Obama “purchases” General Motors and fires its president.
PVScribe, you are angry at and with the wrong people and your ilk’s “good and benevolent intentions” will drive our nation to ruin. Hellfire you are talking to Barney Frank’s diningroom table.
You conceded, stop sniveling. Better yet agree with yourself under one of your other names. Consult an attorney on filing a liable/slander suit, you will be laughed at, the same as when you called Home Land Security. Dunce. You lie like obama to get what you want.
Typical liberal, whaa, whaa, whaa poor pitiful me, cry and whine about your illness, hide behind it like your mommas skirt, blame others instead of having the fortitude to better yourself, sissy . Many worse off than you claim to be have made a success, but your kind think everyone owes you a living, you disgust me.
I would like to say that God has a special place for you in heaven, but it is apparent that you will be heading in the opposite direction!
My apologies were for calling you and readers with similar views derogatory names in response to an email from Jason Collins from the newspaper. Is this your real identity, Hellfire?
As I will repeat for your readers, my caller id displayed the phone number of the US Customs and Border Protection Houston Seaport Office when you called me earlier this week. This should lead the readers to suspect who you are and what your motives are.
I'm ready to hear from you on the telephone again--you certainly seemed afraid to reveal anything about yourself when you called me earlier this week. Are you a coward? Or are you afraid that a anti-American, drug-addicted, homosexual, Communist, insane, wheel-chair bound woman can actually take you on in an argument and win? And for the rest of the reading audience, I do not fit into anyone of the categories that are listed in my question to Hellfire.
I wish I had the time to come to South Texas and debate you in person, but I have a real job in contrast to you, who has all day to post your slanderous lies.
By the way, Oliver North for President--LMAO!
For those that oppose my viewpoints, I will state that consistent with compassion, democratic (small D) idealism that you are welcome to take part in the government based healthcare system when eligible--we liberals are a forgiving crowd. Remember that both liberal and conservative taxpayers contribute to a system that funds both public and private hospitals through state and federal grants as well as other services such as emergency transportation and the roads to receive medical attention.
That said, I would like to mention an example where if universal healthcare coverage was available, then a lot of time and unneccesary expenses could be saved by all parties: My sister came to Texas to visit my father and on Sunday she went for a walk and twisted her ankle. She ended up going to the ER at the local medical center and even though she has excellent private insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), the medical center was not willing to accept her insurance because the company was based out of state. While she ultimately received good medical care, she had to endure significant delays while in pain because of having to deal with the insurance issues. She also incurred out-of-pocket expenses and received follow-up care from a physician the next day who was willing to accept her medical insurance. It's fortunate that she had credit cards with her; otherwise, she would have been out-of-luck. Hopefully, she will be reimbursed for her expenses, but I expect that she will complete a lot of paperwork and haggle with the insurance company for reimbursement (e.g, press 1 to be connected to the ___ department, press 2 to be connected to the ___ department, etc.). This is an excellent example where if universal healthcare was available, a lot of time and unnecessary expenses could be avoided and where cost-savings could occur in contrast to the system that we now have. If you (including Hellfire) ever leave the local area to visit friends or relatives, then take note because you may be in a similar situation sometime.
As far as the concerns regarding the cost of changing to universal healthcare plan, most estimates indicate that it will probably be around $1 trillion a year. This is about 8% - 9% of the country's GDP. While this is a scary number, I believe that it is a small sacrifice to have the safety net that would be provided--that's why these programs are popular and considered fundamental in other advanced nations. There is also the potential to recoup some of these expenses as I mentioned in the previous paragraph.
I suggest that people should view these costs as an investment. People borrow money to pay for education for themselves and their children because they know that the return on that investment is worth the initial cost--just like most people receive far more in Social Security and Medicare than what is withheld from their wages. These programs had their opponents initially, but I believe that the majority of people are satisfied with the benefits provided.
While people have the right to protest against government programs, the fact that 30 or so protestors actually showed up at a rally is actually a very poor showing--this constitutes about 0.2% of Beeville's residents. Should we disregard the 55% of Americans that voted for change in the past election for a fringe group (even if there are a few minorities in the crowd)? I thought that America was a republic where the majority rules. I actually was surprised that several lifelong Republican conservatives I know switched to vote for Obama this election because they realized that things are so bad that they are willing to make a change.
I know that there is fear of the government involvement in the system because they can arbitrarily cancel your options. Guess what people, your private health insurance plans can simply deny payment of services/claims also and keep you waiting in line for treatment with little recourse--after all you can't sue them if you're dead.
One of the significant differences of private vs. public options is that the government is not motivated by profit nearly as much as a private insurer that has to pay for lavish executive compensation, shareholder profits, marketing and advertisements. How many pieces of junk mail do you receive each week from insurance companies that end up in the trash? As we read articles from this newspaper that advocate the private market position, let's stop the presses and ask how many advertising dollars do they stand to lose if a government sponsored program is adopted? This is another point that has gotten lost in this entire debate and we should question the motivations of those that benefit, including Hellfire because this could be money coming from his wallet.
Once again, I expect to be chastised for advocating change from the current system which is broken and which the GOP has promoted since they have been in power over the last 15 years. I actually expect to be insulted by Hellfire and will be amused to see if he can come up with anything worse than the insults that he has already lauded upon me. It's up to the readers to decide whether they want to support the status quo that benefits the greedy or if they want to exhibit compassion for others. Some people will of course incur more costs to pay for this change, but in the long run when they are eligible to receive the benefits of the system I expect these same people will be at the head of the line.
I've reviewed this post to avoid slurs, insults, and threats so it will be interesting to see how long it remains available for review. Thanks to everyone who evaluates it sanely and God bless you all--even Hellfire--because we are all God's children. (No insults to atheists or other religions are intended either).
It is a single payer government run medical plan.
Deal with it.
Not impressed that a whole 2 dozen of you showed up. Why on earth would you expect our Representative to talk to an obviously hostile audience of Republicans?
Rep Hinojosa has done a fine job for our district. You should appreciate having good representation in Congress and give a darn about other people who are not middle class and have no access to healthcare. Some Christians you folks are.