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Brad Sherman returned to the traditional Town Hall meeting format on February 20, 2010 at Reseda High School. Judging from the anger in the crowd, around 70% Democrats and 30% opposing, Sherman got the same treatment he received at his November 2009 Townhall.
Curiously though, the predominantly liberal crowd applauded tax cuts (a conservative position) and an end to torture at Gitmo and Obamacare (both liberal positions) with the same enthusiasm.
Opening remarks
Sherman said the new Stimulus, oh yes, the Jobs Bill (can't call it the Stimulus bill anymore) is personified by the census jobs now being created. Laudible as any work may be in the current job climate, census work is not permanent work. It is government make-work and will do little for the long term.
Sherman claimed one third of the original $787 billion stimulus package, now shown to have really cost in excess of $825 billion, was tax cuts for working families and "saved" jobs for cops and teachers. The City of Los Angeles is now contemplating police and LAUSD layoffs if the Unions do not agree to pay cuts.
Sherman is now a fiscal conservative; "Too big to fail is too big to exist". He was also against TARP and claims he didn't vote for it. He did. But like Obama's new found fiscal conservatism Sherman is now a firm believer in the free market….until he gets back to Washington
At least he said he wants to end Most Favored Nation status for China.
Jobs
When asked what is being done about jobs Sherman stated that interest rates should be lowered to stimulate job growth. (Interest rates are already at or near 0% and are being held there artificially). Sherman did not mention that government hiring is at an all-time high.
A constituent asked what is the government doing to reduce costs in light of the fact that LAUSD is contemplating layoffs. Sherman once again referred to his opening remarks: the stimulus package saved or created jobs. Obviously he dodged the question.
A constituent in the refrigeration industry asked how is he supposed to hire anyone with stimulus incentives if there is no demand. Sherman added a new twist to the "saved or created jobs" mantra so popular with Team Obama. He said the stimulus saved or created demand as well and that demand wouldn't exist if we hadn't passed it. We are not sure how that answer helps create demand for refrigeration equipment
The War on Terror
Sherman had an enthusiastic yes to a Congressional investigation of Bush and Cheney regarding the War on Terror, or Overseas Contingency Operations for those who like to use language to hide the facts.
A constituent asked why he continues to support the Afghan war after 9 years. Sherman responded "we are pulling out of Iraq. We are putting more troops into Afghanistan but I did not support the surge."
A constituent asked why Gitmo hasn't been closed yet and what are we doing to stop torture.
Sherman's response: "I support closing Gitmo. Regarding the Christmas Day Bomber we are flying his family here to get him to talk. We don't torture." Sherman didn't mention the decision to mirandize Abdulmutallab and that the only reason he is talking now is that he has been offered a plea deal.
It is rather sad that Bush hatred still drives so much of the narrative and Sherman looked a little uncomfortable having to answer questions about Gitmo and torture. The correct answer would have been that the two attorneys who advised Bush/Cheney on waterboarding have been exonerated and that we will probably need Gitmo for military tribunals of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed now that Obama/Holder decision to have the trial in NY is off the table.
McCain-Feingold and the Supreme Court decision
Sherman didn't like that decision one bit and he's going to assist in launching an investigation...into what we have no idea. He's worried about unrestricted corporate influence on elections and foreign influence as well.
Curiously Sherman did not mention unrestricted union influence in the Obama election, undue Chinese influence in the second Clinton campaign and all of the overseas dollars that Obama seemed to be raising from "questionable sources."
Healthcare and Reconciliation
Sherman said the need for "national comprehensive healthcare" is still there but "it was sold wrong. Our rhetoric focused on those without insurance." This is the current Team Obama talking point.
Mr. Sherman obfuscated again. Healthcare wasn't "sold" wrong. It couldn't be sold period. Americans realize the bill is too expensive, destroys the doctor/patient relationship and mandates coverage under penalty of law. The last point is clearly unconstitutional.
When asked about reconciliation Sherman said the Senate cannot filibuster a reconciliation procedure. However he was doubtful that reconciliation would work.
This was, of course before Obama's healthcare summit. It looks like the Democrats are going full speed ahead on this suicide mission, with or without the Republicans.
However the legislative landscape has changed. The 5 vote House margin that Pelosi had has dwindled to two due to defection, death and the lone Republican now saying he won't vote yes. A few Democrats are looking forward to changing their yes votes after the pasting they got at last summer's town halls.
The bill may never get out of the House and that will make Harry Reid's brazen attempt to bend the Senate rules irrelevant.
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Events At A Glance
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Residents Forum
CANCELED
Jan 26, 2012
Residents Forum
American Legion Post 308
7338 Canby Ave
Reseda, CA 91335
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Make Your Voice Heard!!!
Feb 23, 2012
Mark Reed to speak at La Jolla Republican Women Federated
La Jolla Country Club
7301 High Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
March 29, 2012
(858) 454-2505
8:15 AM to 10:30 AM
Mar 29, 2012
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