[Peace-discuss] Re: Informing Congressman Johnson

[Lisa Chason]

Computer problems prevented me from earlier also reporting on Representative
Tim
Johnson's town meeting. Now I'll just add some points to Carl's message:

There were around 50 people there (not counting the dozen members of his
youthful staff that sat at the head table, on either side of the podium, and
with whom the Congressman often conferred before making his remarks). I'd
say around 2/3 of those in the audience were associated with or appeared
sympathetic to AWARE issues.
The subject of Iraq was brought up quite a few
times, the audience always against the prospect of war. At one time a show
of hands was called for and
almost everyone raised their hand. When asked his positon Mr. J. took the
classic politician's dodge, saying he didn't have enough information. He
didn't seem to realize that the fact that Congress doesn't have this info is
already quite a problem.
The other issue brought up most often concerned
mental health funding (David Green suggested nat'l health insurance might
help).
Also interesting was that Mr Johnson acknowledged Carl's presense both early
on and in
the end, giving Carl the mic to say some last words. As Carl points out, it
would be better if the Congressman agreed to a debate.

Lisa

----- Original Message -----
From: "C. G. Estabrook" <galliher at alexia.lis.uiuc.edu>
To: <Peace-discuss at lists.cu.groogroo.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 9:02 AM
Subject: [Peace-discuss] Informing Congressman Johnson


> Although shocked by his profession of ignorance about Iraq (and Colombia),
> members of AWARE did a splendid job last night of informing Representative
> Timothy Johnson about things he should know (and of course does).  Rob
> Scott, Meridith Kruse, David Green, and whoever circulated the anti-war
> petition, as well as Matt Murrey and others let the Congressman and his
> staff know that they can't hide.  A productive evening.  --Carl
>
>   =========================
>   Carl Estabrook
>   Green Party Candidate for
>   US House of Representatives
>   15th Illinois Congressional District
>   24 East Green Street - Suite 14
>   Champaign IL 61820
>   217.355.7313
>   <www.carlforcongress.org>
>   ========================================================
>   The beauty of the democratic systems of thought control,
>   as contrasted with their clumsy totalitarian counterparts,
>   is that they operate by subtly establishing on a voluntary basis
>   -- aided by the force of nationalism and media control by
>   substantial interests -- presuppositions that set the limits
>   of debate, rather than by imposing beliefs with a bludgeon.
>   Then let the debate rage; the more lively and vigorous it is,
>   the better the propaganda system is served, since the presuppositions
>   (U.S. benevolence, lack of rational imperial goals, defensive posture,
>   etc.) are more firmly established.  Those who do not accept the
>   fundamental principles of state propaganda are simply excluded
>   from the debate (or if noticed, dismissed as "emotional,"
>   "irresponsible," etc.).  --Noam Chomsky
>   ========================================================
>
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