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Residents show displeasure during Benson Tea Party
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| Local gathering: Participants dismayed by state of the country. (Thelma Grimes/photo.) |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Participating in what has become a national campaign, about 50 residents gathered at Lions Park Wednesday to participate in the Benson Tea Party.
With the message, "take our country back" residents listened to Republican hopeful Andy Goss, who is gathering signatures to get on the preliminary ballot to run against sitting District 8 Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
This is the second Tea Party held in Benson; the first one, in September, had about 100 people in attendance.
Resident Don Swift said he attended both events. The veteran said he is not pleased with how Giffords and the federal government are managing the country.
"We want to take our country back, and convince our Congress members to follow the example set by our founding fathers," Swift said.
Residents in attendance held various signs with messages such as, "It's broke, so fix it" or pushing for change in the 2010 elections. Potential candidate Goss said Republicans will need to win between 35 and 40 races in 2010 to regain a majority control.
Currently, the Democrats have a majority in both the House and the Senate, and Goss said that majority has allowed them, along with District 8 representative Giffords, to pass what he called "the 1,900-page health monstrosity."
Recently, Giffords voted in favor of the $1 trillion health care overhaul that narrowly passed the house in a 220-215 vote.
C.J. Karamargin, a spokesman for Giffords, said Friday that the congresswoman doesn't feel the health care bill is perfect, but does feel it is an important first step.
"Many people agree that the health care system is broken and needs to be overhauled," Karamargin said. "Affordable health care for America is a necessary first step."
Karamargin said the congresswoman would have liked to see more tort reform, but she ended up voting in favor of the historical bill because it was endorsed by major groups such as AARP, which represents 40 million senior citizens, and the U.S. Medical Association.
Still, Goss criticized the bill during the Nov. 11 gathering and questioned whether Giffords is supporting the people, or following the Democratic party.
"Giffords is proud that (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) snaps her fingers and she jumps to it," Goss said. "She voted to put this country further in debt with the bailout; she voted for this health care bill. Our Congress has abandoned us."
Goss went on to say the problems are obvious, and "now it's time to fix them."
Goss stressed that it's not all the current administration's fault, noting many of this country's problems are due to President George W. Bush.
Goss did give some insight to his plans if he is successful in 2010. The Sierra Vista resident stressed that there is a need to make things simpler, which means bills that Congress and the general public can understand, and cutting the government.
Goss said education is a major concern, and he'd like to see the Department of Education cut, and the money placed in the hands of state and local school districts.
He also questioned Janet Napolitano, who was appointed director of the Department of Homeland Security by President Barak Obama. Goss said the department should be eliminated completely.
Goss also expressed traditional themes from the Republican Party, including a dislike for the Environmental Protection Agency and opposition to gun control laws.
The conservative said he'd also like to see more oil drilling done here in the United States, instead of relying so much on foreign oil.
Goss also said he'd like to do away with the Internal Revenue Service, and send postcards out to residents who should all pay a flat tax to make the system fair.
The nearly 50 people in attendance applauded Goss' idea, and several said more tea party events will be held in the San Pedro Valley.
Several residents said the events' purpose is to send notice to those currently seated, that they are not representing the people, and are not doing a good job.
Giffords is serving her second term, and will be up for reelection in November 2010.
Participating in what has become a national campaign, about 50 residents gathered at Lions Park Wednesday to participate in the Benson Tea Party.
With the message, "take our country back" residents listened to Republican hopeful Andy Goss, who is gathering signatures to get on the preliminary ballot to run against sitting District 8 Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
This is the second Tea Party held in Benson; the first one, in September, had about 100 people in attendance.
Resident Don Swift said he attended both events. The veteran said he is not pleased with how Giffords and the federal government are managing the country.
"We want to take our country back, and convince our Congress members to follow the example set by our founding fathers," Swift said.
Residents in attendance held various signs with messages such as, "It's broke, so fix it" or pushing for change in the 2010 elections. Potential candidate Goss said Republicans will need to win between 35 and 40 races in 2010 to regain a majority control.
Currently, the Democrats have a majority in both the House and the Senate, and Goss said that majority has allowed them, along with District 8 representative Giffords, to pass what he called "the 1,900-page health monstrosity."
Recently, Giffords voted in favor of the $1 trillion health care overhaul that narrowly passed the house in a 220-215 vote.
C.J. Karamargin, a spokesman for Giffords, said Friday that the congresswoman doesn't feel the health care bill is perfect, but does feel it is an important first step.
"Many people agree that the health care system is broken and needs to be overhauled," Karamargin said. "Affordable health care for America is a necessary first step."
Karamargin said the congresswoman would have liked to see more tort reform, but she ended up voting in favor of the historical bill because it was endorsed by major groups such as AARP, which represents 40 million senior citizens, and the U.S. Medical Association.
Still, Goss criticized the bill during the Nov. 11 gathering and questioned whether Giffords is supporting the people, or following the Democratic party.
"Giffords is proud that (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) snaps her fingers and she jumps to it," Goss said. "She voted to put this country further in debt with the bailout; she voted for this health care bill. Our Congress has abandoned us."
Goss went on to say the problems are obvious, and "now it's time to fix them."
Goss stressed that it's not all the current administration's fault, noting many of this country's problems are due to President George W. Bush.
Goss did give some insight to his plans if he is successful in 2010. The Sierra Vista resident stressed that there is a need to make things simpler, which means bills that Congress and the general public can understand, and cutting the government.
Goss said education is a major concern, and he'd like to see the Department of Education cut, and the money placed in the hands of state and local school districts.
He also questioned Janet Napolitano, who was appointed director of the Department of Homeland Security by President Barak Obama. Goss said the department should be eliminated completely.
Goss also expressed traditional themes from the Republican Party, including a dislike for the Environmental Protection Agency and opposition to gun control laws.
The conservative said he'd also like to see more oil drilling done here in the United States, instead of relying so much on foreign oil.
Goss also said he'd like to do away with the Internal Revenue Service, and send postcards out to residents who should all pay a flat tax to make the system fair.
The nearly 50 people in attendance applauded Goss' idea, and several said more tea party events will be held in the San Pedro Valley.
Several residents said the events' purpose is to send notice to those currently seated, that they are not representing the people, and are not doing a good job.
Giffords is serving her second term, and will be up for reelection in November 2010.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Frank Edward Blanchard wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:49 AM:
" Boy If we had know a lot more would have been there .
well there you go . real things are not head of till its over . sounds like the same old thing don't put any thing in the paper untill its over same old Bull do-do HUH'
put the event in the paper and more would have been there its all a game the same Game all over . just Bad
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Should be turned out she did not here us we who voted he in can and will volt her out . Just keep playing you games we will not forget what you have done here. "
well there you go . real things are not head of till its over . sounds like the same old thing don't put any thing in the paper untill its over same old Bull do-do HUH'
put the event in the paper and more would have been there its all a game the same Game all over . just Bad
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Should be turned out she did not here us we who voted he in can and will volt her out . Just keep playing you games we will not forget what you have done here. "
Angelo wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:21 PM:
" That's funny AZBOY. They said the same thing in NJ and VA.
People aren't going to put up with socialism, democrat OR republican any longer. "
People aren't going to put up with socialism, democrat OR republican any longer. "
donovan wrote on Nov 21, 2009 9:32 PM:
" you people have been watching too much glen beck.when you get your news from fix news your iq drops by the second but in cochise county who needs intellect. "
Margie wrote on Nov 23, 2009 11:21 AM:
" Wasn"t aware of the tea party , we would of been there. As far as Glen Beck is concern more of you need to watch him. Fox news is not fixed . I guess people with low I Qs can never comprehend or understand what this country is headed for. Fox is ahead of the game. "
conoclast wrote on Nov 24, 2009 12:12 PM:
" Some day (hopefully soon) we'll finally put an accurate label on exactly what it is that polarizes us so. Religion? Ignorance? (the same, really)
It's not a democrat/republican thing, although it does seem to follow party lines. Is it our education system come back to haunt us? Is it that some folks just can't abide change? Ask a tea-party participant and you get vague references to the Constitution and the FoundingFathers, and little else of any substance. Here we are in the "information age" and we don't even know what it is we fight over. "
It's not a democrat/republican thing, although it does seem to follow party lines. Is it our education system come back to haunt us? Is it that some folks just can't abide change? Ask a tea-party participant and you get vague references to the Constitution and the FoundingFathers, and little else of any substance. Here we are in the "information age" and we don't even know what it is we fight over. "
US Citizen wrote on Nov 27, 2009 11:39 AM:
" To conoclast
We are fighting over FREEDOM something that we are loosing very rapidly in this country and something that many have fought for so that you can write what you want to among other things.
Those that don't get that don't get anything.
Those that have the will need to stand up and speak loud and clear. Not just on this website but publicly and proudly.
Jerry Metzger
Benson Visitor "
We are fighting over FREEDOM something that we are loosing very rapidly in this country and something that many have fought for so that you can write what you want to among other things.
Those that don't get that don't get anything.
Those that have the will need to stand up and speak loud and clear. Not just on this website but publicly and proudly.
Jerry Metzger
Benson Visitor "
Wake Up America wrote on Nov 27, 2009 12:00 PM:
" What is wrong with hearing both sides of any argument?
Anyone who wishes to force their opinion on anyone doesn't understand freedom of speech. Or freedom in general. That is what this country is all about.
Why is it that many of us that use this platform to communicate are so hateful towards the opposing side.
A good communicator will acknowledge the opposing point of view whether they agree with it or not. Agree with the issues that you can find common between you and then debate the rest.
Use your friendly powers of persuasion to change minds and hearts.
Having differences of opinions and pointed debates are GOOD. Go with it.
Almost all of us if not all of us form our opinions by listening, watching and reading some form of news media, much of which will be tainted. Research things for yourself. Make sure of your facts before you speak them or don't speak them.
Stand up for what ever you stand for that is good and right.
I stand for FREEDOM. I stand for less government. I stand for GOD and I stand for my right to express all that I believe in and I stand for your right to do the same.
As Ronald Reagen once said if we disagree about 20% of the issues it means that we agree with 80%. Find the common bonds.
We all need to be working together to pull this GREAT COUNTRY out of the hole that we have all contributed to digging. If we do not do that soon then we might as well push the dirt in and remain burried by our unwillingness to grab a shovel. "
Anyone who wishes to force their opinion on anyone doesn't understand freedom of speech. Or freedom in general. That is what this country is all about.
Why is it that many of us that use this platform to communicate are so hateful towards the opposing side.
A good communicator will acknowledge the opposing point of view whether they agree with it or not. Agree with the issues that you can find common between you and then debate the rest.
Use your friendly powers of persuasion to change minds and hearts.
Having differences of opinions and pointed debates are GOOD. Go with it.
Almost all of us if not all of us form our opinions by listening, watching and reading some form of news media, much of which will be tainted. Research things for yourself. Make sure of your facts before you speak them or don't speak them.
Stand up for what ever you stand for that is good and right.
I stand for FREEDOM. I stand for less government. I stand for GOD and I stand for my right to express all that I believe in and I stand for your right to do the same.
As Ronald Reagen once said if we disagree about 20% of the issues it means that we agree with 80%. Find the common bonds.
We all need to be working together to pull this GREAT COUNTRY out of the hole that we have all contributed to digging. If we do not do that soon then we might as well push the dirt in and remain burried by our unwillingness to grab a shovel. "
Azboy wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:15 PM: