Silver Spring students to Bush: "He should know we don't support him."

[BurtWorm]

Bush's Invitation-Only Speech Riles Crowd in Montgomery
Opponents of President, Social Security Plan Block Traffic

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/23/AR2005062301833_pf.html

By Nancy Trejos
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 24, 2005; Page A08

President Bush visited Montgomery Blair High School yesterday for a town hall-style meeting to discuss his plan to partially privatize Social Security -- an appearance that drew about 400 protesters outside the Silver Spring school.

The loudest voices came from some Montgomery County residents and Blair students who questioned why they were not allowed inside. They were kept far from the president, but their shouts and beating drums could be heard by some of the 500 invitees waiting to pass through security.

Although Montgomery police officers tried to confine them to one area, many of the demonstrators broke away and briefly disrupted traffic on University Boulevard. "I feel like he's kind of trespassing," said Katie Frank, 16, who will be a Blair senior next school year. "He should know we don't support him."

Trent Duffy, a White House spokesman, said blocks of tickets were distributed to several nonprofit organizations, including Young America's Foundation, which selected the individuals who received them. The event was organized by the National Retirement Planning Coalition, a financial industry and advocacy group. Comedian and author Ben Stein, a Blair alumnus, is the group's honorary chairman.

[eleny]

1. Good for them!!!

Nominated

[blue sky at night]

2. I wish I could shake every one of their hands......

Hot Damn, Summer in the City!

[MichiganVote]

3. Just once I'd like to see one town tell the president that what's good

for some in town is good for all and if he can't invite the whole town to his "meetin" then to hell with him.

[FreedomAngel82]

7. I agree!

Why should we have to sign a loyalty oath to see the person who's SUPPOSED to work for US?!

[mermaid]

24. Because He Doesn't Want To Hear From Dissenters

He can't handle it. He will come flying apart at any opposition, and his handlers know it.

[SammyWinstonJack]

37. All the more reason for him to have to be confronted with

what he can't handle. Let the American public see just exactly who he is.

[mermaid]

42. Yes, But

that is exactly what most politicians don't want you to see....who they REALLY are!

It's like video-dating, internet dating, or personals. Ever notice in that arena, all the girls are Cinderella, and all the guys are Prince Charming? I call B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T!! If they WERE Prince Charming, or Cinderella, they would not need dating services! That is desperation, Inc.

Well, same with politicians. They want your vote, so they aren't likely to let you see the parts of them they don't want you to see. Bush doesn't want anyone to see that he cannot handle dissent in any way shape or form. He will fly off the handle. And his handlers know it.

This is why WE are kept away...and that is why ANYONE who disagrees is kept away from the Chimp Pretzeldent. He can't handle it.

Look at the way he acts when an unscripted question is thrown at him! Imagine him having to face off with an angry dissenter!

[ray of light]

50. excuse me...most politicians? it's only bush who does this so don't lump

all of them together. It really defeats your argument and ours too!

[mermaid]

52. Oh, Come Now...

as much as we like to think otherwise...our guys aren't perfect either...at least some of 'em's got skeletons in their closets that they'd rather the general public not see.

You don't get too far in the world of business or politics without steppin' on a few toes. that's just the way it is.

Problem is, lately, Americans have been more interested in style over substance...and Repukes are better at the image game. Truth be known, more Americans benefit by Democratic policies than Repuke policies...and the Repoukes know this, too.

this is why they negative campaign, and why they count on wedge issues to peel voters off based on illogical emotional leaps. Because they know they have nothing, economically, to offer the middle class of America...to say nothing of the poor, the lower class of America. the Repukes got nothing to offer them except....oh, we'll stop them scary gay people from getting married, and if you vote for them libruls, they'll take your guns away, now PRAISE JESUS and vote Repuke!

And they know that is all they have to offer those people.

Fear, division, emotional knee-jerk wedge issues (mostly on the social side) They have nothing to offer, economically, to anyone but the uber-wealthy.

[ray of light]

57. sorry, I misread your original post. I thought you said "all" not "most"

So I'll agree with a lot of what you say. I don't think it's "most" but instead "some" politicians have skeletons in their closet. I'll agree that those with skeletons are intentionally hiding stuff. And I'll agree that some have no skeletons but instead are so fearful they act spineless.

And the rest about bush and the wedge issues and the American people, I can pretty much agree with you on that.

[Il_Coniglietto]

4. Hah!

I went to K-10 in Montgomery County. Bush is a 'Wanted!' man there...alive, too, so we can try and convict him at the Hague. And of all places, Silver Spring? He might've found a couple supporters in Potomac.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

5. I went to 10th grade at Blair. Silver Spring, and Montgomery County, are

blue. Yet the monkey and his minions exclude "blue" Americans from his staged meeting, showing how bogus it really is.

[Pachamama]

8. Hey MM! I'm from Chevy Chase - Bethesda Chevy Chase HS!

How bizarre that the Chimp would go there to Silver Spring....you'd think he would have gone to Potomac as another poster suggested....

Good for those students! Gee, you'd think that * would get the message that his Social Security plan is not wanted....

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

9. Thing is, despite the money there, I think Potomac is pretty "blue" too.

My friends I finished high school with are from there. Montgomery Co. in general is blue. People are educated and like to think.

Hey Pacha. Do you still live there? Just talked to a good friend from MD who has looked into area housing, he was pricing 3 BR homes in not so great school districts at 900K. Doesn't look like either of us will be moving back in the near future sigh...

[Pachamama]

11. Your right - Montgomery County is very blue-always was...

My father and my brother & his family actually live in Potomac now even though I spent my teen years in Chevy Chase.

No, I'm not there anymore...I'm somewhere that makes the housing market in MD look affordable - Marin County, CA...I'm in a town called Kentfield, about 15 miles north of San Francisco over the GG Bridge. Here you can't buy a house under a Million, even fixers. It's insane...We are actually in the process of selling our house and buying another in nearby Ross, CA. If we were leaving the state or even the US, it would be great to be cashing out, but that's not the case.

Where are you now? I must say, there are times I miss the DC area, but then I remember the humidity and heat and the brutal winters and then I realize I live in Paradise here. Marin County if you have never visited, is amazingly beautiful....It's the area directly across from the Golden Gate Bridge...beautiful shorelines, lots of open space and park land and hiking trails etc. Muir Woods is a magical place with the Redwood Groves. We are 10 minutes from beautiful hiking trails up to the Watershed of Lagunitas and Phoenix lake. If you are ever flying over Marin going into SFO airport and you look below to Marin, you'll see how much open space there is. It's another "blue" area too...Interestingly enough, while there is much wealth in this area and one might assume supporters of Bush for economic reasons, its very blue and much money for the Dem party comes from here.

Imagine...wealthy people who realize that our country is a better place when our environment is clean, people have jobs and healthcare and all kids are well educated....

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

16. Yeah I've been all over the Bay Area. I live in (cough) red hell TX now.

[mermaid]

26. Where In Red Hell TX??

I used to live in austin, until 3 months ago. I had to move back home with Mommy, at the age of 34, because the goddamn rotten economy made it impossible for me to support myself anymore. No goddam jobs.

FUCK BUSH!!!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

47. Dallas metro area.

[BuddhaGirl]

19. howdy neighbor - Mill Valley resident here!

gonna be Sean Penn's new neighbor in Ross? ;-)

Saw him and and Robin in the Half Day Cafe once.

Good luck with your move!

[Griffy]

14. I'm a realtor in Northern VA.. if someone wants info...

I only work with reality based people.. My bushcheated bumper sticker is kinda a give away! I spend more time doing activism and going downtown when there is a rally...

[Griffy]

10. NO kidding.. I'm from BCC too... '88

Whitman I would think... but bush isnt really liked anywhere.. he just finds the nuts in any area and invites them and keeps the people out! I am still in DC area ..

hmm.. I been thinking of getting a DC area DU party together..

:)

[Pachamama]

12. I'm an old lady...'84...

..my family is back in DC area, but I'm in CA now....

Hee hee...who'd have thunk some folks on DU actually went to the same HS as me....small world...

[alittlelark]

6. Lollipops and my respect to ALL of them!!!!

[bvar22]

13. organized by the National Retirement Planning Coalition,

The event was organized by the National Retirement Planning Coalition, a financial industry and advocacy group.


Gee, you think these guys are i"connected" with Wall Street????

[ClintonTyree]

21. No...

I'm sure they're a wonderful organization that is really looking out for retirees.

:eyes: Humph.... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[G_j]

15. right on!

how refreshing!

[GOPFighter]

17. My daughter, a Blair graduate, was at the rally

She was excited and angry. Angry that the President would use her school and yet she couldn't attend. They had to BUS supporters in. A lot of the protesters were Blair students or graduates.

Our family still lives close to Blair. It's a great high school with a large liberal student body. Very motivated.

Glad to see so many Blair and former Blair students here!

[Oreo]

18. Young America Foundation is an admittedly strong right-wing group

Check out the current poll... yeah... they're non-partisan alright.
http://www.yaf.org/

Which one of these books, authored by Foundation graduates, had the greatest influence on you?

Say the Right Thing: Talk Radio's Favorite Conservative Quotes, Notes, and Gloats by Floyd Brown and Kirby Wilbur

Why the Left Hates America by Daniel J. Flynn
Intellectual Morons by Daniel J. Flynn

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

The Age of Reagan by Steven F. Hayward
Reagan's War: The Epic Story of His Forty Year Struggle and Final

Triumph Over Communism by Peter Schweizer

Victory: The Reagan Administration's Secret Strategy that Hastened the Collapse of the Soviet Union by Peter Schweizer

[FreeStateDemocrat]

58. Why doesn’t the WP identify them as a rightwing repuke front organization?

Referring to an organization only as a non-profit misleads some people into believing that it is not partisan and is without a political agenda. This is really incompetent journalism not to fully inform the reader of the facts pertinent to the story. The MSM misleads by omitting or avoiding presenting all the necessary facts for the reader to develop a sound opinion. The repukes papered the house and this crucial fact should have been clearly reported.

[ClintonTyree]

20. It's the same thing all over the nation....

he was in Rochester, NY last month and received just about the same treatment. Of course, no one was let in until they were deemed to be a bush supporter and in favor of his Social Security Plan.

I wrote a LTTE to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, that was printed, about bush's select crowds and others not being invited to the taxpayer funded "Town Hall" meetings. I received many calls from perfect strangers congratulating me on the piece. There was not one dissenting call.

Americans, everywhere, are waking up from their terror alert induced slumber and protesting the actions of this most vile administration. Keep up the good work, everyone. There's a long way to go to cleanse the stench of this administration from the land.

[PATRICK]

27. Those Rochester newspapers

That printed politely fawning advance notices of the "select" honored visit of THE PRESIDENT. I sometimes think a ham sandwich could get good press by being a celeb or titled official, but to admit ahead of time this farce is just ordinary preparation for a gushing picnic?

No wonder that LTTE's and op-ed's have to do the honest work of journalism.

[PATRICK]

30. Rochester newspapers

That printed politely fawning advance notices of the "select" honored visit of THE PRESIDENT. I sometimes think a ham sandwich could get good press by being a celeb or titled official, but to admit ahead of time this farce is just ordinary preparation for a gushing picnic? The uncritical awe of small town rubes is an increasingly minority naivete, but among the hard-nosed cynical press.

No wonder that LTTE's and op-ed's have to do the honest work of journalism.

[CBHagman]

22. I'm so proud!

The picture in today's Washington Post delighted me. I knew the community wouldn't let me down.

And ooh, how I would like to get Bush into this town without the careful screening and loyalty oaths for the crowd. After hearing from us, his ears would be singed and eventually fall off. :evilgrin:

[mermaid]

23. Ben Stein??

As in the guy from Win Ben Stein's Money?? That guy??

I love watching that game show on GSN, becasuse it is damn well funny, and the categories are somethimes really hilarious. Besides, it is all the more fun to watch when someone hands it to Ben in the final round, and gets all of Ben's money.

I love that. In the last week, I have seen Ben beaten three times and tied once. I love it!

I wish that show was still ongoing instead of just re-runs on GSN, because I believe I know more than Ben does. I routinely get between 7 and 10 of the questions right.

[GiovanniC]

32. That's the Guy... "Beuler? Beuler? Beuler? Anybody?"

The guy is a MAJOR reich-wing douchebag.

Big time.

[mermaid]

43. All the More Reason For Me To Enjoy Watching Ben LOSE, Then

if he's a right-wing douchebag, as he seems...then all the better to watch someone outsmart him and get all his money!

I love it when he has to give up the $5,000...and he says, "I hate you, go away!" I absolutely love that.

And I thought I knew him from somewhere's else, too...but I couldn't pin it down until you mentioned Bueller.

Then it hit me...he's the boring-assed teacher in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, isn't he???

[Pallas180]

25. Seems to me Bush should pay for these "gop" only events instead of all tax

payers paying for his campaign events only open to republicans.

the OAE or whatever it's called should be on his back and we should be on their back and make him and/or the Republican party for his "by invitation only" presidential propaganda
trips which are NOT open to all taxpaying Americans.

[mermaid]

28. Do You Mean

the GAO?

And I agree with you, tax dollars should not be going to pay for invite-only appearances where those who disagree are not allowed in.

Let the Repuke Party pay for it's own propaganda events, and let them pay to preach to the choir all they want to. The fact is, the vast majority of Americans want nothing to do with his Social Security plan. and why not?? THEY DON'T TRUST HIM!!!

GWB: "ex-squeeze me...meesa be esplainin' Social Security!!!"

God, even Jar-Jar Binks has more intelligence than this prancing fraud of a "president." what a complete asshole GWB is!

[ray of light]

51. i agree

and google Laura Mechler and the "war room" I think it's called.

[Roland99]

29. "And the children shall lead"

[anarch]

31. "I feel like he's kind of trespassing"

I bet ol' asshat* feels like he's trespassing every time he leaves the 'green zone' in DC...hell, look what the local voters think:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/elections/2004/dc/

Very clearly, a hostile occupation government. Come on out of the palace, jackass, and hear what the people really have to say!

[jmcon007]

33. Comedian Ben Stein is a neocon. That's not funny.

He's a long time neocon apologist.

[mermaid]

44. No, That Isn't Funny. But His Game Show Was...

especially when he LOST.

[BiggJawn]

49. And so is Drew Carey

And both of them turn my guts.

I want Ben Stein's Money...so I can wipe my ass with it and stuff it back in his pocket.

[SammyWinstonJack]

34. So do I!

" I feel like he's kind of trespassing." Since Jan of 2001, yes trespassing is just what he is doing.

[V Lee]

35. They should send Bush out to speak to the people outside.

He's such a wussy, it's like he can't handle any disagreement or conflict.


>> What's on Bill's mind? Political commentary with attitude and more at http://www.BillsBrain.com

[paineinthearse]

36. tickets were distributed to ... Young America's Foundation

http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=16236

Young America's Foundation

F. M. Kirby Freedom Center
110 Elden Street, Suite A
Herndon, VA 20170-4809
www.yaf.org
www.reaganranch.org
www.nationaljournalismcenter.org

Founded: 1969
Finances: $11.1 million (2002 annual budget)
President: Ron Robinson
Staff: 36
Publications: Libertas, annual publication of Comedy and Tragedy, Trailblazers, Campus Impact
Affiliated with: National Journalism Center, Reagan Ranch Center

From mission statement: “Young America’s Foundation is committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.”

Major issues include: combating affirmative action, feminism, communism and Marxism.

YAF was established to “counter-balance ‘New Left’ and Communist influence on campuses.”

Reagan. In 1998 YAF purchased the “Western White House,” the California vacation ranch Reagan used as president. The foundation has raised millions of dollars to preserve Reagan’s southern California home. YAF also runs the Reagan Ranch Project at the historic site, which includes leadership training and lectures dedicated to continuing the legacy of President Reagan.

YAF’s Activities:

YAF calls itself “The Voice of Freedom on Campus: America’s Largest Campus Outreach Program.”

Provides assistance to college students and independent student groups in the form of guest lecturers, organizing and training seminars, networking opportunities, promotional merchandise, and other resources. The National Journalism Center maintains a job bank for college graduates and program alumni.

YAF’s “Conservative Speakers Program” helps students bring controversial right-wing speakers to college campuses. Some of these speakers include: Ann Coulter, Alabama’s Judge Roy Moore, Ward Connerly, Phyllis Schlafly, Ralph Reed, Christina Hoff Sommers, Dinesh D’Souza, David Horowitz, Oliver North, Edwin Meese III, Dan Quayle, Robert Novak, Patrick Buchanan, Jack Kemp, Newt Gingrich, Rep. Steve Largent, Walter Williams, Bay Buchanan, Bob Barr, Jeane Kirkpatrick, Michael Medved, Ben Stein and Kenneth Starr.

YAF sponsors the National Journalism Center (NJC). Established in 1977, the NJC sponsors trainings for aspiring student journalists and helps coordinate internships and permanent jobs for its alumni at many mainstream news outlets.

YAF holds a national student conference each year, bringing in speakers, educational materials, and providing seminars to help educate America’s conservative youth. In 2003 their national conference guest speaker was Vice President Dick Cheney. YAF also hosts regional conferences and workshops.

YAF’s “Club 100” awards the most active on their campuses by giving them points for holding events and hosting speakers. “Club 100” qualifiers get invitations to special networking events, free books, and free merchandise.

YAF is a co-sponsor of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference held annually in Washington, DC.

YAF compiles “Comedy and Tragedy,” a list of college courses being taught throughout the nation to allow parents and taxpayers to be aware of what their students are learning.

YAF’s History:
Promoted Ronald Reagan for president in 1974. YAF’s early support and exposure is credited in some right-wing circles as helping Reagan get elected president in 1980.
In 1979, YAF organized its first major conference to promote right-wing speakers and ideas.

Early publications include: “Corporate Profits: Too Much or Not Enough?” and “Pacifism, An Anti-Christian Philosophy.”

Quotes about YAF:

“The Young America’s Foundation programs offer invaluable assistance to the young men and women searching for the encouragement and understanding necessary to reinforce the values of a free society and individual responsibility. As young conservatives, you have a very special task before you – that of developing the political awareness of your fellow students.” -Ronald Reagan

Updated July 2004

[Orion The Hunter]

38. RE: Montgomery County

As another long-time resident of Montgomery County, I can tell you that Bush would not be welcome in any part of it as it is a very blue county. I am frankly aghast that any Republican would opt to come there to make any kind of speech.

[paineinthearse]

40. A question about school use

To use a school in my town for a civic purpose, one needs to submit a form to the principal, and be liable for the custodial costs, if any.

When the * entourage considered your town/city, did they not need to go through a public permitting process involving not only building use, but also police, ambulance, fire and other city services?

[bluestateguy]

39. Bush got his ass kicked in Montgomery County

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/elections/ElectionResultsGeneral2004/1-Polling%20Place%20Results/jurisdiction%20wide%20summary%20reports-1.htm

Not even close.

[many a good man]

41. My wife was there

She said there was a big showing of demonstrators, many more than attended the DSM rally last week. Lots of teens as well as people of all ages.

Everyone was supposed to meet in the strip mall parking lot across the street from the school. She said some Republican-looking dudes were telling everyone that they couldn't park there if they were going to the demonstration. Said they represented the management of the mall.

I told her afterwards that they were probably lying. They were probably just GOP operatives trying to keep people away. I would've parked there any way.

[mermaid]

46. Yup.

I bet they were lying GOP operatives, trying to keep the numbers of protestors down.

Even if they weren't I'd have parked there anyway. They can't tow us ALL. And even if I got lucky and ended up towed...it'd be worth a $50 impound fee to show up and protest that asswipe.

And better believe I'd make a stink about it, to hell and back, in every media that would listen to me, I'd make an issue of having gotten towed/ticketed, because I wanted to show up to exercise my rights to free political speech, and to dissent against the Pretzeldent.

I'd make a big point of how the Pretzeldent attempts to squash dissent, and punish opposition in thousands of small, telling ways like that.

Then I'd send a bill to the White House. Not actually expecting them to PAY, understand, because I know they wouldn't...i'd do it just to make a statement.

[dogday]

45. Those Kids Received A Valuable Lesson About Democracy

today and that is the best thing that could of happened to them. They understand about our freedoms and what we should expect from our President and I salute them....

[nytemare]

48. That's my Mom's High School!!

She went to school with Goldie Hawn, Connie Chung, and Carl Bernstein. Quite a class!! Looks like the tradition is strong!

I lived in Silver Spring until I was 8. How I miss it!

[oasis]

53. When the people speak, it is truly wonderful. (eom)

[onager]

54. "Comedian" and "author" Ben Stein?

:rofl: :rofl:

As a comedian he's about as funny as a double funeral. And if he's an "author," then Tim La Haye must be an heir to Dostoyevsky and Lynne Cheney to Jane Austen. He's a hack writer, and not even a decent hack.

One of my favorite Ben Whine stories, which shows the essential cluelessness of this spoiled, rich little right-wing lapdog.

Some years ago Whine wrote for the old L.A. Hearst paper, the Herald-Examiner. In just about every column, he worked in references to stuff like "my condo in Malibu, which I bought as an investment." Or "my dinner with some Very Big Show-Biz Names who are reading my script, and the meal cost as much as You Little People pay for a month's rent."

He wrote a column once about a young female assistant he'd hired. From Whine's description, she sounded like a snotty little princess from Encino trying to get her start in SHOW BIZ.

Assistant got drunk one night and totalled the brand-new Alfa-Romeo that Daddy had just bought her. I think it totally Cheneyed up her plans for a vacation in Europe or something, too.

Ben Whine wrote a column about how AWFUL it was that this twit had ruined her new car.

He was deluged by furious letters saying it served the dimwit right. She was just lucky she didn't kill herself or somebody else while driving drunk, and she just might have learned a valuable lesson. Etc.

Whine then wrote a follow-up, expressing his shock at how "cruel" and "heartless" people were.

It was amazing. Whine just didn't get it. It never occurred to him that, somewhere out in Real World, people have bigger problems than a hangover and a wrecked Alfa.

[lonestarnot]

55. Yeah now that's more like it!

[gardenista]

56. Hmmm... I see he's still preaching to the choir. That may have worked

during the election, but he's not reaching the people he needs to reach with this tactic. His need to be in front of a passive, approving audience trumps his need to achieve his goals. Not that achieving goals has ever really been important to him...

[journalist3072]

59. I love it!!

And what the hell is up with Bush and his "invitation only" town hall meetings. Why is he so afraid of dissenting voices? A TRUE president would want to from people who agree and disagree with him.
It's like he has some sort of adversion to dissent.

[mermaid]

60. No

It isn't LIKE he has some sort of aversion to dissent...

He ACTUALLY DOES have an aversion to dissent.

so much so that he will fly off the handle at any challenge to him, whatsoever, and his handlers know it...which is why they don't allow dissenters, even peacful ones...anywhere near him...and why they carefully screen and select the questions, and the people who will ask them. It's all scripted.

Ever see what happens to Bush when he's asked something off script?

Now imagine him being asked something off script, by an angry dissenter!

[journalist3072]

62. And don't forget

Not only do they pre-screen & select the questions......they also pre-screen the journalists covering the event, by soliciting their race. Why do they need to know the race of the journalist covering the event?

[deadparrot]

61. Good for them!

I wish W would get that kind of response for his "speech" Tuesday night.

[nonono]

63. Those who foot Bushevil's trip will profit

"The social security event was organized by the National Retirement Planning Coalition, a financial industry and advocacy group.

About The NRPC
The National Retirement Planning Coalition brings together the leading financial industry and advocacy organizations for the purpose of educating consumers and financial industry professionals on the issues surrounding retirement planning. NRPC members include the Actuarial Foundation, the American Savings Education Council (ASEC), the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards (CFPBS), the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), the National Association for Variable Annuities (NAVA), and the National Preretirement Education Association (NPEA).
link

One of Bush's plans, according to those who know, is to have everyone buy a large annuity just before retirement at a cost of 10 to 20% of the annuity. When you die what is left goes to the annuity company, not your family.

All of the NRPC will probably profit from the Bush's plan.