Resident to McCaskill: “The natives are getting restless.”
March 16, 2009
Dardenne Prairie
“Don’t help us,” was the message throughout the room, aimed at government.
On March 12, about 25 local residents squeezed into Dardenne Prairie’s temporary city hall trailer ensuring their voices are heard by Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill.
The event was one in a series of Kitchen Table Talks initiated by McCaskill to hear from constituents. Standing in for McCaskill was Regional Director, Michelle Sherod. Sherod moderated the crowd, making sure everyone had a voice and offered a calming presence amid fiery topics.
One man, with a child on his lap, stated the government’s spending will not be paid back within our lifetimes. He said we are “spending our kids’ money irresponsibly. It makes me sick.”
“I am livid,” he added.
His concern was echoed by others in the group and there was much discussion about citizens no longer being in control of government.
“I would like the government back,” one man exclaimed. “How do we reform Congress?”
“We don’t have a truly representative government,” another added.
Specific House and Senate bills were also discussed:
One gentleman wished to encourage the senator to support H.R. 1207, sponsored by Ron Paul, in which there would be more visibility and accountability on the Federal Reserve.
The same gentleman mentioned H.R. 45, intended to regulate handgun use. He and many in the crowd opposed this bill, stating it infringes on basic liberties. In fact, H.R. 45 was brought up later during the two-hour meeting. One woman stated how scary it is that the government would be able to “haul you in for psychological tests” if they deemed necessary.
H.R. 875 and the coordinating S. 425 were also mentioned. The recorded intentions of these bills are to prevent food-borne illness and have traceability of food; but the wording is such that even a simple gardener would have to comply with strict governmental regulations or face severe consequences.
Sherod responded to these concerns by stating that Senator McCaskill reads 90 to 99 percent of new bills to understand what she signs. Sherod also said that McCaskill rarely co-sponsors bills because the senator is concerned the language will change, and perhaps earmarks will be inserted later. She said that McCaskill waits before signing.
“What does it mean if the country goes bankrupt?” a woman asked.
Sherod said she had not heard of that possibility, but if it does occur it will be a “terrible situation for each and every one of us.”
Several participants stated their embarrassment regarding President Obama’s returning the bust of Winston Churchill to the British people. One woman in the crowd said she felt the need to write a letter of apology to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
“Queen Nancy,” someone exclaimed while the group discussed the new airplane Nancy Pelosi obtained to fly to Rome. A man with a military background stated that Pelosi’s demands exceed what she needs.
“None of them are nobility.” “Claire is not nobility,” said another gentleman.
Sherod responded to concerns of excessive governmental spending by informing the group that Senator McCaskill is on a committee to end fraud, waste and abuse in federal government.
One man stated there needs to be term limits for those in office. He feels there is more corruption the longer they are allowed to remain in those positions.
Many times throughout the meeting, Sherod stressed the importance of communication, citing civic duty as a reason to vote and be heard.
“Citizens need to be proactive,” Sherod said. She encouraged those with questions and comments to go online at www.mccaskill.senate.gov and express opinions.
Many issues were raised Thursday morning, but one sentiment simply summed up the feeling in the room:
“The natives are getting restless.”
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
