Banter with Cantor
September 23rd, 2009
Inspired by “Healthcare War Gets a Little More Civil” (Washington Post 9/22/09). Eric Cantor (R-VA) and (gasp) Democratic healthcare reform supporter Rep. Bobby Scott hosted a public meeting on Sep. 21. Protest signs were not allowed, speaking times were limited, and speakers’ names were recorded in order to encourage civility. In spite of the fact that the audience was filled with Tea Party activists, the meeting’s tone remained civil, with no heckling or other such outbursts .NB: Mr. Cantor isn’t always so constructive (see, for example, his rant at a Town Hall meeting as shown on MSNBC on 9/23/09), but we at Newsericks believe in giving credit where credit is due.
Republican Eric Cantor is setting an example.
His behavior is a sample
Of what civil discourse should look like.
Even when it’s with people you dislike.
He and Dem Bobby Scott hosted a Town Hall meeting
But this one had rules, so it wasn’t self-defeating.
They met to discuss reforming healthcare
And plenty of activists from both sides were there.
As you may know, Rep. Bobby Scott is a reform backer
While Cantor (as Minority Whip) is the Republicans’ skull cracker.
It seemed the stage was set
For people to get upset.
But what can I say—
It didn’t happen that way.
Instead of a fight
Things worked out alright.
Did they agree?
No, not completely.
But yes they found
Some common ground.
“Eric and I agree on 80 percent,” said Scott.
And in politics, that’s a lot.
Is it possible that views will converge?
Said Cantor, “I think, yes, something will emerge.”
Civility may not make for great TV
But it sure is better for democracy.
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Tags: Eric Cantor, Healthcare, Incivility, Republicans, Tea-baggers
Posted in
Healthcare, Republicans, What ails us |
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February 1st, 2010 at 11:03 pm
[...] I guess for them, this still counts as bipartisan. Cantor didn’t talk specifics, but seemed the most open of the three responding House Republican [...]