TPM Reader JO checks in from the Lone Star State …
I’m on a telephone town hall with my representative (unfortunately) Jeb Hensarling. Most of the callers are elderly and ill-informed. Sadly, they probably get most of their information from Fox News like my parents do. It’s interesting to hear all the misconceptions floating around out there. This being Texas, a lot of the calls are about abortion. I’ve heard at least 2 callers complain about the federal funding of abortion they believe is part of the HCR bill. They mentioned Mexicans getting free abortions and even Chinese (???) abortions – whatever that means. Hensarling spouts the usual talking points. He promotes his support of HB 4529 which includes tax credits, medical liability reform, and a “template for price and quality transparency”. Mainly, I am appalled at the ignorance of the constituents asking the questions. However, I’m pleasantly surprised that at least 20% of the calls are in favor of the president and HCR. They come mainly from Dallas. Current woman suggested the Joint Chiefs should be convened to unseat “this illegal presidency” (!!! yikes, that’s crazy even for TX) There is a lot of discussion of the constitutionality of the government’s actions and talk of our “republic” rather than our “democracy” – telling language.
