We have all watched with a mix of anger and disgust the way far right extremists have behaved at town hall meetings. From hanging congressmen in effigy to comparing President Barack Obama to Hitler, these extremists have hijacked the debate of health insurance reform. We live in a great nation, one founded on vigorous and spirited debate. The issue of health insurance reform raises many honest questions and concerns, all of which deserve the opportunity to be addressed. Unfortunately, many of them have been drowned out by a flood of lies and misinformation.

This Thursday, August 20, Congressmen Joe Barton of Arlington will be holding a town hall meeting. I invite you, indeed I urge you to join me at this event. I ask that you join me so that together we can ask the questions that so far the Republican Party has refused to answer.
Due to the great deal of interest the public has in this debate we ask that you arrive at Arlington City Hall early. By doing so we have a better chance of getting our seat at the table and having our concerns addressed.
There has been some discussion of a venue change. If this happens we will notify you via an email alert.
What: Town Hall meeting with Congressmen Joe Barton
When: Thursday, August 20
Start time is 6:00 p.m. but we strongly encourage you to arrive by 4:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT!
THE VENUE HAS CHANGED
THE MEETING WILL NOW BE HELD AT:
Arlington Music Hall located at 224 N Center St, Arlington TX 76011
Click for Map
We will rally near the large Obama sign

Steve Maxwell

P.S.

Residents of United States House District 12 which is represented by Republican Kay Granger may attend a telephone town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday August 24, 2009. To attend the telephone town hall meeting, you must contact Congresswoman Granger’s office at 817-338-0909 and tell them you with to attend the telephone town hall meeting and provide your name address and phone number.

Organizing for America has provided the following talking points for communication with our Representatives about health care:

*Share your story.* If you can take a few minutes and you want to make an even bigger impression, ask to speak to whomever handles health care issues in that office. Tell them why health insurance reform is so important to you. If you feel comfortable, please consider sharing a personal health care story about yourself or a loved one. Take your time and speak from the heart. This is not a debate, and you don’t need to be an expert, just someone who knows firsthand why we urgently need reform.
*Ask for their support.* Before you leave, ask if your member of Congress will commit to supporting the President’s call for real health insurance reform in 2009.
*Stay calm and positive.* While some are attempting to disrupt and shut down debate, our goal is to engage in meaningful, respectful discussion. Remaining calm, positive and polite while speaking to any Representative is the best way to be heard.

Thank them for their time and hard work!

You can learn more about health insurance reform at www.healthreform.gov

It is important that Kay Granger hear voices other than insurance company lobbyists when addressing health care reform issues.