Another involuntary "telephone town hall"

Ron Johnson has done it again - my phone rang last night, and for almost ten minutes would not allow me to make a call, because Senator Johnson wanted me to participate in his "town hall".

Hang up, wait a few seconds - the phone is still connected. There's no easy way to tell the computer to release the line.

Sent the Senator an email suggesting stiff penalties for anyone making a robocall without it instantly releasing the line when hung up on, and giving an opt-out feature in the first seconds of the call - that would have the same effect as the federal no-call list is SUPPOSED to have. Also, stiff penalties for credit card scams and such that spoof Caller ID.

Just got a reply:

Senator Ron Johnson

To

ck***@***.***

Today at 2:27 PM

Dear Chuck,

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform.

Obamacare has left our health care system in need of repair. In Wisconsin, premiums and deductibles have doubled or even tripled for individuals, and insurance carriers continue to leave the individual market.   We need to repair this damage. But I don’t believe we should try to replace one dysfunctional “comprehensive” Washington-written plan with another.

My priority is a bill that will stabilize the individual marketplace, will keep costs from skyrocketing further, and will repeal the market distortions that Obamacare created. We need to transition to a system that actually works – one that incorporates free-market reforms and patient-centered care, one that turns over more decision-making authority to individuals and states.

This process is not going to be simple. Obamacare has been in place for several years, and it will take time to repair the damage. I am committed to representing Wisconsinites’ concerns – which is why I’m grateful for the input I hear at forums around the state, including my telephone town halls. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, I am using my Committee   to gather information on the root causes of soaring health care costs and to continue discussing potential solutions. As long as my colleagues work with me in good faith, we can move America toward better access to affordable and quality health care.

Thank you again for contacting my office. It is very helpful to hear the views of the constituents I serve. Please see my website at www.ronjohnson.senate.gov  for additional information. It is an honor representing you and all the people of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Ron Johnson
United States Senator 

Somehow, I get the feeling he or his staff is not reading these emails ...

Tammy Gay replies

I'm pretty sure my last email to her made it clear that "climate change" was one of my least concerns, what with bills in CONgress to deregulate silencers, repeal *and not replace) Jugearscare, and "draining the swamp"...

Dear Mr. Kuecker:

Thank you for contacting me about your concerns regarding actions to address climate change.   I appreciate you taking the time to write to me about this important issue.

I believe that climate change is a serious threat to the natural resources, wildlife, and economic drivers of Wisconsin and the rest of the world.   Because of the massive impact climate change is expected to have on our economy and life in our communities, we must address it.   I will continue to work with my colleagues to find bipartisan, commonsense solutions that address the causes and impacts of climate change at the state, national and international level.

We have a strong tradition in Wisconsin of taking on big challenges. Taking on and planning for climate change can help us build a strong, resilient economy and provide a more secure future for the next generations.   While we may not agree on every issue, your input helps inform the work I do in the United States Senate. 

Once again, thank you for contacting my office.  It is important for me to hear from the people of Wisconsin on the issues, thoughts and concerns that matter most to you.  If I can be of further assistance, please visit my website at www.baldwin.senate.gov for information on how to contact my office.