General Discussion

Tom Rinaldo

(23,193 posts)

107. Members of the House have a unique role

Fri Dec 7, 2018, 02:18 PM

Dec 2018

They are elected both to represent the local concerns of their constituents AND to effect national policy, since national policies effect each and every one of us no matter where we live. The same in a sense could be said of Senators, but not so much in populous states anyway. So you are obviously correct that AOC, like all House members, needs to deliver for her own constituents on matters that matter locally. But she was also sent to Congress to help change the course of Congress itself as a member of our national government. That's why national issues factor into local campaigns for Congress, more so than in races for State bodies of government.

I know you know this Effie and that I'm not saying anything that you don't understand extremely well. This just seemed like an appropriate place to make this point on this thread.

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AOC and other new House progressives are tweeting their dissatisfaction with orientation at Harvard [View all] sl8 Dec 2018 OP

What don't they like about it? vlyons Dec 2018 #1

... shanny Dec 2018 #5

Corporate right wing indoctrination before they are even sworn in. watoos Dec 2018 #15

A little about the program before we kick the shit out of it bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #67

Neutral environment? Caliman73 Dec 2018 #86

Agree Red Oak Dec 2018 #91

same here n/t orleans Dec 2018 #142

Lol. The American Enterprise Institute? They are almost solely responsible for inventing Tea Baggers Hassin Bin Sober Dec 2018 #99

Somebody forgot to mention lobbyists in their promotion literature. GeorgeGist Dec 2018 #135

Did you read the summary of their concerns? Blue_true Dec 2018 #78

Did you read who the speakers are keeping in mind that there are both D's and R's Members-elect bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #140

Ok, you proved your point. There are many very strong democrats in the speaker lineup. Blue_true Dec 2018 #166

I have been lucky in my life to talk to many Freshman Members of Congress bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #167

I'm glad they are asking the questions Bettie Dec 2018 #2

WHY? Surely you jest.. :))))) pangaia Dec 2018 #8

WTF? Congressional orientation has been privatized? That's apalling! lagomorph777 Dec 2018 #12

Freshmen orientation was in Washington in November Hangingon Dec 2018 #40

That list does not look Democratic True Blue American Dec 2018 #149

Excellent! ananda Dec 2018 #3

Yup California_Republic Dec 2018 #33

Good move on their part. n/t delisen Dec 2018 #4

Whose bad idea was it to corporate force-feed AOC, Pressley, Tlaib et al? BeyondGeography Dec 2018 #6

They signed up to go, no one was forced bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #168

Excellent! Sherman A1 Dec 2018 #7

The change of "status quo" must start somewhere. Why not HERE? Ferrets are Cool Dec 2018 #9

I think it is great! True Blue American Dec 2018 #150

"Millennials are destroying the congressional orientation industry" Dopers_Greed Dec 2018 #10

I'm guessing this editorial might interest you ... eppur_se_muova Dec 2018 #45

Gotta start somewhere... N_E_1 for Tennis Dec 2018 #11

I had no idea that corporate interests were involved from the get-go. Honeycombe8 Dec 2018 #13

+1! Nothing like fresh, un-compromised, un-indoctrinated minds to question the status quo! flibbitygiblets Dec 2018 #27

Great observation. KPN Dec 2018 #85

AND WHERE ARE THE 21st CENTURY UNIONS???? DemocracyMouse Dec 2018 #139

Mary Barro? True Blue American Dec 2018 #154

So proud of these young women for shaking up the boat. lark Dec 2018 #14

Fantastic! Equinox Moon Dec 2018 #16

We need more of this. And i think we're going to get it! n/t Tom Rinaldo Dec 2018 #17

Corporate lobbyists are crapping their linen kairos12 Dec 2018 #18

I'd prefer the headline not read ""AOC and others ..." EffieBlack Dec 2018 #19

This headline was actually better than most in that regard, but I generally agree. Tom Rinaldo Dec 2018 #23

I agree EffieBlack Dec 2018 #26

Doesn't look like she's keeping her head down, and I don't think she should. Cuthbert Allgood Dec 2018 #41

+1000 this is not the time in our history to be quiet and keep ones head down! Canoe52 Dec 2018 #73

She needs to find a balance EffieBlack Dec 2018 #75

Members of the House have a unique role Tom Rinaldo Dec 2018 #107

We agree EffieBlack Dec 2018 #120

"She needs to find a balance" hueymahl Dec 2018 #112

I am also proud of her for speaking out - she is definitely a social media person womanofthehills Dec 2018 #116

If I had meant "she needs to know her place," I would have said that EffieBlack Dec 2018 #118

I know the difference hueymahl Dec 2018 #119

Surely you're not including me in the category of people you think are "attacking" her EffieBlack Dec 2018 #123

Maybe attack is too strong a word hueymahl Dec 2018 #124

Where did I find fault with her? EffieBlack Dec 2018 #126

Ok. Whatever you say hueymahl Dec 2018 #128

I Believe That AOC Started Out In Constituent Services Progressive2020 Dec 2018 #137

Balance! True Blue American Dec 2018 #151

Generally agree. Some of the other freshwomen should take turns being the leader flibbitygiblets Dec 2018 #30

What would have been your headline? oberliner Dec 2018 #160

Perspective: 6 (?) out of 100 new members. The rest are inside Hortensis Dec 2018 #20

Six is five more than one BeyondGeography Dec 2018 #21

Yes, but either McConnell or Putin could easily Hortensis Dec 2018 #25

On the contrary, they're speaking up because they know very well what they're up against BeyondGeography Dec 2018 #28

2016, Beyond. If that reminder doesn't scare you, Hortensis Dec 2018 #37

Ever watch Dylan Ratigan, 4 PM on msnbc? watoos Dec 2018 #46

Yes, well, WHEN and IF we gain majorities in DC Hortensis Dec 2018 #54

I loved Dylan! True Blue American Dec 2018 #152

I'm having a hard time understanding your point? You seem to be saying these rookies would be KPN Dec 2018 #64

No, I want them to continue speaking up, exciting Hortensis Dec 2018 #80

Thanks for the clarification. Good to know as I respect your insight. KPN Dec 2018 #97

:) Same right back. Here's a reminder for anyone Hortensis Dec 2018 #101

Yes, and they're implying that there are existing members who don't want the same things they do. LisaM Dec 2018 #103

"I know you've heard this a million times before, but..." probably isn't the best way Cuthbert Allgood Dec 2018 #106

Why should I have to be schooled on Pelosi by someone in her 20s? LisaM Dec 2018 #110

You said she needs to recognize those who have done what she is doing. I showed she did. Cuthbert Allgood Dec 2018 #125

To be fair, our party still includes some conservatives Hortensis Dec 2018 #109

You are absolutely Correct! We do not have to shut up because the RW Media True Blue American Dec 2018 #153

I'm pretty sure these newly elected people watoos Dec 2018 #29

Because these new people are savvy but the others are clueless idiots? EffieBlack Dec 2018 #89

Nice straw-man (straw-woman?) there hueymahl Dec 2018 #113

I guess the words "the larger group who don't understand they are being fed right wing propaganda" EffieBlack Dec 2018 #127

WTF melman Dec 2018 #42

"They" are the Republican leadership and Russia. Hortensis Dec 2018 #48

Bullshit melman Dec 2018 #53

We're all on the same team, Melman. Hortensis Dec 2018 #62

I understood perfectly well melman Dec 2018 #74

"Can it Happen Here? I'm not the enemy, Melman. Hortensis Dec 2018 #93

the complainer is the squeaky wheel who always treestar Dec 2018 #72

I'm tired of people not complaining about injustice hueymahl Dec 2018 #114

This isn't a particularly grand injustice treestar Dec 2018 #132

So, the question should be.. disillusioned73 Dec 2018 #90

The Discussion was called "A Discussion with Business Leaders" bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #169

You might be ok with David Cohen disillusioned73 Dec 2018 #179

See post 140, a list of some but not all speakers bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #180

Malala spoke. seaglass Dec 2018 #22

Nice of the former head of Goldman Sachs to clue them in on who really runs things... PoliticAverse Dec 2018 #24

Way to shine a spotlight on where corruption starts! Way to ACTUALLY drain a fucking swamp, ladies! flibbitygiblets Dec 2018 #32

Love this. We are building a wall. JudyM Dec 2018 #39

Sorry, but this is bullshit. If they really wanted to make an impact, they should attend the still_one Dec 2018 #31

I think after the 4th CEO came in to tell me how to do my job, I'd tell others too, and then leave flibbitygiblets Dec 2018 #34

I got the impression that they didn't even attend the orientation? Is that correct? still_one Dec 2018 #35

"Lobbyists are here. Goldman Sachs is here." From the use of the words "is here" and "are here" Autumn Dec 2018 #43

OK, but I would like to know if they at least attended the event initially. I can understand them still_one Dec 2018 #47

Sounds like they attended some and left other events. Autumn Dec 2018 #51

Then I am cool with that. My disdain toward Elaine Chao go back to the bush administration where still_one Dec 2018 #69

Look who she's married to crazycatlady Dec 2018 #122

++++++++++++++++++++++++ still_one Dec 2018 #129

I do not believe my Rep Lori Trahan would refuse to attend and not listen. Anything I've heard seaglass Dec 2018 #50

That is fine, I just was curious if they had at least initially attended the orientation, or did still_one Dec 2018 #57

You could have read the article, instead of assuming certain things. nt. Mariana Dec 2018 #104

Why should she listen to Goldman Sachs spout their bullshit? Cuthbert Allgood Dec 2018 #44

You are going to go real far only listening to people you agree with. still_one Dec 2018 #49

So what do you think Goldman Sachs was going to tell them that was worthwhile? Cuthbert Allgood Dec 2018 #55

Don't throw nonesense at me implying that I agree that lobbyists should be at the orientation, I still_one Dec 2018 #65

Goldman Sachs has a shit ton of financial expertise Loki Liesmith Dec 2018 #87

If you are fighting for a specific Agenda, it helps to know what you are dealing with still_one Dec 2018 #130

They certainly know how to cheat people... PoliticAverse Dec 2018 #147

I am slamming you for this comment ProfessorPlum Dec 2018 #59

I NEVER said one should be polite and silent. All I said is it would serve their interests to at still_one Dec 2018 #77

you said you were sure you were going to get slammed ProfessorPlum Dec 2018 #102

I want her to continue to speak out. Marrah_Goodman Dec 2018 #63

I'm trying to understand your rationale for saying this is BS. It seems to be nothing more than KPN Dec 2018 #83

+1 n/t Devil Child Dec 2018 #146

Goldman Sach Snackshack Dec 2018 #36

giving their marching orders to their servants, of course ProfessorPlum Dec 2018 #58

The network evening news often includes a regular business report, but PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2018 #38

The newspapers have the Jobs Section ... aggiesal Dec 2018 #94

Jobs section as in Help Wanted? PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2018 #96

Okay, I'm game... jmowreader Dec 2018 #143

Information about wages, about job training, about jobs that are available, PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2018 #148

Good for them! nt jrthin Dec 2018 #52

This is excellent ellie Dec 2018 #56

Good. dchill Dec 2018 #60

This is good news... ConnorMarc Dec 2018 #61

"I was not sent to Washington to play nice." Hotler Dec 2018 #66

That is a good statement from AOC. Caliman73 Dec 2018 #92

"cosponsored by the American Enterprise Institute..."? Grins Dec 2018 #68

Good news for modern man! This is exactly what AOC was elected to do. Kudos to her and KPN Dec 2018 #70

Is that why she was elected? EffieBlack Dec 2018 #81

As far as I can tell, yes. She has been consistent in her messaging, including in KPN Dec 2018 #100

Yes, but this is the kind of thing she ran on. Giving power back to the people. Fighting JCanete Dec 2018 #105

Why are they getting orientation at all, this is not a school treestar Dec 2018 #71

Goldman Sachs again, just trying to help make government work better? AOC is never going jalan48 Dec 2018 #76

You forgot the sarcasm thingee ... aggiesal Dec 2018 #95

Thanks. I forgot it again! jalan48 Dec 2018 #98

LOOK AT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MyNameGoesHere Dec 2018 #79

This is not an attendance mandatory program. I think the Members-Elect actually pay to attend bottomofthehill Dec 2018 #82

No thanks. I would rather look at AOC and her group of six. hueymahl Dec 2018 #115

No! LOOK AT ME!!!!!!!!!! MyNameGoesHere Dec 2018 #121

Good going! whathehell Dec 2018 #84

As they should.. disillusioned73 Dec 2018 #88

Sounds like "Play the game our way and give up your backbone" orientation. ooky Dec 2018 #108

I like her style at shaking things up. It's Mr. Smith... NNadir Dec 2018 #111

Great Analogy! hueymahl Dec 2018 #117

God I love her. pdsimdars Dec 2018 #131

It's bipartisan. Of course the Republicans ruin everything. betsuni Dec 2018 #133

I agree they should add in a labor portion. tammywammy Dec 2018 #134

It looks like she did. sl8 Dec 2018 #136

God Bless AOC, Pressley, and The New Progressive Members Of Congress. Progressive2020 Dec 2018 #138

God bless Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu, two brilliant fighters R B Garr Dec 2018 #141

I read no such insinuation in the post you replied to Devil Child Dec 2018 #144

You don't have to read an "insinuation", since the meaning R B Garr Dec 2018 #157

Strange Progressive2020 Dec 2018 #172

I just said there was no insinuation. LOL R B Garr Dec 2018 #173

Not Insinuating That Progressive2020 Dec 2018 #171

Maxine Waters is also great. There are so many GREAT Democrats. R B Garr Dec 2018 #174

Who Is Running Other Democrats Down? Progressive2020 Dec 2018 #178

I'm loving our new freshman representatives! Some real fighters in this group Devil Child Dec 2018 #145

Yes, looks like we got an especially good crop this year. :) Hortensis Dec 2018 #155

And the right wing True Blue American Dec 2018 #156

:) Oh,and they will! The house just became what Hortensis Dec 2018 #158

Of course True Blue American Dec 2018 #161

Scalise's actions pretty much epitomized what they're doing, Hortensis Dec 2018 #164

Great summation, Hortensis! True Blue American Dec 2018 #165

Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu are highly visible every day and R B Garr Dec 2018 #159

Along with Swalwell True Blue American Dec 2018 #162

And Maxine Waters. So many hard working Democrats very R B Garr Dec 2018 #175

Yes! True Blue American Dec 2018 #163

Good! bluecollar2 Dec 2018 #170

im getting bored..... samnsara Dec 2018 #176

Rep. Barbara Lee, our new 2nd ranking woman in top leadership, Hortensis Dec 2018 #177