Senator Tom Coburn Surprises Tea Party
Tea Party Members and Some Oklahoma Constituents Rock on Their Heels
Defense of Nancy Pelosi
Oklahoma is a staunchly Republican stronghold, with its roots in the Bible Belt. Conservatism is much more the norm than the exception. It should be no surprise that its senators are both conservative Republicans.
The surprise came during the town hall meeting when members of the audience voiced disapproval when Sen. Coburn stated that while he disagreed with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's politics, he found her to be a nice person. He stuck by that statement despite the verbal disapproval from his audience, insisting that disagreeing with a person's political views did not poison that other person as being a decent human being.
Advises Against Fox News
During this same town hall meeting, Sen. Coburn's constituents were making remarks about their understanding of the newly passed health care reform bill. One woman in the audience expressed fear that she would go to jail if she didn't obtain health insurance.
Coburn assured the woman and his audience that it was no one's intention for people to be jailed over the health insurance issue, but such misinformation was good fodder for news outlets such as Fox News. Coburn suggested that people get their news from multiple sources; to separate the truth from the supposition.
Friends with President Obama
Senator Coburn also demonstrates his ability to separate politics from people in his ongoing friendship with President Obama. The two became friends when Obama was serving in the senate and have remained so.
It would be a shame if Tom Coburn's political reputation is harmed one iota by his statements or friendships. Undoubtedly, he has received backlash already, but his depth of character appears it can withstand such issues. If only more politicians had Coburn's integrity.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
CBS News
Published by L.L. Woodard
Freelance writer/editor and freelance observer of life. Three decades of nursing experience in long-term care, from development of team care planning to hands-on patient care. View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentWell said, Steve.
I would not agree that being able to "separate politics from people" makes one a person of integrity. There are some political positions, if taken, preclude one from being a nice person. Some actions are reprehensible regardless of whether one calls them politics or not.
What's with Coburn lately? Is he becoming a turncoat Republican? He is defending Pelosi and Obama?
Is what I hear that you are trying to stop the unemployment Bill? Shame on you if you are.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't give him too much credit. He's also the one who said this: "Coburn: Blocking jobless benefits okay because it only affects a '˜relatively small number of people'
He IS a good man and in a better position to know Pelosi than most of us. I hate her politics but I don't have anything against her either. She's a mother and grandmother just like me. How can I wish her ill? Unlike so many I can disagree with politics without making it personal. I just wish the Dems would learn that trick these days. They are making the Repubs look good and, in truth, the two parties are much the same on that front.
He surprised the heck out of me too, and I'm certainly NOT a number of the Tea Party.
His actions do help to make us look at politicans beyond their party affiliation. It's also cool to see a Republican criticize Fox News too. Thanks for the article.
Was just going to say good for him, but Michael's beaten me to it. I used to judge people by their political allegiance, but not anymore. As long as they're kind to people and animals, then I don't care about their politics or religion.
Nicely written.