“Rutherford Indivisible” staged its first protest outside of a town hall meeting organized by the MTSU College Republicans on Thursday.
The Capital Research Center, a conservative think tank that investigates nonprofits has alleged that at least three of Indivisible’s principals “have ties to organizations funded by George Soros.”
U.S. Rep. Diane Black, and state legislators Sen. Jim Tracy, Rep. Bryan Terry and Rep. Mike Sparks were the invited panel. Â Joining in the protest was the Green Party, Planned Parenthood and MTSU’s College Democrats.
Members of the audience got a little heated at times with questions and comments about the planned repeal and/or replacement of Obamacare.
“Indivisible” makes no pretense about its goal as posted on its website:
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR RESISTING THE TRUMP AGENDA
Former congressional staffers reveal best practices for making Congress listen.
The Guide, authored by self-described progressives intending to stop President Trump, provides what is claimed as insider information about everything from “How to Have a Successful Town Hall” to how to start organizing for action, to scripted messages on everything from “Oppose Steve Bannon’s Role on the National Security Council” and “Combat Donald Trump’s Arch-Conservative SCOTUS Pick.”
Seventy-three Indivisible affiliated groups are listed within 100 miles of Nashville. Â Included in this mix are individually named Indivisible groups, the Nashville chapter Americans United for Separation for Church & State, the Tennessee Antifascism League and Women United Tennessee.
Members of Congress referred to as “MoC” in the Guide, will be in their home districts February 18 – 26 for a short recess. Indivisible groups have been instructed to go to MoC district offices and “[d]emand a meeting with the MoC. Report to the world if they refuse to listen.” They have been alerted to target their MoC by showing up at scheduled town hall meetings.
Rep. Marsha Blackburn has a town hall scheduled on February 21st at the Fairview City Hall.
Instructions are included in The Guide for what to do at town hall meetings including, “[g]et seated and spread out. Head into the venue a bit early to grab seats at the front half of the room, but do not all sit together. Sit by yourself or in groups of two, and spread out throughout the room. This will help reinforce the impression of broad consensus.” And, to remember to always applaud after a member of the group asks a question to make it appear that every one in the audience feels the same way.
Despite written instructions to be “respectful, polite, and non-confrontational” Indivisible protestors shouted down a Utah Congressman for 80 straight minutes.
