Oklahomans Sit Down for a Cup of Joe and Politics

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Coffee shops across the country overflowed Saturday with Americans who are sick of political pundits and partisan rhetoric.

At Michelangelo's Coffee Shop in Norman, more was brewing than just a cup of Joe. About two dozen people gathered for a Coffee Party.

"The point behind the Coffee Party is you sit down with a cup of coffee with friends, you talk about what's important, and maybe actually get somewhere instead of shutting them off because you don't like what they're saying," said Harriet Bohanan, Norman Coffee Party host.

The grassroots group isn't the anti-Tea Party, and they do not claim to be part of any particular political affiliation. Those in the Coffee Party said their strategy is simply to carry civil conversations about their concerns over a cup of coffee.

"We feel we're not represented. We don't feel necessarily that all of concerns were heard in health care that there are many Oklahomans who are going to be helped by this health care plan, and yet nobody in our district, in our representation voted for us," said Brad Raley, Coffee Party member.

Bohanan heads the local Coffee Party, and it was the health care policy that was her priority.

"I think health care reform is a big deal. We want to make sure that it gets to the people, that people get good information about it, and that I'm not sure it's not a perfect bill but we can work together to fix the things that need to be fixed," Bohanan said.

Denesha Alexander proposed a campaign reform paid for by the people so that elected officials would be accountable to voters and not special interest groups with big bucks.

"I'm most concerned with the Supreme Court decision that allows the expenditure of unlimited funds by corporation in our election process," Alexander said.

Find out more information on the Coffee Party movement or check out their Facebook page.

More on News9.com: Coffee Movement Offering an Alternative to Tea Parties