Is The Senate Majority Leader Hiding Behind A Telephone?
August 9th, 2009
No opposing viewpoints welcome.
That seems to be the message Senate Majority Leader Reid is relaying in his refusal to meet face to face with his constituents:
The most powerful man in the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), announced on Friday that as a result of recent protests at town hall meetings he won’t hold any such political gatherings during this month’s Congressional recess.
Instead, he will only do what’s called “telephone town halls” where he and his staff have complete control over the questions being asked and who’s asking them.
It takes a great deal of courage to defend ones position or beliefs. Opposition should be welcome, as it is the only tool by which those defending alternative views have the opportunity to not only express themselves, but better understand the ideas put forth by another.
Unfortunately, what we have seen in recent months on the part of many elected officials is the tendency to place blame, call names, and work in secrecy until prepared to ram a program or mass expenditure down the public’s throat. When questioned they appear offended, as though the right is theirs alone to determine the fate of each and every citizen.
Think for a moment about this quote:
Abraham Lincoln did not go to Gettysburg having commissioned a poll to find out what would sell in Gettysburg. There were no people with percentages for him, cautioning him about this group or that group or what they found in exit polls a year earlier. When will we have the courage of Lincoln?
Those speaking out against a government run health care program who are willing to go face to face with their elected representative are showing the courage of their convictions. Those who run for political cover when it gets a bit hot in the kitchen (or polls are not in their favor), not so much.
Perhaps it is time for a thorough house cleaning. Public officials who refuse to meet with those who pay their salaries should be voted out of office at the earliest possible moment.
The only thing politicians on both sides of the aisle seem to understand is the prospect of their own unemployment.
Written by Sue
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