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Letter to the Editor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski |
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To: Editor
From: State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne
RE: Town Hall Health-care Meetings
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I am disappointed and saddened by the recent reports of crowd behavior at town hall meetings across our country. United States Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was booed and jeered in Philadelphia. United States Sen. Arlen Specter received similar treatment in Lebanon, Pa. Examples like this pale in comparison to the death threats received by U.S. Rep. Brad Miller (D-N.C.) and U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.), which forced both to alter their town hall meeting plans. These disturbing stories culminated with the news that outside President Obama’s town hall meeting in New Hampshire stood an anti-Obama protester with a pistol strapped to his leg.
We live in a nation that guarantees our freedom of speech and encourages a lively debate of the issues that affect our lives. From time to time, reasonable people will disagree and, in this case, those who oppose President Obama’s ideas have a right – indeed an obligation – to say so.
Unfortunately, it appears that many are not content to just be heard. Instead, they prefer to shout down others or simply shut down the meetings. Later, the crowd’s rage becomes the story reported in the media, leaving the substance of the policy initiative as a mere afterthought, if it is even mentioned at all.
We are living in difficult times and facing serious issues. To emerge from these extremely challenging times, we must come together as one nation to logically, openly and honestly address our problems with civility.
When Sept. 11 occurred, our entire nation rallied around President Bush to show the world that we will fight to protect our families, our country and our freedoms. As Americans, we didn’t question our political affiliation, religion, nationality or socioeconomic status -- we came together as one people, one nation, to defend, protect and preserve our great country and our way of life.
This same cohesive attitude must once again dominate the discussions relative to health care, the deficit, Social Security, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and any of the other huge challenges we face. We, the United States of America, have conquered our challenges in the past and we will do it again if we stay united and insist that speakers present their thoughts and concerns with decency and respect for each other and the officials they are addressing – this should be non-negotiable.
Anyone willing to take the time to participate in these forums and demonstrate the courage to speak their mind deserves nothing less. Ultimately, it is foolish to think it is appropriate to exercise the right of free speech by preventing others from doing the same.
Let’s "cut the baloney," come together to solve our problems and become a stronger nation.
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski
121st Legislative District
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