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Congressman cancels town hall meetings over health care debate

The national health care debate is setting up an interesting compare and contrast back home concerning the strategies of neighboring congressional Democrats Rep. Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) and Rep. Brian Baird (D-Vancouver). Smith is making himself available to constituents while Baird is canceling his town hall meetings.

This comes against the backdrop of news wires abuzz with phrases such as "astroturf protesters" and "anti-government radicals" at town hall meetings voicing their displeasure over how the health care debate is unfolding in Washington D.C. It seems that for some in D.C. and the media, only those Americans who don't have strong opinions and don't try to organize are worthy of having their voices heard.

It should not surprise elected officials that when they push controversial policies there will be some heat back home. Assuming the policy is well thought out a! nd the typical member of Congress understands what he is advocating, he should have no fear answering even the most hostile question.

Whether a union packs a town hall or tax protesters, these individuals are still constituents and, more importantly, they are Americans participating in representative government.

While some in Congress may prefer that town hall meetings be more like an echo chamber it appears that Rep. Adam Smith has not lost sight of the fact that all of his constituents have the right to be heard and not just those that agree with him.

Commenting in this story about Rep. Brian Baird canceling his town hall meetings to avoid the "lynch-mob mentality" of those opposed to the proposed health care changes, Smith said:

“They aren’t protesters. Th! ey are constituents speaking their minds.”

Smith ! said even if the protests are organized, “what’s wrong with that?”

Absolutely nothing. Kudos to Rep. Smith for not hiding from the people he represents.

UPDATED (8/13): Rep. Baird has changed his mind and now will hold townhall meetings. Additional details here.

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