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Burgess town hall review
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U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX 26) (DMN)
Well, the angry mob was present and accounted for, but proponents of the health care bill were well represented as well. Signs from both ends of the spectrum belied that America's 1st Amendment right to peaceably assemble, redress of grievances and political speech are alive and well.
Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. OB/GYN is, as a medical doctor, a professed expert in the field of medicine as well as it's closely related field of health care and insurance. So this was a very good opportunity to hear both details on the Democratic-sponsored bill now before the U.S. House as well as several proposed options that Dr. Burgess and Republicans are advocating.
There was a smattering of boos for advocates of HR 3200, which was disappointing, quite frankly. I understand the opposition to this legislation is widespread and adamant. But it is not unanimous. And while I believe that government should not be in control of whatever passes, those who disagree with my perspective nonetheless have the right to voice their positions no matter how much we may disagree.
There were a couple of audience members who made their way to the microphone who were a bit loud due to being too close to the mic as well as practically yelling into it at Rep. Burgess. This is likewise detestable. Dr. Burgess is a gifted speaker, a recognized authority on the subject and an adamant, stated opponent of HR 3200. So boo'ing, heckling, yelling--especially at a Congressman!--and other disrespectful behavior is patently unnecessary.
Granted, there were a couple instances of audience members who apparently support the bill who issued cat calls directed towards questions blasting their positions, most notably on the issue of abortion. But boo's, cat calls and other inappropriate behavior was largely from opponents directed at proponents unfortunately.
I had the opportunity to speak with a couple of people who professed to being involved in the political process for the first time. Katy Sams, a North Texas senior (as in UNT senior, not senior citizen!), said, "Everyone that I spoke to I said this was my first time being engaged in politics, and each person I spoke to said, 'Me too.' "
I believe that this portends a dangerous trend that Democrats would do well to not ignore. President Barack Obama enjoyed a level of support in his election rarely seen in American politics. But the majority of the audiences at both Rep. Burgess' and Rep. Pete Sessions' town hall meetings are conservative, opposed to HR 3200 and involved in politics for the first time ever.
For the President and Democratic leadership, not to mention pundits, commentators and activists, to utterly write off opponents as fringe extremists is unwise. If the Tea Party movement continues to grow in intensity, it promises to fuel a serious challenge to Democratic control of the U.S. House.
The Denton Arts Center opened its doors at 9 am and the facility was full by 9:30. But the joke was on those of us who arrived early--Dr. Burgess' stage was set up outside the back door where at least 500 additional people were standing to hear the Congressman take questions and speak.
After a short introductory speech consisting of a posthumous presentation of medals to the family of a Korean War veteran, Dr. Burgess spent the rest of his time--well over an hour--taking questions from people both inside and outside the building. Private Charles Edward DeWeese's family was presented the Purple Heart as well as the Silver Star for actions distinguishing himself in combat. Pvt. DeWeese was killed during the Korean War after covering the withdrawal of his unit during intense combat.
The atmosphere was decidedly intense. But overall there were no instances of conflict, outright yelling or professional demonstrators. If every town hall went as well as this one we would all be better off for it.
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