Wu’s Showdown with Angry Constituents in Oregon
By Evan at August 3rd, 2009.
Politico.com had a recent article titled “Town Halls Gone Wild.” Congressmen on both sides of the aisle are returning to their districts to find town hall meetings, once giant snore-fests, now increasingly hostile environments.
The untold story, however, is that some Congressmen are quite simply stepping in it. Leaving aside the question of whether uncomfortably high temperatures in the Northwest has people more irritable these days, Congressman David Wu (D-OR) recently did just that. At a recent town hall, Wu was faced with what ordinarily wouldn’t be a tough question: does he read all legislation before he votes on it?
Cut to the tape:
Not only was Congressman Wu unusually evasive in his answer, he attempted to stoke the flames higher rather than making efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation. In doing so, Wu brought the wrath of those in the audience who disagreed with his vote on a particular bill, squarely down on his own head. Question after question returned to the same simple yes or no probe: Does Wu read the bills he votes on?
So what do to when you’re outnumbered by angry constituents who disagree with your positions?
Well, if you take a note from Congressman Jay Inslee’s (D-WA) playbook, you might cancel a town hall meeting at the last minute under the guise of being held up with other responsibilities–and instead re-schedule for a later time with as short notice as possible. Some suspect Congressmen using these tele-town halls actually just dial up a list of supporters.
What do you think: Should Congressmen read legislation before voting for it? And should they be able to squirm out of these traditional town hall meetings to other forums they can more easily control?
Have your say in the comments thread.
Tags: cap and trade, David Wu, featured, Health Care, Town Hall Meetings
Evan
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Honest, ethical members of congress would not dodge and around the difficult questions. Unfortunately, we may have no such ethical representation in our congressional deligation. Seems they all come to treat their role not as elected to serve, but as an entitlement similar to that of nobility. The national capitol is such a corrupting influence that all seem affected by the end of their first term. THROW THEM ALL OUT AND START OVER. Do not vote for any incumbents. Do not vote for the candidate who has the largest campaign fund -they are the ones most affected by influence pedlers, special interests, and lobbyists.
He’s not working for you or I folks.
He doesn’t care.
Absolutely, Wu would rather not be bothered by his hoi poloi constituency. He has won by such large margins that he feels he has a sinecure of office. It is time to toss this deadwood out of that office
what a crock. I was waiting for him to bring out the tap shoes. you guys voted this bozo in office and it is high time to vote him out!!!! -
Wu is representing us using his best judgment? Sounded like he figured that someone read the bill (party line) and so it must be okay, he blindly signed on. Government based on personal feelings may be disastrous for us the American people. I’d rather have my elected official have first hand interest and knowledge in addition to articles of law and Constitutional foundations and the will of the American voters be the priority of his duty. Does “Re-elect WU!” sound good to you? I think NOT.
I’ve linked to this post with a quotation from our “Archive of Congress” http://www.jeremiahfilms.com/released/Congress/908051127
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