Town hall disrupted

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers held a town hall meeting Aug. 21, and thoughtfully answered questions selected randomly.

But what most of us will remember is the constant disruption that always accompanies these meetings: the older man who kept jumping up and shouting out his opinions, and who after several warnings threw himself on the floor and had to be dragged out of the room by security; the red T-shirt who kept interrupting and, after multiple warnings from security, left with a huge smile on his face; the tall man who almost got into a fist fight with those around him before he was escorted out; the cowboy hat who shouted out his opinion to every question and answer, was warned multiple times, and finally left the meeting; and all those who booed Cathy’s answers.

Some people think the rules of democracy, common decency and civility don’t apply at mass meetings. The town hall format just doesn’t work very well as a way to communicate with our elected officials. Far better to email or write to Cathy, attend a Coffee with Cathy, or call or visit her various offices throughout the district.

Don Peters

Spokane