Congressman Bachus Statement on Efforts To Discredit Town Hall Meetings

WASHINGTON - Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today issued the following statement on recent statements by Democrat leaders discrediting town hall meetings on health care.

Bachus will hold a Town Hall on Health Care on Monday, August 17 at 7 p.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center, 3660 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

"I find it ironic and quite cynical seeing my Democrat colleagues in Congress wringing their hands because grass-roots Americans are rising up to make their voices heard about government-run health care plans.

"After all, Democrats are blocking Republicans from communicating accurately and honestly with the very people who sent us to Congress. Traditionally, Congressmen have been able to send letters and e-mails on legislative issues directly to constituents without censorship of content by the Majority-controlled Franking Commission.

"No longer.

"Backed by dominating majorities and the Obama White House, Democrats are blocking Republican mailings that don't comply with Democrat demands. For example, Democrats forbid the term ‘government-run' or ‘government takeover' of health care. They demand Republican use ‘public option' health care instead. They even reject our referring to them as ‘Democrats,' demanding we use the term ‘the Majority party' instead. My own e-newsletter was censored. It goes on, not only preventing honest communications, but even telling Republicans what to say and how they must say it.

"Democracy requires a fair and honest exchange of facts and truth. Democrats are blocking such exchanges. Democrats should not be surprised to see American citizens upset enough to spontaneously attend town hall meetings and make their feelings known.

"No wonder people back home are upset. I'm upset too."