When is a Town Hall not a Town Hall?
There is much in the “news” of late about town hall meetings and the wracking-over -the-coals that many of our representative congress men and women are taking. (Perhaps our trusted congress men and women would be advised to conduct such meeting on a more regular bases should they truly be interested in the opinions of those they claim to represent. The anger level they encounter might well be much less!) True Town Hall Meetings are just what we see in the “news” with the exception that the in-your-face, finger wagging, or fist waving confrontations are not representative of the general character of most Town Hall Meetings—at least not in my personal experience. Shouting, yes! Heated discussion, yes! Passionate exchanges, yes! But Town Hall Meetings can also be rather boring at times and frequently uneventful. But, since the “news” is not usually anything less than the sensational most prime time TV news editors and newspaper front page boards would not find such Town Hall Meetings with well behaved citizen very interesting, and more to the point—in keeping with the picture of “reality” that they want to present that supports their internal editorial positions or support of one political party or another, or a political position on an issue of their choice.
In contrast to a real Town Hall Meetings as described above we also have the ‘political rally’ disguised as a Town Hall Meeting. What is the difference? For those of you who have never attended a Town Hall Meeting or a Political Rally let me explain. In the real Town Hall Meeting local citizens of all political persuasions come together in the meeting hall to “talk it out,” to influence one another and their representative if possible. There is no special invitation, usually no special seating arrangement, and no restrictions on who will attend. But, in the political rally disguised as a Town Hall Meeting, only those that are Party Loyalist are invited to attend—who do you think sits on the stage behind President Obama, for example. This is how this usually works: there are usually a limited number of seats in the meeting place—not unexpected. Party officials pass out tickets to trusted party members who then pass out the tickets to trusted party underlings who then transmit tickets to neighbors and friends usually of like political interest or those who they would like to recruit. The result is a collection of likeminded individuals compiling a “friendly audience” that is not likely to embarrass the candidate or high level elected or appointed official. Numbers of people are important too so that it all looks good on the evening news; a long line of waiting people outside creates the desired effect. Inside, if questions are to be asked, it is the norm to prescreen to the degree possible all questions and questioners. The candidate or official is briefed as to the nature of the questions and who is asking the question—do you really think that little Miss Hall got the President’s attention just because she was present? It all looks pretty random and unscripted, but in fact is well organized in order that the proceeding may produce the intended outcome as best as possible. If the candidate or official is stumped or embarrassed by a question or questioner it is usually considered a staff failure, an appointee not doing his or her job properly. Image is everything; unintended outcomes and unanticipated political exposure could be interpreted as weakness or unpreparedness by the candidate or official.
Is there something ill moral about this? Not necessarily! If I were a chief of staff, or a campaign manager, I would want my person to look and perform to the best of their ability, to be a winner and to look and sound like a winner. But, let’s be clear here; politics is a serious game played by people who are very serious about politics, themselves, and their political goals. Professional politicians see themselves as better able, better prepared, and better suited to make political decisions for the rest of us and to command the political direction of the nation and to shape it in their own image (and to some degree they are correct because Joe Citizen doesn’t usually care about what is going on in Washington, his Capital, or City Hall until he is about to loose something dear to him and then it’s usually too late). Nothing happens in Washington without a reason, known or unknown; of that you can rest assured! And, the end result justifies any means—legal or not, e.g. Nixon – Watergate! Real Statesmen are very rare indeed!
So what are we to do then? It is all hard work, but here are a few suggestions: First, know who you are intellectually, spiritually, and politically. Do your homework—know your U.S. history, the issues, what you believe and why; know the political personalities of your area, your Congressmen or Congresswomen; familiarize yourself with their record, their beliefs, and their history. Second, make yourself known to your local, state, and national representatives; write letters, make phone calls, drop by their offices and get to know their staff members. And always be polite and good natured when interfacing with your political representatives at any level, but also be well informed, persistent, and assertive (not aggressive or confrontational). Remember, you represent your town, state, and your family and friends. Work to garner respect, not contempt! And, always remember too that with great freedom comes also great responsibility! Nothing that has lasting value—such as your personal liberty— comes free of charge, personal or otherwise. There is a truism that I read long ago and have kept with me that says: Freedom is like a coat; it is never missed until it is lost!
D. M. Elmquist, Editor
Tags: President Obama, town hall meeting
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