OPINION: Why are our representatives afraid to face us at home?

Moscow-Pullman Daily News (ID)

Feb. 24--On Monday, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers held a town-hall-style conference call with her constituents.

It lasted just 50 minutes due to "technical difficulties" and the congresswoman answered 17 questions, according to The Spokesman-Review.

During the call, she reinforced her support for President Donald Trump and the Republicans' plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

One woman told the Spokesman that her question was first screened by McMorris Rodgers' staff before she had a chance to ask it, a chance that never came.

"She is restricting access to constituents in a way that I find unacceptable," Kate Bitz said. "I don't see why she doesn't hold a real town hall."

While we don't know the official reason for this, either, we can't help but speculate that maybe the congresswoman wanted to avoid the scene that is happening around the country.

Republican congressmen and -women are routinely seeing large crowds attend their town halls in their districts, and those crowds aren't happy.

Many are expressing their displeasure over the direction the new administration is headed, and their fears over the future of health care. They are demanding better answers than what their political leaders are giving. Lawmakers are often greeted with boos, jeers and skepticism over their promises and plans.

According to The Associated Press, many are deciding instead to hold private meetings or organize conference calls rather than meet concerned voters in person.

Instead of taking the hint, the GOP has continued to purvey a toxic "Us vs. Them" attitude.

The president has dismissed these crowds as either paid protesters or planned out by liberal activists.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told the AP these protesters "had their shot," but "winners make policy and the losers go home."

Well, those who voted for the "losers" are still your constituents, Sen. McConnell.

Their frustration should not be ignored. The fears about this administration and that ACA will be repealed are more widespread than these lawmakers seem to think. And the noise will only get louder.

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