I have been told that conservative Republicans at the Gaylord meeting with Congressman Bergman were upset with the behavior of some attendees. I also recently read a letter to the editor of one person’s view that conservatives like him were better at attending town hall meetings because; well, they were better? Taking the opportunity for people to air their concerns and accept their angst on legislation that affects their lives is the job of the politician, the hired representative of all the people. If by “conservative” he hopes to sway the reader that only one political party has those leanings he is misleading; there are “conservative” thinkers in all walks of life and all political parties; and I am talking about Independents, Green Party or any other groups — not just the major two.

Has the current political party at the helm forgotten their own negative behavior of 2010? Their outrage of giving all American’s the opportunity to have access to health care was endured by all at town hall meetings, the media, and the “talking heads” who made a good campaign of punching down the needs of the people. The answer they promoted was isolationism; always say no, do not engage in solutions at any cost. Is this the new definition of “conservative”?

Congressional representatives have the obligation to listen to everyone. It is their responsibility to set the pace of their meetings. Congressman Kildee of the 5th District has always had open, unbiased discussion for all constituents. Whereas, Congressmen Bergman of the 1st District has a need to control the engagement with his constituents by bringing police escorts to public events, only allowing specific topics, and changing true face to face communication to phone meetings. This is not Democracy at work. It is bullying at the highest level.

Margy Kutzera

Harrisville