CITIZENS SPEAK - Why Should We Pay

Sometimes it takes a senior to remind us of the fundamentals of Democracy and civil responsibility.

Barbara Rank, Thanks

OPINION - Shields and Brooks 4/14/2017

"Shields and Brooks on GOP home-district hostility, Trump policy reversals" PBS NewsHour 4/14/2017

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks join Judy Woodruff to discuss the week's news, including how Republican members of Congress are facing heat from crowds of their own constituents while home during recess, why President Trump's views have shifted on China, NATO, and Janet Yellen, and more.

THE RESISTANCE - Congressional Town Halls

aka 'The Rats Scurry for Cover'

"At congressional town hall meetings, citizens turn up the volume — and activism" PBS NewsHour 2/24/2017

Excerpt

SUMMARY:  With members of Congress on recess, usually that would mean lawmakers meeting with constituents at home in their districts.  But fewer than 30 Republicans are holding meetings in the face of local protests and rowdy town halls.  Lisa Desjardins reports from New Jersey, where five-term Rep. Leonard Lance faced more than a thousand people, ready to let him hear their urgent concerns.

JUDY WOODRUFF (NewsHour):  Members of Congress have been on recess this week.  Usually, that would mean a number of constituent town halls in their home states and districts.

But fewer than 30 Republicans are holding those meetings, as protests grow outside some district offices, and constituents rally inside the town halls that are scheduled.