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Profiles in Courage: Dem lawmaker cancels town hall due to security concerns
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) canceled a town hall on the new healthcare law Tuesday because of concerns about the security of the event. Scared to meet his constituents, is he? The congressman's office cited safety issues at the facility where the meeting was to take place and threats to his office, according to a report by News21. "The last time I tried a town hall meeting they pelted me with dog turds. This time it could be worse! The circus is in town! "We just thought it best to cancel it for safety concerns. This was not meant to be a place where we're going to talk partisan politics," Pat Lowry, a member of Ryan's staff, told News21. "Don't get me wrong, Congressman Ryan will debate anyone, anytime." "He just won't talk partisan politix." The cancelation comes a week after many lawmakers received threats because of their votes on the healthcare measure. "We're gonna vote your fat ass out" is a threat, I guess... Democrats and Republicans spent the end of last week sparring over which party bore the blame for the attacks. "I'm going into hiding because Sarah Palin called for my assassination!" Some Democrats, such as DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, accused Republicans of stoking the anger of Tea Party protesters, who Democrats say threatened members of their party. "Maybe you'll be able to find a rewarding career in the food service industry, Congressman!" "Help! Help! I'm being threatened!" Some Republicans, such as House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), blamed Democrats for using the attacks as a political weapon against them. "I'm the one with the bullet hole in my window!" "Yeah, but that was just random!" "They arrested a guy who was gonna murder me!" "That was random, too. He coulda murdered anybody." A number of demonstrators who both supported and opposed the healthcare overhaul showed up at the event, which was to be held at the Youngstown Community Health Center. "Arrrrr! Lemme at him!" According to the Warren Tribune Chronicle, a threatening letter was mailed to Ryan after he voted in favor of the healthcare reform bill a week and a half ago. Ryan's office told the news outlets that it plans to reschedule the event and hold it at a venue that has adequate security. Posted by: Fred 2010-04-01 |
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