Republicans Lock Down Town Halls to Stifle Critics



Rep Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) - Prevent democracy

By Evan McMorris-Santoro

In 2009, the current Republican Congressional majority rode into power on a wave of voter frustration voiced through organized protest at town halls. So it's perhaps out of fear that the same thing will happen to their majority in 2012 that Republicans found new and novel ways to stifle the voices of constituents who might criticize them. ...
That's the easiest way to avoid town hall criticism, of course: not to have a town hall at all. And that's exactly what Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) -- who is a prime target for progressive and Democratic protesters -- has done. Instead of public, open meetings, Ryan opted for visits with civic groups that charged the public admission to attend.