Readers Write: Feb. 23

Protest at open office event was misplaced

I was looking forward to the congressmen Isakson, Perdue, Hice Open Office event on Feb. 10. The public was invited to state their concerns about the issues. That morning, I looked on Facebook to confirm the address and I saw a posting saying, “Let’s get as many protesters as we can to this event.” I thought to myself, “I’m not going to protest, I’ve been invited to a conversation.” The first speaker explained the format in which there were six legislative aides who would take people, one-to-one, into conference rooms to hear their concerns. Six people could speak their concerns at once, rather than only one at a time, as in the town hall format. When I arrived, I was directed to enter by the side door because the room was full to capacity through the front door, so I didn’t know there was a sign-up sheet. The audience booed the speaker and yelled “Shame, shame, shame.” This was followed with more chants: “Town Hall, Town Hall. Are you going to listen?”, “This is what Democracy looks like” and “Do your job”.

I am in agreement with all of the issues these protesters represent. I attended the Women’s March in Washington D.C., but this protest felt misplaced to me. We have to choose our battles carefully and direct our momentum effectively.