Post by dgriffin on Aug 19, 2009 17:07:40 GMT -5
Town hall outbursts prompt security measures
By JOLEEN FERRIS
Story Updated: Aug 18, 2009 at 1:11 PM EDT
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Town hall meetings regarding President Obama's proposed health care plan have been very eventful in cities throughout the country.
Audience members have been interrupting political leaders holding the meetings, shouting questions, and, sometimes, insults. One local college hosting such a town hall meeting for Congressman Michael Arcuri Wednesday night is prepared.
"We do plan to have folks on hand. Both college security and UPD has offered to have officers present," said Mohawk Valley Community College Communications Director Matthew Snyder. " We don't anticipate any problems. We're really looking forward to a good conversation about the issues of the day."
Snyder says the college's IT Center, where the meeting will take place, was meant to be a place for the exchange of ideas. His concern and that of college leaders is that the discourse is civil, and of course, safe.
Arcuri is hosting the town hall meeting.
www.wktv.com/news/local/53577042.html
Maybe a better idea than giving people the bum's rush would be to create a program where Arcuri speaks first to position the issue for half an hour, individuals take the mike for a half hour, and Arcuri sums up what he learned in the ending 15 minutes. That's America, in my view, not listening the whole time to a guy who says he hasn't made up his mind. What does he have to say?