The Hoglawyer

I love town hall meetings. In theory, they are a bedrock of our democratic system. Common citizens get to ask questions and express their opinion to the elected politicians. In theory it is about an exchange of ideas, including expressing displeasure and dissent. But, when radicals of the left or right decide it is more important to be disruptive, they become anti-democratic. No politician is going to want to have a town hall meeting if the participants can't be heard because of shouting, booing, and general boorish behavior. The should be able to shout all they want - outside of the meeting - in front of the politicians' offices but not in an event where communication is the key.

Of course, what they are really hoping for is a youtube moment - even better - they want a politician to be seen on camera while a protester gets hit with a taser. So please, don't make martyrs our of the teabaggers.