Sen. Rubio Avoids Town Halls

Senator Marco Rubio joins the group that refuses to meet with constituents in a public setting. He cites that due to the antics of "activists" it would not be productive. He doesn't want to be a crowd that would "heckle and scream" at him.

These cowardly acts of avoidance are unacceptable in our democracy. These people are hired to represent us. It is possible that the "activists" he is worried about are "real people" with real concerns. That they are mad and don't want to see their representatives or country follow this path.

Here is the letter I sent to Sen. Rubio:

Sen. Rubio,
I am retired, disabled military service member with over twenty years of distinguished service. I am an Iraqi veteran. I was a Federal law enforcement officer protecting this country from drug smugglers, illegal immigrants and wildlife poachers. I was a first responder during nearly every major hurricane that has hit Florida in the last two decades.

If you would hold a town meeting, I would be there. I would tell you how upset I am about your lack of support for issues that affect me and those in my community. Twenty million people will go without insurance if the ACA is not replaced immediately, most of those people are in Florida. Trust for the government is at an historical low and this administration has the worst record for transparency, but you continue to not hold anyone accountable. Your absentee record at Senate votes is unacceptable. In short, I would be very upset about the many issues where you seem to ignore the public interest.

Does this make me an activist? I don't think so. It makes me a concerned citizen of the state of Florida and our great country. It makes me a patriot, American and responsible citizen. Your decision to hide from your constituents is a cowardly move to avoid our voices. A characteristic that is becoming too normal and regularly occurring with this new administration. Do not follow their path of avoidance and fear. Step out and hear the will of the people, for better or worse, and be ready to perform your duties as a public servant.

If you find the courage to step out and meet with us, your voters you are charged with serving, I will promise to do everything that is in my power to allow you time to speak. I have faith others will stand beside me to do the same. What I can not promise is you will meet a crowd of adoring fans, but rest assured everyone will be concerned about the future of our country. I am, above everything else, one voter. If that means anything to you, I look forward to your appearance.
______________________

I don't think this will change anything in his mind. I believe he has his eyes set on 2020. He won't break ranks now, but its important to let them know that they are failing us. We are not just activists. We are many hard working, hopeful individuals that are placing faith in Rubio, Nelson and all the elected representatives.

We deserve to be heard, whether it is bad or good, and representatives should be held to the requirement of listening.