Senators Bond and McCain that insecure in their views?

When did we stop all being Americans?

When did we stop all wanting to improve America?

I submit it was with the end of the "Fairness Doctrine" in our media, when the right-wing and Republicans did away with it. It coincided with the rise of the religious right wing and religion in government, to make things worse.

That created the rise in shows like Bill O'Reilly's and Glenn Beck's, etc., where we can just trash any other opposing views, ad infinitum--and ad nauseum.

Instead of pointing out a problem--and then a solution--now these shows just bash the opposing party or parties and, as I said, any opposing views.

It's just become a rant.

What was really galling was that, during George W. Bush's administration, from 2000 to 2008, the President's handlers would hand pick audiences for town hall meetings and television broadcasts.

Are we not all Americans? Can we not all go see and speak to our President?

At that time, clearly, the answer was no.

Fortunately, during President Obama's administration, we've gotten back to letting evryone in these meetings.

Hold a different view? No problem--you're an American, step right in.

And that is very refreshing.

Now the opposing side, however, wants to show their disapproval--and ignorance, to put it plainly--by showing up at these meetings with the President armed with weapons.

Insane. That's truly crazy. And patently irresponsible.

And yet they do it.

So, now, what's happening, here in Missouri?

In a blatant return to past, ugly, Republican practices, Senators Bond and McCain are going to speak here in Kansas City on health care but they're going to only allow supporters in the audience.

They're going to pick and pack their audience.

That's pathetic.

I ask again--are we not all Americans?

Are these men so insecure in their beliefs and policies that they cannot and will not allow opposing views within the room?

The answer appears, really, absolutely, to be yes.

Link to story:
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1411818.html