What do you have to lose if you speak up – it’s clear that we have everything to lose if you don’t. This was the mindset of over 900 people who gathered for a People’s Town Hall meeting, in which our State Congressman, Andy Barr, refused to show.
What was infuriating was the inflammatory, misleading and hostile comments he made on social media accusing the 900 constituents of his district of being paid actors, coming to harass and complain. Nothing was further from the truth. It was well organized, respectful and peaceful, structured to offer constructive feedback.
Here are the ways you can speak up too by following the same format.
TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY
How do the funding changes and firings made across multiple branches of the Federal Government affect you? We heard from people who spoke about cancer and other treatments that will be affected by cuts in medical research, Veterans concerned about cuts in services, students afraid that there won’t be jobs, and teachers concerned about cuts to education and book bans. I stood in line to talk about the impact of cuts to Medicaid and Social Security Disability on those I serve, but got to the mike just as time was up.
THIS AFFECTS ALL OF US BECAUSE
People talked about their loss of faith in the government to follow its constitutional mandates, about the loss of access to public parks, reductions to climate control and green initiatives. There was despair about reducing taxes for the rich while working people continue to pay and concerns about the impact of tariffs on businesses in Kentucky.
QUESTION FOR YOUR CONGRESS
The final objective was to wrap up your concerns with a specific ask for your Congressman. There were requests to restore funding to a specific agency, restore jobs, and vote against specific bills. The more specific the better. If our representatives don’t hear from us, the assumption is that there is agreement. And as the Republican Senators and Congressman are being instructed to not show, it is even more important to make your voice heard. Call the US Capital switchboard and leave a message 202-224-3121.
Are you ready to speak up? Reach out if you want support.
