MEETING: A rude welcome

I couldn’t attend Monday night’s Town Hall, but I watched a video of it and I’m appalled by the article’s one-sided tone and the disrespect shown by Representative Malek and Senator Souza. Yes, people displayed emotion when expressing concerns over legislative actions — or lack thereof — at state and federal levels. Yes, there were some raised voices — principally in response to condescending, disparaging behaviors of Malek and Souza. Most of the Town Hall proceeded without sturm and drang, but Malek and Souza are responsible for what there was. They demanded respect but failed to treat constituents with the respect they demanded for themselves.

Several speakers stated this was their first Town Hall, and that they were nervous and upset. When the audience expressed disagreement with legislators’ statements by calling out in protest, Souza and Malek repeatedly upbraided the audience — calling them third grade.

One woman, trying for calm, politely explained that speakers were emotional because they’re frightened by recent events. She said she knew it wasn’t easy for legislators to be on the receiving end, but requested understanding and sensitivity to the fears and concerns expressed by speakers who care about their kids and country. Malek utterly ignored her effort at conciliation and delivered an insulting off-point harangue to “buck up; it’s a little late to cry over spilled milk…” Malek’s and Souza’s lack of empathy and failure to respond constructively created discord that was avoidable had they been less focused on themselves and more on their constituents.

CAROLYN F. MATTOON

Hayden