Feb 23, 2017

Gabby Giffords to GOP: "Have some courage. Face your constituents.”

TED Conference via Flickr CC

Today Representative Louie Gohmert suggested the shooting of Gabby Giffords in 2011 was a reason not to hold a town hall. Giffords called him out on it and urged all representatives to listen to their voting base.

To politicians who have abandoned their civic obligations, I say this: Have some courage. Face your constituents. Hold town halls.

Why this matters: This comes after the House Sergeant at Arms advised lawmakers to assess security protocols to remain safe at town-halls, per Fox. Some have been so concerned about security that they are hosting tele-town halls to avoid managing high turnout and levels of frustration in person. For those who have returned to their home states, read about the fiery exchanges here and here.

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