There is a certain attitude towards government (generally fostered by those that hate government) that government is NOT of the people, by the people, nor for the people, but instead some nefarious "Them". In the minds of these people, the government is the enemy. For some, this mindset is promoted as a rationale for privitizing government functions. Ultimately, our government suffers. Most people in public service (whether elected or hired) do good work, and take pride in helping the country. Those with law degrees in particular could make much more money in the private sector than they do serving their country in the halls of government.

This is why it is so important that those elected to office do their work transparently, and are open to dialogue with those they represent. Like most jobs in customer service, the people you hear from are not those that are happy, but those that have problems. For those in these positions, trying to avoid their voices (or silence them) will make you look bad, and those seeking your ear even more angry and determined.

In the summer of 2009, Congress was working on a bill to overhaul the healthcare financing system (essentially - revising how health care is paid for, and rules for those providing the financing, ie: the insurance companies). A disinformation campaign by those interested in maintaining the status quo drove crowds of angry voters into town hall meetings of Democratic House representatives, encouraged by political commentors from an erstwhile news channel. They were loud and disruptive. They cried that Congress had overstepped its bounds. Some had to be removed to ensure that all attending could have a chance to have their voices heard. Were any arrested? I don't remember that being the case. I could not find any archived news articles reporting that.

This year, the shoe is on the other foot. Republican Paul Ryan (R-WI) put forth a bill that he claimed would balance the budget, with Medicare as the primary casualty. The uproar from the electorate has been resounding. Republican Congress members who voted for the bill have faced constituents - armed with intelligence and facts - in town hall meetings, asking them to explain why they voted to replace Medicare with a "voucher system" (video). The Republicans - apparently unaware that they overplayed their hand - are suddenly now in damage control mode. Speaker Boehner is distancing himself from the plan, as Democrats take advantage to court older voters.

Unfortunately, at least one Republican is reacting to the protests in a way that's all to familiar for them - by arresting the protester. Radio or Not radio host Nicole Sandler was arrested in Fort Lauderdale while trying to ask questions of Rep Allen West (R-FL) (Note: article is written with definite RW slant). This is reminiscent of peaceful protesters being arrested outside of Bush events, or Bush's Residence, or the UN. How long will it be before Republicans began creating "Free Speech Zones" outside their town halls? (Free Speech Zone is a prime example of Bush-era 1984 NewSpeak).

In 2009, Democrats weathered the blistering verbal anger of voters as they tried to explain their actions. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, one can only hope the Republicans will act as benignly as the Democrats did. One can only hope that the actions of Rep Allen West are a singular disturbing exception. Shuffling dissenting voices off to prison are the actions of past Kings and tyrants, rejected when the Constitution was written. These are the types of actions that drive a wedge between the government and the people, where none should exist.