What democracy looks and sounds like

On June 4, I stood with dozens of other protesters outside a private fundraiser Rep. Roskam was holding with his donors in Wheaton. Along with the other protesters, I smiled and waved at motorists going by and lifted my sign. We chanted, "This is what democracy looks like."

Our need to communicate with Rep. Roskam through peaceful protest is a direct result of his reluctance to hold face-to-face meetings with constituents. He does hold regular, carefully controlled telephone "town halls."

As is typical in the protests I attend, our group on June 4 was orderly and respectful, though not silent. Our group ranged in age from preschool to seniors. I saw no signs of hostility or threats.

For the present, all that Rep. Roskam has to fear from his constituents is our voices articulating our disagreement with his positions on many issues. Come Nov. 6, he can also worry about our votes. He cannot avoid them.

This is what democracy looks like.

Karen Haugen

Downers Grove