We need and deserve real leaders

I would like to respond to Mary Plunkett's letter, "Town hall 'protests' beneath our dignity" from Saturday March 18. The protests that are "getting old" are what our young nation was founded and fought for no matter how phony and dysfunctional they appear.

Ms. Plunkett is correct in saying solutions are needed, but if the lawmakers are not responding to those questions in a reasonable amount of time or answered inadequately, then the protesters feel they have a right to speak out. We should welcome and protect these protests because they can broaden viewpoints.

Running away from angry people is not a constructive response. Speech 101 taught me to know my audience. Laying down some ground rules before the meetings begin is not out of the question. People that do not follow the ground rules can be asked to leave. Lawmakers need to listen to the people. A town-hall meeting is an excellent way for lawmakers to understand how their constituents feel. The lawmakers need to show some backbone.

The incredible amount of money you earn comes directly from us. You are transported to work. You are given great health insurance, better than anyone else in the nation. You can vacation when it suits you. You have a pension for life for a few years work. I can't possibly feel sorry for you that these people are angry or how they are reacting. Conduct a town-hall meeting and be able to control the really angry persons, and you will earn my respect.

Since Mary brought up Mr. Roskam, it is my feeling he needs to jump into the fire. Your constituents deserve it. And that goes for the Democrats too. Our nation needs and deserves real leaders.

Bill Sherwin

Wheaton