Have you ever worked with someone in your office, in a service group, or maybe you have a relative who tried to dominate with their loud angry voice? The Family Crisis Centers must hear a lot about angry people who abuse their spouse and children including controlling the household with their screaming, profanity, treats of violence and in too many cases actual violence.

The scene of the Brooks Brothers Riot in Florida in the autumn of 2000 was of the Republican Party U.S. congressional staff — paid for by our tax dollars, no less — who screamed and otherwise intimidated Miami elections officials to stop the ballot recount. Not a single vote was counted after this attack on democracy. No one went to jail! None from that Republican Party congressional staff were fired!

Today, at town hall meetings around the country, these same tactics are being used by the Republican Party to stop any heath care debate. A debate which would clearly lead to long-term solutions for solving the health care crisis in America.  The Republican Party does not want this debate to take place. 

Counselors from Family Crisis Centers tell stories about abused spouses who go back to their abuser time and time again — only to be abused again. Eventually, many of those who are abused have that moment of clarity drawing up within themselves the courage to first walk away from the abuse forever and then to take action. What a great example for us all.

It is time to act. To do something before the bullies in our society deny us all a resolution to the health care crisis. What I think works best is for us grown ups to attend the town hall meetings and write letters — especially those who have a health care story to tell. Simply let our side of the story be told, and then let’s debate the issues. 

Ted Hinnenkamp

Albert Lea