Just got email from Bill Owens, US Representative for NY-23 (possibly because I donated to his November special election campaign). The most interesting part reads
There are a lot of good people who support health care reform, and a lot of good people who oppose the plan. Unfortunately, there have been people from outside our community that have been verbally abusive to my staff, and made thinly-veiled threats of violence. Meanwhile, local and national Tea Party groups are more concerned with distorting my record and "declaring war" on me instead of providing real solutions to our nations problems. Now is the time for thoughtful conversation, not aggression, lies, or nonsensical rhetoric.
Unfortunately, his note says that he is still undecided on health care reform.
A lot of you might be wondering where I stand in the ongoing discussion on health care. I am still undecided on how I will vote on this piece of legislation.
OTOH, I really don't think he's liking Tea Party activists too much right about now.
Another paragraph reads:
Most importantly, I am gathering your input. Last week, I held a telephone town hall and spoke with over 3,700 constituents in our community. Your top concern voiced during an nonscientific poll on the conference call was, not surprisingly, job creation at 44%, with 25% stating that health care was their top concern. Telephones in all five of my offices have been ringing off the hook. Thousands of people from across the country have left voicemails, sent e-mails and written letters to voice their opinion. It is safe to say that I have heard from all sides of the debate, and most have expressed their concerns in a civil manner. It is no surprise that people on both sides of this issue are passionate. However, there is a line between civil discourse and the physical and verbal threats that I have received at my offices back home.
I certainly hope no one supporting health care reform is responsible for these threats.
One thing is for sure. Unless he votes for it he will not be receiving any contribution from me to his election this November (and vice versa), and I've told him exactly that. You could let him know that too, if you are so inclined.
Update: More Tea Party insanity documented in Ohio