Why won't they talk to us?

As the news of "crazed" town hall meetings dominates the news, we here in Arkansas are finding it hard to even get a return phone call or an email.

Monday morning August 3rd I received a call from a friend letting me know they had contacted Rep. Vic Snyder's office and asked if he was going to hold any Town Hall meeting during his recess,the answer...NO!

So facebook, emails and twits went flying, appox. two hours later there surfaced a release that Rep. Snyder was going to hold a town hall meeting on Wednesday night the 5th of Aug at 6pm. with the Central Arkansas Labor Council. Once again the facebook, emails, blogs, and twits zoomed through cyber space. Approx 10 am yesterday morning (Tuesday, August 4th) we were told that it was a private meeting and that we would not be allowed inside. One more time we hit the keyboards to spread the message that it was a closed meeting but we should still attend to let Mr. Snyder know that we are very interested in having some time with him while he is home.

About 2:30 that same day while in a meeting my blackberry went into convulsions, in a matter of just a few minutes i received myriad texts, emails and facebook messages that the meeting had been canceled, perhaps moved to Arkansas Children's Hospital.

I know this is getting repetitive but this is the story, one more time we notified everyone. Below is the final statement we sent out. It is our sincere hope that our elected officials will find time while they are home on recess to openly discuss with the people of Arkansas the decisions they have been making while representing us in Washington.

I know that I am willing to listen intently, ask concise relevant questions in a respectful manner and convey in a civil tone my concerns.

Our Statement:
Friends
We found out this afternoon due to scheduling conflicts, Vic Snyder’s office is canceling the town hall meeting tomorrow night at the Central Arkansas Labor Council on Enmar Drive.Since then we have been informed that Representatives Snyder and Ross will be at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital at 2 pm for a town hall meeting. Our question would be why would our elected officials choose a hospital filled with children and hurting families for a political forum? We have waited for months for our elected officials to return in able to have an opportunity to respectfully address their decisions in Washington. To involve ill children and their families seems to be once again an extremely poor choice.Given these circumstances are beyond our control, we encourage you to be mindful of the situation and of the innocent families involved and to refrain from attending. Please keep those children and their families in your thoughts and prayers. As always, we encourage everyone to be firm and assertive but civil. We are honorable people who are sympathetic to the hurts of our fellow citizens.Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to have an open dialogue with our representatives during their recess. Please let them know in a considerate manner that we would like some of their time. Stay informed, engaged and empowered