From the Trussville Tribune Staff Reports
HOOVER – U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer, who represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, held a town hall at Hoover City. He discussed various political issues with a room filled to capacity.
A crowd gathered at Hoover City Hall to hear from Palmer on Saturday morning. The limited seating inside left most of those gathered outside. Palmer spoke to the people who didn’t make it in before the event began.
As has been the case across the country, those in opposition to the Republicans arrived early and stacked the audience in their favor. The meeting frequently devolved into cheering, booing and yelling at Palmer, who maintained an even keel throughout the event.
During the meeting he answered questions about health care, immigration, defunding Planned Parenthood and climate change, which received some heated feedback from some in attendance.
People in the audience were given cards to signify their agreement or disagreement. Green cards indicated agreement while red cards indicated disagreement.
A recording of the town hall meeting can be viewed below.
19 Comments
Tjo Johnson
Is this ever going to stop? They are just going to make the next election much easier for the Republican party to win.
Mark Kelly
Goddamn democracy, allowing people to express their opinions and everything. Actually, hats off to Congressman Palmer who, unlike a growing number of his colleagues, isn’t afraid to be accountable to the people who pay his salary. http://weldbham.com/blog/2017/02/25/highlights-gary-palmers-town-hall-meeting/
Hope Islamoff Cooper
Mark Kelly Not sure how ‘accountable’, but at least he came and talked and listened.
Tjo Johnson
Mark Kelly it’s really hard to take you seriously when you start your post using a curse word. Perhaps you should follow the lead of your friend Scott Buttram and keep it more professional. This just shows you lack professionalism and cannot control your emotions. How can you expect to be taken seriously? My post wasn’t in response to the congressman. But I don’t feel the need to explain myself or my opinion.
Robert Stewart
The problem for progessives in Palmer’s district is the problem of Blue Dots in an entrenched Red Box. While their taxes may help pay his salary, his political donations are paid by the wealthiest Alabamians – white Republicans in Mtn Brook & Vestavia. Unfortunately, too, this situation is exacerbated by the legitimate need to create the majority African American 7th district. So Jefferson Co. remains hopelessly split. I appreciate now living in the more balanced 5th district of Davidson Co, TN. Represented by a middle-of-the-road white Democrat, who is broadly supported by a wide range of racial, ethnic and income voters.
Scott Buttram
Teresa, you make a good point. The end result of these town hall meetings is probably a strengthened resolve among conservative. The midterms after any election can be scary for the victorious party, but 2018 may see the conservatives take over even more.
I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few days watching town halls of Tom Cotton in Arkansas, Bill Cassidy in Louisiana and Gary Palmer here in Alabama.
All three town halls have played out the same. Alabama was probably the most well mannered, though it went south before it ended. Three conservative senators in states where Republicans won handily were lambasted by people who didn’t vote for them. That isn’t going to change their votes in D.C. at all.
Much of the assault was related to Trump. As long as Democrats continue to focus on the who instead of the why, the conservative movement will continue to grow worldwide.
Tjo Johnson
My sentiments exactly. I love the town hall setting but I can’t help but think why should I go when I know it’s going to be a disruptive environment. Scott Buttram thank you by the way for shooting straight from the hip when it comes to reporting the news. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Mark Kelly
Perhaps you’re right in this instance. Or perhaps I feel strongly because the country I love is in clear and present danger. That, of course, is a matter of opinion. Also, I like to curse from time to time, which is a vice I’d have a hard time shedding, and which I try to make up for in other ways. I don’t know whether or not you can relate to that, as you may have no vices other than lecturing people about their professionalism and personality flaws. In any case, if my choice of words as a private citizen offended you, I hope you’ll accept my sincere apologies.
Tjo Johnson
Curse all you want MarkKelly….freedom of speech. I just hate that one particular word. I agree with you in that our beloved country is right on the edge of tipping and in danger. Yes indeed I have many vices. I use a couple of curse words here and there too but that one nooo. If it felt like a lecture I apologize. Maybe I was. My grown son tells me I’m guilty of that. So I will give you 3 bad words you can use…$#it….damn and ass. Lol no harm no foul. Thanks for taking me to the shed.
Mark Kelly
Same to you, my friend. I completely understand where you’re coming from.
Melinda Shelton
It was a civil discussion with voters in his district.
Scott Buttram
There was certainly some civility along with some incivility.
Melinda Shelton
I watched the entire meeting and I didn’t see that at all.
Scott Buttram
So did I. Can I recommend and eye and ear doctor?
Scott Buttram
Seriously, Melinda, I appreciate your opinion and recognize that we may see things differently. But a civil discussion doesn’t usually include one party booing the other party’s answer. Or people standing and yelling insults. The video from the town hall is embedded in the story linked above, by the way.
Melinda Shelton
Nothing like personal insults. Thanks.
Scott Buttram
It was a joke, Melinda. I apologize if you were insulted.
Tjo Johnson
It was a bunch of Trump bashers showing up early to keep the supporters out if we’re truthful. He at least had the grace and respect to stand strong before them and take and answer their questions. No room for the home team though.
Tammy Sparks
I watched some of this last week….was so inspired to hear Congressman Palmer say he was wrong about his initial assessment of President Trump , then candidate Trump. Was also happy to hear him say that he thinks the local media is very respectful, but he doesn’t feel that way of the national media. Really wish there had been more supporters of him there. A friend of a friend who went said it was “awful.” I applaud him for holding this meeting. But I agree with the above post…..if this keeps up, we’ll have 8 years or more of the GOP running this country. That is fine with me! I’m very encouraged by the things this admin has accomplished in such a short time! I think we have a President who is all business, all the time and we haven’t had this kind of leadership in far too long.