Are some Republicans in Congress hiding from constituents by refusing to hold town hall meetings on such vitally important topics as the future of the Affordable Care Act or immigration enforcement? To his credit, McClintock hasn't shied away from public meetings despite requiring a police escort to leave a recent town hall in Roseville. (Issa does get some credit for meeting with protestors outside his office on Tuesday, though this is not a substitute for regularly scheduled public meetings.) Holding town halls meetings may not be essential to the job, but hearing from the public is. Members of Congress must find ways to engage constituents honestly — and no, holding a faux town hall by phone is not honest engagement.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 22, 2017 12:00 UTC