The statement from Congressman Bresnahan’s office (“They’re talking. Who’s listening?” River Reporter, July 17-23) was offensive, repellent and misleading.

I personally know at least five of the participants mentioned. They are not “radical left.” They are people who love their country; they feel it is, in many areas, headed in the wrong direction, and want to address their representative directly. The statement was just an ad hominem attack on constituents who disagree with the congressman. 

I heard about the event but could not attend. Bresnahan seems to have been confused about the nature of the event, but it was perfectly obvious to me that the event was to be a town hall. To be clear what a town hall is: The congressman attends live and in person. Any constituent is welcome to attend and ask a question or express an opinion. Direct engagement with the congressman. No filters. One on one.

The reference to “100 public events” in the statement does not refer to town halls as described above. Those events have been specific to one occasion, organization or issue. Worthwhile—but not town halls.

If the congressman was afraid of attending the June 20 event, he should organize his own town hall. Well publicized, not just on his website but advertised in the papers and on local media. Him in person, one-on-one with his constituents—or is he afraid to talk directly with us?

Patricia Wilson
Equinunk, PA