Senators deaf to our pleas
On May 9, I, along with a group of 16 people – some clergy, some constituents with pre-existing conditions – went to the Nashville offices of Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker to ask that they oppose the American Health Care Act. We had written in advance, asking for an appointment, but received no response. We hoped to deliver names and stories of citizens who are afraid of losing their health care under the House plan, which is now being reviewed by the Senate.
Unfortunately our senators, or those acting in their behalf, thought it necessary to blockade the office building. Instead of being allowed to peacefully make our case to the senators, we were met outdoors by aides from each office who told us we would not be allowed to enter because we did not have appointments. The closest we could get was the garage entrance, where the door was also locked.
This is the kind of representation the citizens of Tennessee have in Washington. Our officials are deaf to our reasonable pleas, so we recently held a candlelight vigil at Elmington Park in Nashville to pray for the restoration of our democracy.
Lenda Sherrell