VIEW: 17-17: Uncivil Society

VIEW FROM HERE
By Bob McDowell (Born Neil Carson) Number 17-17
UNCIVIL SOCIETY Week of 2017/04/24
On Tuesday, April 11, Jim Bridenstine, Oklahoma First District Congressman hosted a
"Securing America Town Hall" at 6:30 P.M. in the Maybee Center at ORU (Oral Roberts University
for those few who haven't heard of it). The meeting had been advertized for a few weeks and
the Congressional office had advised there was substantial Internet communication among the
'professional disrupters' (protesters) to show up prepared.
Being a staunch supporter, and very proud constituent, of the Congressman it was
compelling for me to be present. In addition, because of previous disruptions of his speeches
to private groups, it seemed incumbent on me to make plans and obtain approval to video the
meeting. His staff very supportive and courteous allowed me to set up next to the audio
control panel box on the middle ramp around the arena. Thus my position allowed me to pan to
all sides below me, as well as the stage.
It was appalling to me to see the lack of consideration and rudeness shown by the
"pink shirted", and probably paid, protesters toward those of us who really wanted to hear what
the Congressman had to say. After reviewing the video it reinforced my feelings of being
offended. When operating the camera one is often so busy keeping it in focus that things are
not committed to memory. They had concentrated in groups scattered around the arena so that
they could make more interrupting and insulting loud shouts, and some standing up to block the
view of those sitting behind them. They really roared in objection and 'boos' when Cong. Jim
said simply "no" when asked if he would vote to 'fund Planned Parenthood'.
Unfortunately, I was not able to notice if they stood for the 'Pledge of Allegiance',
but would not be at all surprised if they did not. The music program before the opening
included the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Stand Up For America", the latter of which the
ones around me did NOT rise out of their seats. Thus a question about their actual loyalty and
patriotism toward the USA
During thoughts in the days following, the question has risen in my mind about what
appears to be a total 'double standard' in treatment of different groups that may be
demonstrating. One of my friends, a USAF retired Major, has advised me that when he goes to
participate in a protest over abortion, the group is required to stay across the street from
the 'clinic'. That being true, it bugs me that these far more aggressive and rude 'protesters'
are not required to stand across the street. It the last case, the venue was the Maybee Center
on the Oral Roberts Campus, so they could, and should, have been required to stay across South
Lewis Ave. or East 81st Street South and NOT interfere in any way with the movement of the
attendees in or out.
At least in the case of the Bridenstine 'Town Meeting' no violence was observed by me,
other than the verbal attacks on him. A news story on the meeting stated that he had thought
about asking them "if you hate me so much, why didn't you have a candidate against me last
year". That would have been very favorably received by those of us fully approving of his
service, both Navy, OK Air Guard, and Congress. Because the Navy would not allow him flight
status while serving in the Congress, he transferred to the OK Air Guard (to avoid 'cloud
fatigue'? as is affecting me).
It is strongly hoped that the new Administration will take a strong and more even
handed attitude and aggressive action on these situations as soon as the new administrators are
settled in and have the attention of their inherited 'bureaucrat' staffers. I can't wait to
see the results with no more of the destruction and trashing of property that has been common
the last decade. Each persons 'Constitutionally guaranteed civil rights' ends at the 'air
space' of each of the rest of us.
Composed April 18, 2017 End
© 2017
Robert W. McDowell, Jr. 841 Lynwood
Lane
918-451-1051 Broken Arrow OK 74011-8608
Email: abdmcfpi@localnet.com