Bloomington Herald-Times, September 26, 2009
To the editor:
"This is my town hall meeting for you. And you're not going to tell me how to run my Congressional office. Now the reason why I don't allow filming is because usually the films that are done end up on YouTube in a compromising position."
The above quote by Congressman Baron Hill explains why he refused to allow a student to film his September 2 town hall meeting in Bloomington for her school project. Hill admitted a naked political motivation for infringing on free speech and academic freedom.
Congressman Hill, you need to remember that "Baron" is your name, not your title. As far as whether we will tell you how to run "your" office, you need to remember that you work for us, not the other way around. We pay for your salary, your pension, your office space and your support staff. You were elected to represent us in Washington, not to arrogantly make pronouncements about what you will permit.
What is Baron Hill trying to hide? Hill issued a press release on June 12, 2007 calling for, among other things, "a more open and honest government." What exactly is open about hiding from your constituents? Where is Baron?
Scott Tibbs.
