Americans for Prosperity has always encouraged members to visit the district offices and attend town hall meetings of their senators and representatives, especially during this August break when issues like health care and cap-and-trade are at the peak of debate. Our 500,000+ members are concerned about the impact of the cap-and-trade energy tax and a government takeover of health care, and we have a variety of grassroots events going on around the country. 
 
In fact, I personally visited the office of my senator, Sen. Jim Webb, on July 17 when we along with other free-market organizations urged activists to go to their representatives' offices.The footage on YouTube of our rally that day clearly shows the civil and courteous manner in which we have acted and in which we urge all Americans to act. 
 
We have encouraged our members to find out when their elected officials will be available and to share that information with us so that we can help others find the meetings. This is grassroots activism in its most basic form.  We always promote a respectful exchange of ideas and civil behavior.  In fact, I often say at events that we should "respect the office while making our voices heard."  We never condone disruptive behavior.
 
It is disappointing to hear reports of some individuals acting inappropriately at some of the congressional events, though it should be made clear that the vast majority of Americans attending these congressional town hall meetings are acting in a respectful manner that still allows them to make their voices heard.  We consistently remind our members to be courteous when making their voices heard and doing their civic duty.
 
As key issues like the health care takeover and the cap-and-trade energy tax are considered in Congress, we will continue to implore Americans to make their voices heard by contacting their members of Congress. 
 
Tim Phillips
President, Americans for Prosperity