I’m weary of the hypocritical letters attacking Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground. Take Claire Pang’s Aug. 27 letter where — gasp! — she was asked to make an appointment to meet with a member of Congress (“Herrera Beutler doesn’t engage,” Our Readers’ Views, Aug. 27). She also whined that she was asked to clarify her definition of “assault weapon.” It’s a legitimate question, since even the media frequently cite the danger of “automatic weapons” … and they’re already illegal.
Herrera Beutler is a decent person who’s constantly accessible via telephone town halls, jobs fairs, etc. Meanwhile, ever visit U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell or Patty Murray’s offices? The doors are locked; you get nothing but a sign that says you need an appointment to even speak to staff. When was the last time Claire Pang visited them demanding meetings or berating staffers? I’m guessing never, because Jaime is a Republican and Claire and all the other recent letter authors are motivated by political affiliation and nothing more.
