Meeting a Congresswoman

My family and I had the awesome opportunity to go to the grand opening of Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle campaign office.  We had the amazing opportunity to meet her, talk with her, and even get our picture taken with her.

She is up for re-election this coming November.  And I am hoping I get to be involved in this.  I have been wanting to start getting a little more involved.  
My family and I got there a little early today (as we have a habit of doing), and after quite a few people came in, one lady told us that we had protesters trying to prevent entry into the campaign office.   This same lady told me there were about 25 of them and were very vocal.  My husband went to the front of the building to see what was going on, but the police were there by that time and they were dispersing.   They were carrying signs with slogans of "tax the 1%" and "tax the rich",  had a box of shoes that they were carrying saying things like "walk a mile in my shoes".  Protesting her vote on the unemployment benefits extension.     Here is the link if you are interested.  Buerkle Campaign Kickoff protesters

She was very gracious today ~ she woke up ill this morning, and yet she still made it to a town hall meeting and this opening.  She said in her speech today that the vision she is working for says that "we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights ~ life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  And that the rights belong to us as individuals and the governments ONLY job is to protect those rights, not to grant those rights."   It is refreshing to hear a representative echo the sentiments that I believe.  That government has gotten too big.  That government has taken over too much.  That government is just not what our constitution insists that should be.  She said that this election would be about personal attacks.  She said that she will keep her campaign about nothing BUT the issues.  Rep. Buerkle is determined to make the issues matter.  She mentioned that our state is undergoing redistricting, and no one is sure yet what all that means.  She did refer to the protesters today, saying that it is wonderful that we live in a country where the right to protest is protected.  But that we should not give any more handouts, but we need to give handups.  She recognized the veterans and thanked them for their service. 

I was so grateful to be able to be a part of this today.   Being a homeschooling mom, I want to help my children understand the process of our government.  It was also very nice to meet more like minded people in our area.  There was a nice camaraderie there today.  I had a wonderful time!  It is so nice to know that we do have representatives who care about the things we care about!