Sheldon Whitehouse and Jim Langevin have each scheduled two town hall meetings to meet with constituents.  I don't support either one, but I am glad to see they are doing their jobs.  Some town hall meetings in other states have become rather raucous.  It's anyone's guess how Rhode Island's meetings will go, but at least Sheldon Whitehouse and Jim Langevin are meeting with their constituents, like they're supposed to.  Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Jack Reed and Patrick Kennedy.

     Jack Reed is full of excuses.  It appears the Senator thinks town hall meetings are "theatrical," so he doesn't feel he should hold any.  Instead, he favors having a "tele-chat," which is similar to a public conference call.  This is a great way to handle the situation if you are afraid to face your constituents.  Rather than having to look people in the eye and field tough questions, he'll just have to look into a web cam while someone presents him with easy questions, while the tough ones are ignored.  Way to go Jack!  He'll get to cover himself by saying he "met" with his constituents, without actually having to meet with them.

     As for Patrick Kennedy, I can't say I'm surprised he won't be holding a town hall meeting.  We might see him in a very small, controlled environment, but certainly not in a town hall setting.  It's too bad, because I'm sure a Kennedy town hall would be well-attended.  People would probably pay to see him squirm and stumble to explain the House bill, which he probably hasn't even read.  It's a shame that Rhode Islanders don't have a Congressman with the nerve and competence to face his constituents.

     I'm hoping the town halls don't turn into a circus, but I do hope they are filled with pointed questions which expose the Rhode Island delegation.  They've been allowed to coast for too long.