Shuster shuns Fayette resident
Every year for the past nine years, I have the opportunity to meet with members of the United States Congress.
I partake of this lobby effort through the American Psychological Association. Yes, psychologists, as me, descend upon our Congress in an effort to teach, provide information, and assistance to our representatives and senators regarding the mental health needs of our country. The topics can range from school shootings (yes, remember them) to dementia, addictions, depression, healthcare politics and the economy. I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Sen. Arlen Spector, U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy and others over the years.
But this year, however, was different. Congressman Bill Shuster, a member of the Grand Old Party, office refused to meet with me, a member of his own district. Shuster represents all of Fayette County plus parts of eastern Greene and Washington counties.
Not even a legislative aid was available to hear what the chairman of the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee of the second largest psychological association in the country had concerns over.
Did a refusal stop me? No, I am a constituent of the 9th Congressional District. Sure it was gerrymandered by the GOP to be top heavy in Republicans but they forgot how powerful the Democratic Party is in Fayette County, Indiana County and the Mon Valley. As I listened along with ur attorney for the Pennsylvania Psychological Association to our vibrant footsteps echo down the halls of congress (purposefully designed for that effect), we turned and walked into Mr. Bill’s office.
Wow! What a scene! There was wall to wall confusion. To our right was a receptionist who was yelling at a staffer to accomplish a task. To the left was a line of people demanding to be seen. The staff was in chaos! People were “stacked up” waiting for someone to assist them. Others were demanding attention by waving their hands. The noise was deafening.
It appeared that there was no sign of leadership or professionalism. The receptionist caught my eye and inquired as to who we were. I stated that my name is Adam Sedlock and that I wished to drop off some information for the congressman. No sooner had the words left my lips that a young lady to my left arose from her seat behind a desk. She inquired about my name and at the same time, took me by the left arm and whisked us away, out the door, and into the hallway.
We looked at each other in disbelief. What just happened? Is this the epitome of polarization by the GOP? Could this be due to the last election cycle of my running a write-in campaign against Mr. Bill? Could it be that President Obama’s Fayette County campaign headquarters occupied my Uniontown office? Could it be that he has never had to face, let alone run against, a viable Democrat before? Or could it be that this is a no Democrat zone? Regardless of the myriad of reasons, Mr. Bill’s office matches what he and the Grand Old Party has accomplished….chaos, division, and the squandering our hard earned tax dollars on nothing accomplished!
If Mr. Bill runs his office with such a lack of quorum, no wonder this congress has been the least productive in the history of our great country! Mr. Bill, in the new 9th District, we respect the opinion of others and welcome it in constructive criticism. We act professionally to all constituents, not just the big money donors. We listen to what all say, for the good of our county. You are now part of a district which has a voice in politics! Yes, a Democrat voice!
A Chalk Hill resident, Adam C. Sedlock, Jr. is a licensed psychologist.