Letter: Blum asked to define ‘real Americans’

Dear Rep. Rod Blum:

I ask you to define the term 'real Americans” as you were quoted in The Gazette ('Blum says he'll hold 4 town halls in May,” April 13). I ask because you said that real Americans aren't asking you when you will meet publicly with your constituents.

As I understand the term, you are incorrect. You see, I have asked you to hold town halls numerous times. I even have the letter from you dated March 31, 2017, in response to my written request that you hold a town hall. I did follow the instructions in that letter to again request a town hall, but I haven't heard back from you. Your Cedar Rapids staff has been telling me that you soon will be holding town halls. Of course, this was after they were saying that you were going to hold a tele-town hall of some sort a few months back. One might think you are deliberately avoiding your constituents.

I believe I am a 'real American.” I was born and raised in the USA; according to the Constitution I took an oath to support and defend that makes me a citizen. I served in the Army, signed the blank check, deployed to war. It doesn't get more 'real” than putting one's life on the line for one's country. Sounds pretty 'real American” to me.

I am asking you to hold town halls and I am a 'real American.” And I believe you owe me an apology.

Joe Stutler

Marion