Community Corner
Protesters Gather In Front of Meehan's Office
More than 50 people were protesting, many about the U.S. Representative's stand on the debt ceiling issue.
More than 50 people were seen protesting the debt ceiling issue in front of U.S. Congressman Patrick Meehan’s (R-7th Dist.) Springfield office, observed Patch at around 11 a.m., Friday.
Some of the protesters were against Meehan's position on the issue.
But by 12:15 p.m., the protesters, Democrats, Republicans and Tea Party members, stopped protesting and left the area. However, it was observed that some protesters who were supporting Meehan were seen going into his office.
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During the protest drivers were seen slowing down to read the big signs being carried and watching American flags wave, as some of the drivers were honking their horns.
A landlord of the building where Meehan's office is located told the protesters they could not stand on the grass in front of the office, that it was private property.
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He told them to move their cars from the parking lot, but no one did.
Meehan's Press Secretary Maureen Keith told Patch over the phone from her Washington, D.C. office that the man was a landlord and not arepresentative of Meehan as Patch originally reported.
In an emailed statement sent by Keith, Meehan had this to say about the protest:
“Americans across the political spectrum are frustrated with the ongoing debt limit negotiations. I respect their ability to exercise their First Amendment right.”
Two police officers were seen trying to tell the protesters to move.
"Seeing people out here being responsible about it (protesting) and exercising their rights is a beautiful thing," said one police officer who refused to identify himself.
Another group of protesters were there supporting Meehan, with one unidentified member saying they are there because they received an email from U.S. Republican Senator Pat Toomey urging them to.
Patch sent an email to Toomey's press secretary for confirmation, but Rebecca Neal called Patch and said that Toomey and no one from his office sent any email telling people to protest in support of Meehan.
Three groups of protesters were observed at the protest were Democrats, Republicans and Tea Party members.
