August 19, 2011

Today, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Congressman Dan Webster circulated a "Watch List" of people that had attended public events and asked questions about his performance in office.

Let me be clear; involvement and active engagement in our political process defines American democracy. Any attempt to target citizens practicing their First Amendment rights by putting them on a "Watch List" cannot be tolerated.

Congressman Webster needs to apologize immediately to the six people he put on his "Watch List" and needs to focus on the issues that the people of the 8th District care about.

The right to free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment is too important to the health of our system to be violated so blatantly by Congressman Webster.

Together, we can find a different way than what passes as governing in Washington today.

Val B. Demings