Community Corner

Rep. Van Hollen: We Should Be Able to Disagree, but Do it Civilly

Congressman Chris Van Hollen's intended "meet and greet" turned into a Q&A forum with a standing room only crowd at Carroll Community College Monday evening.

Police officers including campus security, Sheriff's officers and state police deputies were on hand to "keep the peace" at the event as a story developed over the weekend in which the democratic party was accused of attempting to ban tea partiers from attending the "meet and greet."

Democratic party officials, as well as Rep. Van Hollen, denied ever being involved with trying to ban any group from the event.

Tensions flared at times during the two-hour question and answer session at which Van Hollen fielded questions ranging from the U.S. role in Syria, to immigration, health care, veterans benefits and the IRS among other things.

After being interrupted several times and heckled, Van Hollen said, "It seems to me people in this country should be able to disagree, but disagree civilly."

Carroll County Commissioner Richard Rothschild was at the event and encouraged attendees to be respectful and let Van Hollen be heard.

One Patch commenter who attended the event said, "I found it a very interesting evening. For the most part, people were civil, although there were definitely different opinions in the room on many issues. I'm glad I went and brought my teenage son to see it."

Following the event, a Tea Party rally was held in front of the community college.

Did you attend the event and not get to ask your question? Tell us in comments and we'll reach out to Van Hollen to get an answer.


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