Scott Murphy

For one of my journalism classes, I was required to attend a public event, one which, at first, I didn't think I'd be able to find. I am usually horribly bad at deadlines (I always get things done, but I wait a while before I start) but I knew that if I didn't find something by this Thursday, when the assignment is due, it would be incredibly hard to stay ahead, or rather, even stay afloat, in my class.

I had searched and searched thoroughly through the Times Union newspaper and various Albany events sites, coming up with nothing more than art events downtown and sports games. Finally, I emailed my professor, hoping he could help me out, which he did, not directly of course. But he had said to try labor day events, and considering everyone has off today, I figured I'd find some cute little memorial event I could go to. However, that isn't exactly what I found. Scott Murphy is the local Congressman that represents the 20th district in New York, who happened to schedule a meet and greet at the Price Chopper in Clifton Park. At first I had been mildly excited about it. I had never met a Congressman before, and it would give me an opportunity to see firsthand what a politician promised.

That was before I found several blogs about how many people were against what he promised (especially regarding healthcare). There were so many people who wrote about how they were planning to protest. Immediately, I realized this public event I was supposed to cover was going to be completely different than I had first imagined.

Media coverage was also going to be there, which slightly intimidated me, I have to be honest, but it's something I'm going to have to deal with soon considering this is the field I really am interested in following. I needed to do research, and fast, because if I had no idea what was going on, there was no way I could construct enough questions to ask.

I did, and this morning I arrived fully prepared to do what I had to. That is, until I saw the people with the signs. It's not like I didn't expect the signs. After all, what's a protest without the signs? (By the way, they weren't all protesting the cause. Some of the signs were for support) Then a man started yelling about how we need public option, which I think is a good idea honestly. After his rant, the other side decided to contribute also. I had never been more afraid to approach someone than at this moment. What if he started asking me about what I believed? I can't really tell him how I feel, though, if I want an interview, so would he be willing to say anything?

Eventually Scott Murphy walked up, shaking hands with his constituents. As loud as some people screamed, it was evident how many people were there to hear what he had to say. Some people had very genuine concerns, especially the older people who were starting to believe the rumors about death panels (which Murphy adamantly denied), or those who wanted to know if they'd lose health insurance all together. There were snickers amongst those present whenever someone of the opposite party asked him a question, which made me feel tense at times. Over all though, it was exciting to be part of such a debate. I became so much more interested in politics during the morning, especially about healthcare. I think if a Congressman of yours ever comes to speak at a town near you, you should definitely go and listen, because it is after all, our future that will be changed.

The above picture was taken from Google of Congressman Murphy. Stupid me forgot to bring a camera.