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Ryan asks for respect in debate

JANESVILLE — Rep. Paul Ryan encouraged health care debate in a public letter released Tuesday, but he also wagged a preemptive finger at the "widespread disrespect and even violence" by extremists on both sides.

The Janesville Republican scheduled listening sessions in Rock and Walworth counties for Wednesday, Aug. 26. Ryan wrote he hopes attendees can respect everyone's right to express his or her opinion at the events.

"Shouting down your opponents at a listening session is not only ineffective, but quite simply rude," the letter read. "Arguments are not won by the volume of one's voice, but rather the merits of the idea."

Ryan also blamed Congressional leaders and White House officials for attacking "the legitimate concerns and questions raised by citizens."

"To hold a differing view does not make one a 'tool of special interests,' and to voice those disagreements is not 'un-American' or a sinister 'scare tactic,'" he wrote.

The letter also suggested that large crowds at the sessions in southeastern Wisconsin could require larger venues.

One event in Kenosha already was moved, but Ryan's office said there are no plans to move the local sessions.

The Janesville session is scheduled for the city council chambers, and the Darien, Walworth, Williams Bay and Fontana sessions are scheduled for the village halls.

IF YOU GO

Rep. Paul Ryan (R—1st District) has scheduled several listing sessions in Rock and Walworth County for Wednesday, Aug. 26. Listed in chronological order:

-- Williams Bay, 9:15-10:15 a.m., Village Hall, 250 Williams St.

-- Fontana, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Village Hall, 175 Valley View Drive.

-- Walworth, 11:45-12:45 p.m., Village Hall, 227 N. Main St.

-- Darien, 1:45-2:45 p.m., Village Hall, 24 N. Wisconsin St.

-- Janesville, 3:30-5 p.m., council chambers at City Hall, 18 N. Jackson St.