U. S. Congressman Bennie Thompson proclaims current political climate is the worst he’s seen

By Cynthia Milton,

The Mississippi Link Guest Writer,

Attendees of  U. S. Congressman Bennie Thompson’s Vicksburg townhall were anxious to hear what Mississippi’s longtime congressman had to say Tuesday night, March 18. More than a half hour before the event was to begin the parking lot of Greater Grove Missionary Baptist Church, in Vicksburg, was more than half full. By the time the townhall got underway, the church was filled near to compacity with hundreds in attendance. The main seating area of the sanctuary filled up quickly, with just a few seats remaining in the church balcony. 

The veteran representative quickly let the crowd know he has deep concerns.

“I’ve been in Washington over 30 years now and I’ve never seen it as bad as it is right now,” he said.

Thompson invited the audience to ask questions after his address, telling them, “Nothing is off limits.”

The congressman is planning to hold a series of town halls and says he kicked off his townhall tour in the ‘river city’ because it has the largest number of federal employees in his district. He is concerned about how budget cuts and changes under the Trump administration are affecting the livelihood and morale of the federal workplace.

In a city where the federal service is one of the largest employers, the message hits home. One woman expressed deep concerns for her daughter, who just recently began working for the federal government. Thompson advised federal employees to know their rights. Like the right to appeal if they believe they were unfairly removed from their position.  He urged them to work closely with their unions. 

Some long-term federal employees and retirees vented frustrations as well, like Bobbie Morrow, a local community activist, and recently retired federal employee.  Morrow is concerned how proposed budget cuts will affect her federal medical benefits.  

Thompson urged the crowd to stay abreast and engaged. He reminded them that he and other political representatives work for them. He urged them to call their political leaders to make their voice heard and their concerns known. And he urged them to vote in all elections. 

“You know you pay the salary of these folks. You pay my salary, and if I’m not doing what’s right, I’ve got a two-year contract. You can always bring me home, but a senator is there for six years. They ought to hear what your concerns are. They ought to listen,” said Thompson.

Thompson says another group of constituents significantly affected by changes implemented by the Trump administration are farmers. He told the crowd farmers are selling land and equipment at a record rate.  Thompson says that’s prompted many to come to his office looking for help that he doesn’t normally see. He’s also seen new advocates in the corporate community that have been affected by cuts. 

“I’m seeing some new folks show up.  That gives me hope because in the past they didn’t show up.” Thompson said. 

Thompson is also encouraged by wins in the courts. He says many challenges to Trump policies have been won and he expects more legal wins in the future. 

A video of the town hall meeting is posted on www.themississippilink.com.