“THIS COMMENT LINE IS NOT FOR FREE SPEECH”
by Sharon Rondeau
(Nov. 17, 2015) — On Monday afternoon, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced that contrary to at least 26 other state governors, he would continue to take Syrian “refugees” as scheduled prior to the terrorist attacks in Paris, France on Friday.
“It’s part of Connecticut’s values,” spokesman Devon Puglia said on Monday.
“We should be safe,” Malloy was quoted by NBC Connecticut to have said. “On the other hand, America has always had a big heart.”
On Tuesday morning, one of Malloy’s constituents contacted his office at 860-566-4840 to comment about Malloy’s stated position on the refugees. When a man answered, “Governor Malloy’s office,” the constituent said, “Good morning. Is this a comment line?” To which the aide responded, “Is it about the Syrian refugees?”
The constituent answered, “Yes.” The aide then unexpectedly said, “I will note your disagreement.”
The constituent then said, “How do you know I disagree?” to which the staffer responded, “Because that’s how the majority of calls are going.”
The caller asked, “Do you know the percentages?” and the staffer said, “No, I don’t have those available,” adding, “but I will note your disagreement to the governor.”
The constituent then protested, “But you’re not allowing me my First Amendment right to free speech,” to which the staffer impatiently replied, “This comment line is not for free speech. Do you disagree or not?”
The constituent responded, “Yes, I do.” “Then I’ll relay that to the governor, but he is still taking them,” sniffed the staffer.
The constituent then squeezed in, “So when someone dies, he will be held responsible…” To which the staffer angrily replied, “We don’t know that that’s going to happen…”
The constituent then hung up.
Malloy is serving his second four-year term as governor of “the Constitution State.” His salary is paid by constituents, including the caller. On his website, Malloy states, “I hope you’ll stay in touch and let me know if you have any thoughts, comments or concerns. I’m looking forward to working with you!”
In February, “national security” concerns were raised in regard to refugees who might have terrorists among them. Recent news reports have stated that at least one terrorist responsible for the attacks in Paris was disguised as a Syrian refugee.