Dear Congressman Braley:

Wednesday before last, you offered a town hall meeting on health care at the Waverly Health Center. I was there, and want to congratulate you on facing a tough audience without raising your voice.

Did I say audience? Actually there were four audiences, all with separate needs and desires. You handled two audiences well, the other two needed-well, read on. Audience One, Supporters. They said the least and supported the most. They appreciate your approach and hard work on this complex bill. They read your handouts, applauded your points and shook their heads when the Stridents, members of Audience Four, (see below) voiced their hostilities.

Incidentally, I know several prominent doctors, and they're Supporters, so take heart.

Audience Two, Skeptics. These citizens agree with some of your approach and emerging plan, know there will be more compromises, but have reservations. They wonder if we can afford such a massive overhaul. They know that we already have rationing by insurance companies, but it's unfair and inefficient, so they hope you can change that.

Some of the skeptics spoke to those points at the Waverly meeting. You promised to work on their concerns, and more power to you.

Audience Three, the Upsets. These folks probably didn't vote for you, but at least listened to your campaign. They don't especially trust you and said so. They're not furious, but they're rattled. They're deeply bothered by the notion that we bailed out fat cats, and doubt that we averted a worse depression as you insist. They've heard for years that government is the problem, not the solution, and they believe it.

These people raised questions about trust and belief in America that you didn't answer. They're ready to join Audience Four.

Audience Four, Stridents. These citizens are furious. They feel betrayed by their government, they don't trust it, and they want nothing to do with your work on health care. They think it's another "socialist" plan by "elites" to screw the little guy, just like bailouts and giveaways.

One of them, the first speaker, said the country was on the verge of revolution, and "There will be blood in the streets."

Stridents believe that government is "spinning out of control," and wonder how Congress could be so blind, corrupt and/or stupid to create policies that only benefit the well off. If a revolution starts, they are the vanguard.

Congressman Braley, your policy speech and replies spoke mostly to Supporters and Skeptics. The Upsets and Stridents needed an entirely different approach.

You would have to speak directly to why they don't trust you. Something like this, and forgive me for these words in your mouth:

"I know you don't trust me or your government right now. In some ways I don't blame you. We're in fact going trillions into debt, and that scares me, too. We will have to cut spending probably far more than we are comfortable with. And yes, we may have to raise taxes on those most able to pay. That's a truth we all need to hear, like it or not.

"Right now, though, we're faced with a crying need to change our health care policies. We agree on that.

"Please understand: No trust is possible in the presence of malevolent misinformation. I have not been giving you misinformation.

"Fellow citizens, trust is a two-edged sword. I trust you to pay attention, to get and stay informed, to check out all information against reliable sources. In return, you need to trust me to support the best possible health care bill."

So, Congressman Braley, please recognize that your town halls will contain plenty of Stridents and Upsets. They need to hear about trust first and policies second.

At least they're showing up, meaning a few may be reachable. Who knows?

You might prevent blood on the streets.