Debate, listen and don't obstruct others

Town hall meetings across the nation are generating some, uh, spirited discussion about health care reform as members of Congress meet with constituents during the summer recess.

The high level of passion and interest in this issue is part of grass roots democracy. It's great - to the extent that all sides listen to each other.

A review of various media and blog reports the past few days might make one wonder if much listening is going on.

Some people, not always from the same political bent, apparently are hurling threats or shout-downs to stifle candid, civil discussion about this issue. Some Democrats have accused Republicans of orchestrating mob tactics. The Republican Party has denied such, while some conservative groups acknowledge they have encouraged people to show up and let lawmakers know how they feel. Nothing wrong with that - unless the debate becomes only a contest to outshout the opposing view.

Town hall meetings are supposed to be for everyone. A way to directly engage our elected representatives and fellow citizens. Disagreements are bound to arise. Criticism of government must not be stifled. We saw evidence of such healthy debate during Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin's recent town hall meetings in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.

Where democracy suffers is when someone or some group deliberately obstructs others from expressing opinions or asking questions. Examples of that behavior also erupted during the meetings with Harkin.

Shame on those who obstruct instead of debating and listening to others' ideas, even when they greatly differ. No one's rights to freedom of speech and assembly transcend another's.