Dear NPR editors:
When one side shows up to an event with the express intent of “shutting it down”, engages in rhythmic chanting to drown out the attempt to exchange information, and repeats slanderous and completely false allegations, that is not “heated debate.”
Democratic congresspeople have not met “heated debate” at their town hall meetings. They have met a concerted attempt to disrupt and derail legitimate debate. The actual, serious discussion of issues and details about the various health reform bills is being stopped by these people, who would rather argue about “socialism”, “death panels” or who knows what else.
It insults everyone who believes in the open exchange of ideas to suggest that what is happening in these town meetings is “debate”, and it gives legitimacy to those who don’t deserve it.