First, let me say that I find the n-word reprehensible – far worse than any of the colorful swear words I learned in my time as a sailor. But I use it today to make a point.

As congresspersons were entering the U. S. Capitol building to vote on healthcare reform, Congressman John Lewis was taunted by people in the crowd shouting “nigger,” Missouri representative and clergyman Emmanuel Cleaver was spit on and Massachusetts representative Barney Frank was the target of people yelling “faggot!” Later, in the House chamber, Texas congressman Randy Neugebauer yelled, “(it’s a) baby killer” while Representative Bart Stupak of Michigan was making a speech. Finally, following passage of the healthcare bill, Rush Limbaugh opined that the Democrats who passed the bill were “bastards,” and that people should “wipe them out.”

The truth is that extremists on the right and left have been very vocal before, during and after the debate and vote on healthcare reform. The middle majority has, sadly, been largely quiet. The result has been that large numbers of persons who will accept what others say as truth, if said authoritatively, have responded lemming-like to the exhortations by purveyors of hate and discontent by calling people names and committing vandalism. Further, there have been a few urging assassination of the president because of the healthcare bill being passed.

America is supposed to be a civilized nation. Where is the civility? The political game has devolved into one of choosing up sides and rather than playing i.e. moving the nation forward, those in the majority do as they please. Those left out stand on the sidelines slinging vitriol like there is no tomorrow, stirring up rabble rousers who make a lot of noise but accomplish little. And the American people come up short.

Maybe we need to vote everyone out of Congress and start over. Our taxes pay their salary. Are we getting our money’s worth?