Protesters: Show a little respect

I am shocked, not by the fact that there is disagreement about health care reform, but rather that there is such an angry mob mentality, aggressive and violent, that is shutting out the possibility of that truly American phenomenon - public, democratic discourse.

Let's have real town hall meetings with spirited debate, give and take and, above all, respect for each other. And, when we meet in these proverbial town halls, let's get some facts straight:

The National Coalition On Health Care states in their study on "Facts on Health Insurance Coverage" that nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007 (latest data available).

We can't afford to wait for reform: Each day, 270 people in Illinois lose their health care coverage. And without reform, those who still have insurance will see their yearly premiums go up by $9,615 in the next decade - to a staggering $23,228.

There are now more than 8 million children - people younger than 18 - without any form of health insurance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

It amazes me that people do not realize, in this country where we take freedom so seriously and talk about being one nation united, that health care for the entire population is a necessity toward a free and just society. Health reform is needed and will pass in one way or another; that is an undeniable truth. What remains to be seen is if it will be accomplished well.

Hotheads screaming and ranting at town hall meetings with guns in holsters at their side, and signs telling us the President is a traitor are not going to get us where we need to go.

Tara Little

Carpentersville