The town hall protests and shout downs are not new news – the images and videos permeate conservative and liberal talk shows across the land.  Indeed, it has become passé to talk about how patriotic or crazy the “Shouters” are. One topic that is rarely discussed, however, is how harmful the Shouters truly are to our nation, our republic, and our democracy.

This post was spurred by the Youtube footage of a man apparently threatening someone with another opinion with their cane:

What sets this video apart, in my mind, is that this takes place in my home state with the citizens I live next to and work with on a daily basis.  The fact that these events are taking place at a Republican representative town-hall with, presumably, mostly Republicans in attendance only add to my concern.  It is frighting to consider that these individuals can be so open and brazen towards their fellow citizens – that they are not just one or two random protesters, but a crowd of people, all ready and willing to stone the non-believer.

Notice, also, the children sitting in the audience.  I would consider it a safe bet that this is the first time they have ever been exposed to our democracy in any real way.  Is this how we want to teach the next generation about how democracy works? Is this how we want our children to learn how to resolve disputes? Is this behavior acceptable at the dinner table?

Now, I will fully admit that the footage is poorly shot and that it is unclear if the act actually took place; it also appears that the individual wishing to speak was being openly hostile as well. But what is also obvious is that the crowd is being openly disrespectful to someone who had a right to express their opinion.  Furthermore, it is clear that after the commotion, the crowd clearly cheers (presumably for the individual shouting down the opposition). This trend, this pattern, is washing across our nation – all because of willful ignorance and hearsay – not facts or reasoned opinions.

But let us go to the larger question – the health of our republic. The only way a democracy and our republic can survive is through the active and healthy debate amongst the citizens who elect leaders that decide the fate of our nation for years and decades after policies are enacted. Active, healthy, debate consists of points and counterpoints, ideas and counter ideas – not shouting people down because you disagree.  Furthermore, the use of weapons – be they canes or Colt 45′s – is not healthy; on the playground we call it bullying, and in the adult world it is called intimidation and is grounds for prosecution.

In short, Shouters are not patriots, they are treasonous and are harming our country.

This type of behavior shows us where our democracy is. It is in a world where the loudest person is automatically correct and that the mob rules the day. It is in a world where bullet points and bumper-sticker phrases are more valid than research and debate.  It is a world that is closed off, cold, and uncaring of its fellow citizens. This extremism does not create a shining city upon a hill, rather it creates growing disparity and siphons away the ingenuity and creativity that makes this country unique and great.

My heart aches to see this as accepted discourse amongst the masses and is filled with rage towards those who stoke the fires of extremism. Our nation was founding upon the idea that all men are created equal, not upon the idea of might makes right.  We all have a right to speak and be heard, and yes, we all have a right to accept or reject ideas presented to us. What many tend to forget, however, is that even a bad idea is good, if only because it allows you to better understand and defend your own ideas.

By shouting down those who disagree, we are shouting down the very liberties our country was founded upon.

And so, Shouters, please consider the possibility that your actions today are not just about health care, not just about fighter jets, not just about getting on Youtube. Your actions, in a very real way, threaten the fate of our nation. Please, voice your opinion, but be civil.  We really are all in this together and the strength (or weakness) of this or any nation, is measured by the people within it. Is the shouting really what you want our democracy to be?