and I am truly disgusted by the behavior of some Americans.

I love America. I, without a doubt, believe it is the greatest country in the world. I love what it stands for, I love the melting pot, I love the possibilities it breeds and I love the people who make up this great country. I believe, whole-heartedly, that people are inherently good and I believe that the people who make up the good old U.S. of A are definitely good--I have seen much of the good over the years. We are always the first to rally around those in need. We care. We love to help.

This week, however, I was saddened and disappointed by my fellow Americans. Not all of them. Just those who decided to act like complete and utter fools. I love that in America we can protest, demonstrate and voice our opinions openly. I love that we can say what we feel and not fear being shot or hurt or imprisoned. So, when the health care bill passed this week, I wasn't surprised to see that there were protests at the Capitol. That is what America is all about: you don't like something? March on down to Washington and hold a sign up. Love it. What horrified me, however, were the reports that our congressmen and women were being screamed at, called the "N" word, being spit upon and being called "faggots".

Here's the thing: I get that the passage of this health care bill is a dividing issue. It is a bit upsetting that it has polarized the country to the degree that it has, but that is the reality of the siutation. We'll get past it and move forward--we always do. But, I can't wrap my brain around spitting at and swearing at and shouting homophobic and racial slurs at thosw who were voted into office--no matter how upset we may be. I just can't. I have no problem with someone saying, "I hate this bill. I hate it. I hate what it is doing, it is stupid and badly drafted and it sucks." No issue with that whatsoever.....But, to stoop down to this level and act this way--what are we teaching our children? What are we saying? That if we don't like something, it is okay to throw a tantrum, act like an animal and become hateful?

The thing that irks me the most is that I have yet to see one Republican leader stand up and say, "KNOCK IT OFF. THIS BEHAVIOR IS RIDICULOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE." I have yet to see one of the right-wing talk show hosts say, "This behavior is wrong." To me, saying nothing is the equivalent of saying, "Good job!!"

I know conflict, turmoil and protest are not new concepts in this nation. I understand that we have been through difficult times and that people sometimes do not pull it together and act like we would hope and expect. I get that. But, I still remain ashamed and disgusted by these behaviors.

I see the Republicans and those who don't agree with the health care bill throwing these tantrums and just attacking, attacking, attacking. They are like rabid dogs. They get louder and louder and more vicious and spiteful and mean. Where does it end? How will it end?

My hope is that this bill does great things. I hope that it is the beginning of change. I hope that a few years from now, we look back and see this as a huge moment in history--a defining moment and a point in time that changed everything. That is my hope. But, my fear is that this rabid dog will keep on attacking and sooner or later, it will do a lot of damage--damage that may not be undone.