During recent “town hall” meetings held across the country, citizens -- most of them seniors -- voiced opposition to the healthcare “reform” plan being debated by Congress. In turn, supporters of this plan have sought to marginalize those who speak out against it, insisting that objections are being orchestrated from behind the scenes and even that those who oppose the plan do not have the nation’s best interests at heart.

If the healthcare debate seems heated, perhaps it reflects the magnitude of the issue. It’s one of the most important matters we face, touching nearly every corner of American life -- from the quality and cost of the medical care we receive, to access to that care, to the tax rates we pay and the national economy. The intensity of the debate should come as no surprise.

During the low point of the debate, one major backer of the president’s healthcare reform plan referred to those who express dissent at the town hall meetings as “un-American.” Another called them “evil-mongers.”

The worst part is that those making the statements are powerful members of Congress. People in such high-ranking positions of public trust should know better.

As I watched clips of the town hall meetings, I saw something quite special -- ordinary citizens exercising their right to free speech. We should be thankful we have a political system that allows as much. Besides, what good are so-called “town hall” meetings without dissenting viewpoints?

The men and women who attend these town hall meetings have more than a mere right to express themselves; they have good cause, as well. Aside from the fact that messing with someone’s healthcare is always a thorny issue, there are well-founded fears that the current proposal would dramatically widen the federal budget deficit and extend the reach of the federal government far beyond its intended limits.

Congress would do well to carefully listen to those who attend town hall meetings, not criticize them.

Citizens who passionately but respectfully speak out should be respected, even when their views are different from our own. People who take the time to deliberate on the future of their nation, their state or their local community -- when they could just as easily go about their daily lives and follow events on the nightly news -- should be valued, even cherished.

Our national, state and local leaders – from the White House down to the school board -- have an obligation to make sure citizens feel free to express themselves. There’s nothing un-American about it.