There has been a lot written in the papers lately about the anti-health care protestors. On Sunday, August 23rd alone, you had “Race takes center stage” [Mike Swift and Josh Richman, PageA1], “Drowning out the health care debate” [Mike Cassidy, SJ Mercury News, 23 Aug. 09, Page E1] and multiple letters and editorials on A14 and A15.

What none of these seem to address clearly is why are these people so angry. They came the closest in “Race takes center stage”. After describing Ex-Marine Jack Burke's reactions, they summarized his feelings as, “The retiree said it all felt so wrong, so contrary to how he was raised.” But, they again returned to describing the anger in the crowds and again missed the reasons.

People are angry simply because they feel they not being heard. They believe that something is drastically wrong with what is happening, but they can't quite put a handle on the problem. They go to the meetings, hoping to explain their concerns and get answers. Instead, they end up feeling that the media ridiculing their statements, ignoring their concerns or misrepresenting their positions. They hear themselves described as fringe elements, paid protestors, people under orders from the Republican Party or talk radio hosts, and as a group rude, caustic and uncaring.

Yet, they are none of those things. They are there because they care. They are also afraid.

They are afraid of government growing without bounds, taking away their rights and responsibilities. They see reports that the deficit is projected to grow to two trillion dollars [A6], coupled a health care bill that will continue government growth. They see reports of growing unemployment in every job category except government jobs. Yet, when they ask for a clarification or complain they are either ridiculed, ignored or called names. Town hall meetings are canceled, removing their avenue for questions, but again, they are ridiculed for complaining.

They have a right to be angry. As citizens, they have a right to be heard and a right to have their concerns addressed. When people actually start listening and responding, maybe then they can calm down.

For those in Congress who want to help calm things down;

1. don't vote for bills with sections you don't understand
2. don't hide unrelated spending items in bills to sneak them through
3. don't implement laws that aren't really needed
4. do end temporary programs
5. do cancel spending for unneeded programs
6. do listen to the people you represent
7. do let them ask a question without cutting them off

Adding to the anger will not help anyone, except those who profit from dissension. Let's work together to deal with the issues behind the anger, not feed it.