What in the world are Republicans thinking?

The national Republican Party is reverting to primitive forms of political intimidation. Their agents attend meetings and attempt to drown out anything their opponent has to say with shouts and incoherent screams. Republican congressional members are doing all they can to either slow down, or kill, universal health care. They also appear to be attempting to "savage" the president.

The Tea Party organizers, some disreputable lobbyists in the insurance industry, conservative radio talk show hosts and their right-wing supporters are engaged in subversive, gang-like activities to disrupt democratic town hall meetings. Some are coming to the meetings armed.

The town hall presenters are simply trying to provide accurate information about health care reform. They are trying to offset the misinformation campaign perpetrated by mindless hooligans.

Is our democracy unraveling? Is our once treasured, constitutionally protected freedom of speech being ripped asunder by thugs thumping Bibles and screaming incoherently at elected officials who are trying to express a view? We have had rough politics in this country in the past, but these activities appear close to anarchy.

Former Speaker Dick Armey's foundation is recruiting groups of radical malcontents to attend Democratic town hall meetings and disrupt them. These are the tactics of demagogues; this is reminiscent of the early fascists and communist party organizers; it is not the form of democratic debate that has been the hallmark of our democracy. Shame on citizens who support such gutter tactics!

Some Congressional Republicans are trying to make the universal health care issue all about cost and government takeover. That is absolute nonsense. Universal health care reform is supported by a vast number of U.S. citizens - approximately 70 percent -

and is about making our economy more internationally competitive and producing healthier

citizens.

The U.S. has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the western world. Our life expectancy is well below most of our competitors, and our health care costs are astronomical. Many in our country get no health care at all. Many who are insured find their costs rising and benefits declining. |This portends a bad future for the country unless we fix the problem.

Recently retired Supreme Court Justice William Souter made the observation that many U.S. citizens do not understand how our democratic republic works. They don't understand the separation of powers nor do they comprehend how decisions are made in our government.

We all need to step back and review our civics texts (they are available in our local library) and gather accurate information (try factcheck.org).

We need civil debate and thoughtful, informed decision making. Let's help President Obama make universal health care a reality.

• Dr. Eugene T. Paslov, former Nevada superintendent of schools, is a board member for Silver State Charter High School in Carson City.