Especially here in Michigan I understand why people are angry. Michigan has lost 1 million jobs, personal income has declined dramatically, and many have left the state to find work. Many have lost their homes to foreclosure and many others are doing everything to hang on to homes that are worth less than they paid for or owe on the home. Michiganders that worked hard and played by the rules are now being asked to work harder and send more of their hard earned dollars to Lansing and Washington D.C. to support a larger bureaucracy.

Interesting interview from today's Detroit News:

Dennis Unser of Dearborn, who attended one of the Dingell town halls, says Dingell and other Democrats are to blame for the backlash.

"The problem is they don't listen, they lecture," said Unser.

"Congressman Dingell told us what they were going to do with health care. The attitude was pretty much that he knows what's best, so sit down and shut up," Unser said.

Mr. Unser makes a very good point. Many times politicians that hold office for a long period of time can develop an "attitude" that they know best. As a voter you will be able to voice your opinion on their performance next year. Until then we must peacefully dissent and educate others to the harmful economic effects of increased taxes, increased government debt, running the Treasury printing presses nonstop, and growing government bureaucracy.

Current Congressmen and Congresswomen were duly elected and we must be respectful of their position. Anger and frustration are natural human emotions. Uncontrolled anger only increases television news ratings and sells papers. Please engage in civil, respectable debate. We are winning the battle of ideas . . . don't let advocates for big government demonize us.