When I saw in the Nov. 8 News that the greatest nation in the world had finally taken the first step in providing health security to the millions of Americans who now lack it, I smiled.

Then I read further. During the course of the discussion, “Republicans brought the tea party spirit” to the debate by “shouting down Democrats.” Spirit? I don’t think so; that’s just rude. I might expect that sort of behavior in my grandson’s third-grade class. Actually, his class is better disciplined than that. If you truly believe that your opinions have merit, you ought not to be afraid to let the other side express theirs.

Then I read that Rep. John Shadegg of Arizona brought in a 7-month-old baby, saying, “This is Maddie—she doesn’t want the government to take over health care.” Those kind of puerile theatrics may be appropriate on “Saturday Night Live,” but not in Congress. Perhaps Maddie is receiving a subsidy from the health insurance industry. I am appalled. Is it too much to ask for our elected representatives who are dealing with serious issues that affect real people’s lives to act like grown-ups?

Eileen T. Brown

Williamsville