As Congress takes a pit stop in its race to approve an overhaulof the nation’s health care system, some Democratic leaders arecrying foul over some citizen protests to the approach the plan istaking.

Far from trying to “sabotage” the democratic process, as SenateMajority Leader Harry Reid charged last week, we are hopeful theprotests spur more debate and discussion about the criticalnational health care issue. That debate and discussion is the veryessence of the democratic process.

While on their break, senators and representatives will have theopportunity to hear from constituents and gauge their feelings onthe matter. With the ill-conceived fast track approach to healthcare reform slowed by fiscal and other concerns, citizens shouldtake the chance to weigh in with their thoughts.

However, citizen input must not be merely a list of gripes withthe current system, but should be geared toward helping find ahealth care solution that is beneficial to all. The nation’s healthcare system is in need of repair, but partisan and politicalbickering will only detract from the debate and serve no soundpurpose in the discussion.

With good information in hand when they return in September,lawmakers should be more knowledgeable and in a better position todeal properly with an issue that is so vital to so manyAmericans.