The Butler Eagle stands by its opinion that the U.S. House's passage of the Senate health care reform bill, in the end, might seriously challenge the financial health of many small businesses, as well as some larger ones, as well as many individual Americans. Indeed, the passage of this version of health care reform puts America on an uneasy course.

That said, there is a right way for those who are not happy about what was passed to express opposition and anger. The proper way is to speak out in a civil manner against what was passed; campaign against lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill, which has been signed into law by President Barack Obama; and then cast a ballot in this year's elections. Unfortunately, some people in this country have chosen to voice their opinions in wrong ways — in violent ways — that cannot and must not be tolerated.

The FBI, which is working with lawmakers subjected to menacing, obscenity-laced phone messages, threats, and vandalism to their congressional offices, must continue to pursue the individuals responsible.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., was right in observing, "In our democracy, we resolve things, not through violence, not at the point of a gun."

America also should adhere to the message of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who, responding to the warnings of violent reprisals against members of Congress who voted for the health care legislation, said angry citizens should channel their rage into voter registration for the next election and efforts to repeal the health care law.

"Violence and threats are unacceptable," said House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio, who delivered a fiery speech Sunday night prior to the House vote.

As of Thursday, at least four Democratic offices in Arizona, New York and Kansas were struck, including the district headquarters of Rep. Louise Slaughter in Niagara Falls, N.Y., where bricks were hurled.

Meanwhile, the Facebook page of 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, responding to Sunday's vote, is unbefitting a person who had been on the ballot for the second-highest office of the land. A map on the Facebook page uses unacceptable, irresponsible gun imagery in making the point that "It's time to take a stand" against 20 House Democrats — from districts the McCain-Palin presidential ticket carried in 2008 — who voted for the health care bill.

The circles and cross hairs on that map include Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses much of Butler County and is represented by Kathy Dahlkemper. Dahlkemper joined 218 other Demo-crats in approving the legislation.

She reported Thursday that her office "has received a number of e-mails, letters, faxes and phone calls that are threatening or menacing."

Peaceful, lawful protest is protected in this country. But the threats and violence that have begun to evolve are not consistent with the right of protest and should not be condoned by otherwise right-thinking people.