In a post on his campaign blog Sunday, U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts says his opponents on the left are making “wild claims” about the Stupak-Pitts amendment. He also indirectly criticizes Lois Herr, the Democrat who is running against him in next year’s election.

There is, however, a small minority in America and in Congress that insists on using this legislation to fund abortion through major government health programs. Much like those on the right who have claimed the health bill sets up “death panels,” the simple facts don’t seem to matter much to them.  Politifact.com has posted three “truth-o-meter” studies debunking the claims made by left-wing members of Congress on this issue.  National Public Radio and other respected sources have done the same.   Nevertheless, the wild claims continue. One of the organizers of a Saturday rally to protest my co-sponsorship of the amendment told the Daily Local News that I oppose birth control—something that is absolutely not true.

All of this reflects the unfortunate side of American politics today.  It has become harder and harder for elected officials and activists on opposing sides of the issues to have grown-up, respectful conversations with each other.  Lincoln-Douglas debates have been replaced by the Rachel Maddow show.  After the House vote, a liberal activist from Lancaster (who intends to run against me next year) wrote on a blog: “Everybody’s angry. And everybody wants to punish someone—anyone!—for this travesty!” and then asked readers to give her money.

The war of words continues.