By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Cheers to U.S. Rep. Barney Frank for not kowtowing to loud-mouthed critics at his town hall Tuesday night.

Frank's appearance was marred by angry and unruly questioners. But the Massachusetts Democrat gave as good as he got on several occasions.

-- One woman ignorantly compared President Barack Obama's policies to those of Germany under Adolf Hitler.

Frank's comeback: "On what planet do you spend most of your time?"

-- At another point, Frank responded to a series of outbursts by saying, "Do you really think that advances your argument? I mean, I thought you were thoughtful people here to have a conversation."

No, actually, too many of them weren't.

They thought they had the right to yell and try to intimidate Frank as well as others who might support his viewpoints.

It's apparently what passes for civilized conversation during the great health care debate of 2009.