Monday was a fun day for democracy mavens.

Vice President Dick Cheney blew into town and signs of freedom were everywhere, especially the freedom of speech.

The ragged placards hoisted by protesters bore messages that would get you tossed into a gulag in lesser nations. Yet nobody in the boisterous but non-threatening crowd had any need to feel worried.

The downtown scene was a vivid reminder that democracy is messy, both literally and figuratively. But the litter, traffic, noise and security costs are worth it.

The political chants were crude and sometimes rude, but heartfelt. Amid the cacophony were mostly young supporters for Cheney and U.S. Senate candidate Mike McGavick, who held their signs – and their ground – despite being badly outnumbered.

It’s a day all participants will long remember – a spontaneous combustion of vocal advocacy fueled by freedom. And it really happened in sleepy Spokane.

Let’s not sully the memory with petty arguments over costs. Yes, it is expensive to ensure the security when a head of state visits a city or town. And, yes, it is politics that fuels such visits.

Presidents since Ronald Reagan have combined fundraising activities with “official acts” to justify visits and save campaigns considerable cash. Cheney gave a speech at Fairchild Air Force Base that served as an official act. President Bush did the same at Fort Lewis, near Tacoma, in 2004, just after raising money in downtown Spokane for George Nethercutt.

Some Democrats are complaining now, but it was the Republican Party that grumbled when Bill Clinton pulled such two-fers when he was president.

Since neither party gains a permanent advantage, the complaints should be viewed as part of the political game.

Besides, residents of this region should be thrilled to host the healthy mayhem triggered by such visits.

Parents and teachers use these tangible moments as springboards to discussions about civics, elections and political passions. The politically involved are energized to debate and learn more about issues. The jaded and apathetic are reminded that not everyone has checked out of the national conversation.

So, yeah, traffic was snarled. It was a bit inconvenient. And a lot of people in law enforcement ran up overtime bills that local governments will have to cover.

It’s a small price to pay for an entertaining glimpse at democracy in action.