Sentiments

Many of the sentiments expressed in  comments to posts are not based on rational thought.They are reactions to  personal experience..
Are  feelings irrelevant?
Or. are they a barometer of public opinion?
Does a powerful and negative sentiment make us feel uncomfortable?
I think so.
Is that  a reason why it should be expunged ?
I thought about it before I published it.. 
 I thought about it before I removed it. 
When the gang of six  decided behind closed doors ,they had  authority  to use public facilities and resources to punish  people for criticism of  the former Mayor, I disagreed.
The crticism wasn't done during a meeting of Council and directed to be made part of the public record.
It was done in a forum outside  the authority of Council. 
Politics is a harsh taskmaster.
When a vote is cast in a candidate's favour, trust is the currency of exchange.
When trust is betrayed, coldly, blatantly, with calculated, ruthless intent, rage is the reaction.. 
Many had life-shattering experiences during  the 2006-10 term of office. 
The threat was heard ;  "I will destroy your life"
The election  results were  satisfactory.
But it would be a mistake to imagine so much harm could be so easily erased. 
Namelessly expressing  a sentiment in a blog, so strong, it is repellent to the rest of us, is  small  compensation
Fresh hostility  is  generated  with each reminder.
It's natural.
It should not  be repressed.
Politicians may come and go without making a ripple and sink softly, gently, into oblivion.
In different circumstances, they  will not.  
 .