To the editor:

Mayor Hack’s concern about public decorum at commission meetings is not without merit. Rather than obstructing free speech, I believe the intent was more to safeguard it, in that while government decisions affect us all, for many of us, the microphone and the podium can be an intimidating place.

Regardless of your point of view, if you are the minority viewpoint in the room and you look around and see signs that say you suck, and that loud applause you heard was for the previous speaker who disagreed with everything you are about to say, will you be more or less likely to step up to the podium and do your best in communicating with the commissioners?

True, some participants in the process are paid attorneys of corporations, but proper decorum should still apply, and, even if you disagree with them and are not a hired gun, your best chance to influence commissioners is still to step up to the podium and give them your most informed, rational, respectful opinion.

Signs and applause are easy, but they can also intimidate the minority in the room. Actual, accountable participation in the public process (writing, calling or e-mailing commissioners, writing a letter to the editor, speaking during public comment) is harder but more likely both to succeed and foster respect.

Human thought is at its weakest when it originates from a crowd. I would urge anyone with concerns about local government to leave your signs and applause at home, learn all you can about the process and participate with all the respect you can muster.

Dennis J. Brown,

Lawrence