Sarongman wrote:Absolutely as it should be! Like this forum, it is, or should be, about ideas and opinions.
Indeed, and that's the way I approached it in a very public setting.
To give context its proper due, the temperature in the middle/high school's auditorium (where the Town Meeting was being held) was at least in the lower 80s (F) and was quite humid. Quite possibly, I may have been one of the "cooler" dressed men there, and I was getting, shall we say, a wee bit rank. The Town Administrator was in long sleeves and a necktie (poor bloke); I understand why he "went off".
I'd actually targetted my questions to get the townfolks' brains in gear, and to deflect some of the criticisms of the past (I am not above asking "leading questions"). My attempt failled, likely due to the physical environment we were all subjected to (and the fact that I asked the
last questions of the meeting). The later exchange betwixt Sapphire and the Town Administrator made me appreciate all the more the little town I live in. (Interestingly, I was also the sole participant in the meeting to publically thank both the Administrator and Town Moderator following the answers provided, although the general din drowned that out.)
The clothing one wears (provided it is clean and decent) should be totally irrelevant to any issues raised.
Too true! In this case, I suspect that got pointed up fairly well. I arose, spoke my peace on the public record -- in full view of all citizens in attendance -- and hopefully engaged a brain or three. Some may have dismissed me on account of my attire, but subsequent commentary pointed up a focus on the facts being considered and deliberated at the moment. I find this encouraging. If they haven't come for me yet, they'll likely not bother.
In closing, thanks Kris for your reminder of the stocks. I'd like to stay clear of those.
felons on the very boundaries of the hundred (shire)? 
