Tea Party organizations in Spokane and North Idaho had rallies last week on Constitution Day - the first day of Constitution Week - to air their displeasure with government.

OK, so some group is always unhappy with government, it's the American way.

But sometimes, government does its best to fan the flames. Take last Monday when City Council President Joe Shogan introduced the Public Forum with an explanation of procedures to an audience that included newcomers who had come to complain about an apparent crack down on medical marijuana dispensaries.

They had the right to talk, Shogan said. But members of the council aren't obligated to listen, and may not listen at all or even consider what speakers say. How's that for instilling warm feelings about one's elected officials?

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