We live in a time when there is much dissention and disagreement in our world, our country, our state and even our community.

            Fueled by hate, distrust, fear, frustration and a lack of transparency, the worst traits in many people have been on display against the government in all levels. Including the Letters to the Editor page of the Town and Country.

            Many government officials have taken on an air or entitlement as they continue to do the business of the people behind the people's back.

            When the people aren't part of the process, government officials are counting on an unusually high level of trust from those people.

            What officials fail to understand is that they don't inherit "privilege" upon election.  They earn trust from the voters at the polls.  When they destroy that trust through lack of transparency those same voters will send them packing.

            And, it doesn't matter what side of the fence you're on.  Lose the trust of the people and you'll lose the people.

            Simply put, the definition of "frustration" is the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of the inability to change or achieve something.

            People are frustrated, even in our own communities.  The letters to the editor leading up to the May 16 Primary Election show all of the emotions listed earlier in this Editorial.

            People express their frustration in a calm, understandable manner; some don't do it very well, and that can be a problem.

            This newspaper encourages the free expression of opinion.  We have received more than our fair share of foul-language, threatening tomes designed to intimidate our journalists to take one side or another on local issues.

            We report what goes on at municipal meetings or what's on the face of official court documents.  Opinions are left to the Editorial.

            While we encourage free expression of opinion, we ask that people exercise courtesy and caution when submitting letters to the editor.

            It is your opinion that you're expressing and the way you do it is a direct reflection on you.  More important, it can be a reflection on the subject of your letter.  Failure to express your opinion in clear, unemotional, understandable way could cause people to ignore your thoughts and oppose your ideas.

            Your opinions are yours – not necessarily those of this newspaper.  But, we defend your right to express them and provide you with a medium to do so.

            Before you hit the send key to submit your letter, think about what you wrote. 

            People will read what you wrote and judge you on those words.

            Your words are a reflection on you.