Government has the power to wield control over people’s lives in various ways. Regulations and taxes come to mind. It is understandable that citizens sometimes feel angry about their government’s actions, or even lack of action. And it may be particularly frustrating dealing with government entities that are far off, in Washington or St. Paul.

The bigger the government entity, the more difficult it is to be heard by it. At the same time, our political process involves democratic activity that allows citizens to pursue change through their voice and their vote. It may take a lot of time, though, to see any improvement.

Something that is difficult to understand, however, is citizens who aim their rage at local government officials. These citizens are really revealing more about their own anger-management issues than about anything their local government has “done” to them. Local government officials are our friends and neighbors. A citizen can walk into any area city council or school board meeting and express themselves. They can ask questions. They can try to persuade. So why act like a volcano?

Officials in Truman — yes, tiny, peaceful small town Truman — are now considering security measures at City Hall because someone came in last week and decided to yell and swear at city staff. City officials are taking the threat seriously, as seems appropriate.

Anger is a response to something that is “wrong,” but it needs to be channeled into something constructive, such as dialogue. Rage, on the other hand, is pointless. People who attempt to intimidate others through volume and fury need to be turned away, as Truman now proposes through a no-tolerance policy.