Greenfield City Council President John Bottomly’s comment during the City Council’s vote on the Gaza cease-fire resolution, “... but part of our process is to respond to what constituents want” is troubling to me.

Before I am accused of heartlessness, please consider that this type of thinking or action only adds to the chaos of the world. It is not the role of the City Council.

I have observed this practice for some time, even at my town’s annual town meeting. As a feel-good action, it is an easy, inexpensive demonstration to get what anyone may want versus the City Council addressing needs as required in the city charter.

We do not live in a democracy. We live in a democratic republic.

I so recall how I felt when the world ignored the starving children of Biafra and then many other failures of mankind to only realize this will not be affected/effected by any city council.

Marguerite Willis

Charlemont