It's called "The Public Speaks," not "The Public Yells," or the "The Public Bullies, Threatens, Disrespects, Takes Hostage and Ignores the Rules and Protocol Under the Guise of Free Speech."

Canton City Council's recent decision to suspend its "public speaks" segment is in response to an unraveling of basic decorum and respect.

For months, public speaks has been spiraling out of control, becoming a "war zone" as one observer put it, with some participants hijacking it to harangue and verbally bludgeon council members and council President Kristin Bates Aylward about issues over which they have no jurisdiction.

The vitriolic atmosphere has chased off residents who have legitimate concerns but want no part of a shambolic spectacle.

Council Majority Leader John Mariol said the plan is t

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