Most interesting exchange (1:41 mark) during last week’s Greensboro City Council debate over Sen. Trudy Wade’s controversial bill was between council members Tony Wilkins —a supporter — and Mike Barber — an opponent.

Barber, when speaking in opposition, made the comment that Wade’s bill was stomping all over the rights of Gboro’s roughly 300,000 citizens, to which Wilkins replied that if that’s the case then why have only a grand total of 36 people spoken out in public against Wade’s bill? Barber replied that “maybe only 40-50 people are feeling it right now, but when this consistently hits our print media, when they’re made aware that their government is changing and that they have absolutely no control and that it’s being crammed down their throat, you’ll see more than 26 or 36.”

Interesting statement, considering the fact that the N&R has been all over this issue right from the beginning, whether it’s banner headlines, editorials opposing the bill from every angle, blog posts from editorial writer Doug Clark or tirades from ultra-lefty columnist Susan Ladd. Lest you think out local paper of record is falling down on the job, pick up today’s edition and note yet another editorial stating that Wade’s bill disrespects Gboro’s citizenry.

When you’re out and about today, ask someone what they think about Wade’s bill and see if they even know what you’re talking about. Given that voter turnout for municipal elections is what –roughly 10 percent (at most)— I’d be willing to bet they don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not sure if that says more about the number of people who care about city government or who read the N&R.

I guess the question is whether or not people who don’t exercise their rights can have those rights taken away from them.