"Public discourse when it comes to public building projects" is not exactly what my questions were addressing. What I was questioning is the notion that somehow "public discourse" is lacking (or even non-existant) and thus requires a "call to arms" rhetoric. Basically, are thing really that bad? And if they are, then at least explain what that bad situation is.

I'm assuming that public discourse when it comes to public building projects is not something that never happens. In fact, I've been on the public side of a public discourse when it came to a public building project--a park building planned for a site that would have ruined the only nice part of the park left; because of my public outspokenness the building never happened. Yes, I'm all for public discourse when it comes to public building projects.

"never ask a question for which you can't already expect the answer".