For the most part, and increasingly, online comment forums like this one represent public opinion about as accurately as AM radio call-in shows do, SnipeHunt.  Which is to say: not at all.

That's especially true for any article on women, immigrants, muslims, and first nations.  

I didn't agree with everything that David Butts wrote - his "99.7%' being an example.  However, his criticisms were appropriately polite and even deferential in tone; they were in no way "over-the-top."  Journalism has always included opinion pieces.  Butts is a regular contributor with more expertise than the average.