Uncle Dave_O has, as usual, given a concise reading of the reality in play here. While I don't think he meant to quash opinion, I think he's rightly saying that our opinions really won't count for too much unless we're residents of the area involved or otherwise legally involved in the situation. I guess, however, I could add another scenario in which my opinion might have some effect:
"I won't be spending xxxx $/£ vacationing in your area because you have homophobic firemen," or "Our firefighters' organization has just ruled out your area for our convention due to your unfair treatment of your firefighters."