I too find most down votes distasteful. In fact, I use a custom style sheet to color down voted comments red so I can see them, and unless I can find no redeeming value whatsoever in the comment I give it an up vote to counter the down votes.

In this particular case, however, I think the down votes were fine, because the comment:

1. grossly misstated facts, by attributing George Roedler's statements to Larry Pogemiller,

2. is essentially just a rant calling for Pogemiller's head.