An outrage continues to occur throughout Mendocino County as the Pro-Grow advocates assail the ‘Yes On B’ campaign. In abject disregard for the political process, signs continue to disappear or be defaced. At this point some 30% of signs have been stolen or defaced. This disregard for the political process demonstrates just how low the criminal mind will stoop in an attempt to intimidate the voting public and to control public discourse. Our U.S. Constitution puts free speech first (The First Amendment), and has long been recognized as the most important part of our citizenship. We have freedom to express ourselves and engage in debate on issues of daily importance. We do not have the freedom to trespass on private property to commit a crime of theft or vandalism.
The attack on ‘Yes On B’ campaign signs is criminal behavior. It represents an attempt by those who profit most from criminal activity (commercial pot growers) to control the dialogue. It is an attempt to threaten the voters of Mendocino County into silence on the issue of commercial marijuana production. It is well known that many in the county are afraid to speak out on the deplorable circumstances surrounding the passage of Measure G.. Thoughtful business men and women choose to remain silent, either out of fear, or are driven by their own greed to make a profit in doing business with criminal growers. It is time for all citizens of Mendocino County to step up, make the hard moral decision and vote ’Yes’ on Measure B. An evil and sinister influence has spread over the county and those who do not see this have closed their eyes to this reality.
Pro-Grow elements within the county have shown total disregard for the environment. The salmon fishing season is in shambles, and at least part of the problem stems from water being taken from the spawning streams of our anadromous fish. Fuel spills contaminate the county. Fires are caused by indoor grows. The stench of pot permeates our communities. Home invasions and related crime is all too common. School children are being introduce to pot that is 5 to 6 times more potent and brain damaging than the pot of 30 years ago. And now the Pro-Grow element want to take your constitutional right to a free and open public discussion of these issues by destroying any opposition to their ruthless money grab.
The ‘Yes On B Coalition' has made every effort to engage our community in an open and honest debate. Although unsettling, on numerous occasions those in opposition to Measure B have used arguments that bend the truth to serve their agenda. First Amendment! You can tell your stories and spin the arguments any way you want. The ‘Yes On B Coalition’ trusts the intelligence of the voters to sort out the truth. That is what the political process is all about in the U.S. But please preserve our constitution right to have the debate. Stealing signs is not sanctioned by the ‘No On B’ community, but it has become a part of this debate and should be stopped out of respect for the ‘political process‘. Those who destroy signs show their disregard for the citizens of this county who want to raise a family and experience the good life afforded we who reside here.
Vote ‘yes’ on Measure B as a statement against those who would deny you your First Amendment rights.
Dennis Smart
Ukiah
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