Who is afraid? And, why?

If I had a recall petition circulating against me, I'd be afraid, or at least upset. And, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Doug and Phil actually have some moments of anxiety over these recall efforts.

What surprises me is the number of people in this town who speak encouraging words to us about the recall and in the same breath tell us they are afraid to sign a petition. Afraid. Afraid that their signatures will cause a backlash against other efforts they support that must go before Council for approval. Afraid of losing their jobs. Afraid of adverse affects on their businesses if Doug and Phil find out they signed. Afraid.

I don't deny people's feelings and fears, and I'm not pointing fingers. Except maybe at Doug and Phil. Are they even aware that people fear retaliation from them? Call me a sap, but in their shoes I'd probably be out assuring people that it is their constitutional right to express their opinion and while I'd be sorry if they chose to support a recall against me, I would never consider retaliation for what is clearly freedom of speech.

If you believe in this recall and the reasons behind it, how can you not believe it is in our best interest to put it to a vote of the people of St. Helens? Signing a recall petition says you support the right of the people to determine whether or not these two councilors should be recalled. It says you believe in taking an issue to the people it affects. It says you trust that people will make informed decisions and believe in their right to do that. To deny citizens a right to even vote on the issue because people are afraid to sign a petition that simply requests a vote--that's just sad.

This whole issue disturbs me most because it says scary things about how much power these councilors have, and more importantly, how much power we grant them. It makes me angry and I wonder why it doesn't make everyone else just as angry.

I believe that stuff about freedom of speech. No one infringes upon my rights without a fight. I'd be the first one filing suit if I thought Doug and Phil, or anyone else, was retaliating against me for signing a petition. And, you know what? I'd win.