Some ‘turbine people’ are stealing and destroying signs from people who oppose project in Barre
Editor:
(The following is a copy of a speech presented during the last Barre Town Board meeting on April 10.)
Many times we tend to lump certain types of people into groups, by either political, sociological, or religious beliefs. It could be either who we vote for, what church we attend, or even how our homes look. Many times for good or bad people who share common interests are condemned by the actions of some in those groups.
I’m going to present a few pictures taken in our town of the willful destruction of residents of Barre’s personal property. Please pass these around the room. Now for the sake of continuity, unfortunately the supporters of wind turbines have been lumped into a group called “Turbine People” and the actions of some of those people who have stolen signs, destroyed them, or just knocked them over, are having a deleterious effect on the peaceful law-abiding persons in that group.
On the other side of the turbine issue is a law-abiding, peace loving, neighborly people, I would like to call the “silent majority.” They are the majority of the residents who live in our town. They go to work every day, they take care of their families and in most cases also their neighbors. They go to church on Sundays and actually love the community in which they live.
Most of the silent majority of Barre are now talking, they’re studying, and now they’re watching. They’ve heard the rhetoric, “If the farmers want it, they get it.” Also let’s not forget “Right to Farm.” Well I have a message for all of you tonight. Right to Farm does not mean Right to Harm!
We are not going to take it anymore. We are going to continue to report all theft and vandalism of private property. We are going to be diligent. Unlike those bad eggs who are militant oppressors of the homeowners of Barre, and as the old adage goes, “will do anything for a buck,” and unlike some who use threats and intimidation to elect change, we will use the ballot box. So get ready for change, “Turbine People.”
Respectfully submitted,
John Metzler
Barre
