Resident writes response to county commissioner

When losing an argument some folks resort to a “red herring,” a logical fallacy in which they try to lead the reader off the track by introducing a subject that has nothing to do with the discussion.

Points I made 30 years ago about the dubious wisdom of Sheriff Ron Smith concentrating law enforcement on crimes without victims (e.g. marijuana grown for personal use) is a classic red herring. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the problems of the landfill today.

The second part of Ron’s recent letter did address the landfill question. But he only reiterated his problems with the feds and his very late and weak answers: recycle until they make us close the place.

I’m wishing he could tell us of his efforts to get the congressional representatives to create an exemption for us. But I have not heard of such efforts. I was hoping he could relate of his discussions with the senators to get the law changed. But he seems to have not done so. Or, has he worked to get the governor’s backing? I think not.

Has he fronted plans to ship just the really heavy stuff away to beat the 20-ton limit? Doesn’t seem to have occurred to him.

Incidentally, it is legal for individuals to grow their own medical marijuana in Montana, Washington, Oregon, California and nine other states (plus wide open in B.C.). The authorities in those states overwhelmingly refuse to enforce federal pot prohibition. In doing so, they are defending the U.S. Constitution and state and personal rights against federal corruption — check out Amendments Nine and Ten.

I think Ron Smith is a fine fellow. But the fact that he resigned as sheriff shows he couldn’t handle that job. I’m afraid he’s not handling the job of county commissioner any better.

Mike Oehler