To the editor: When ‘safety’ is applied to control

Safety is such an interesting word. Who doesn’t love safety? It ranks up there with “mom” and “apple pie.”

Most of us are not comfortable with “danger” or “risk” or “threat.” But “safety” is a comforting protective word. Unfortunately, it can be cravenly applied to disarm, to seize control and stifle ongoing debate and an exchange of ideas. It can be used as a “trump card” (pun intended) to close the case before anyone else has a say.

An example of this tactic was applied during the discussion over last year’s decision to move the Chester Fall Festival, a cherished town tradition of 50 years. No one wants little kids hit by trucks. But by pounding the safety mantra, the decision was wrested from the whole community.

Vermonters know how to conduct a townwide pubic meeting even when the debate gets a little spicy at times. All have their say, then we arrive at consensus and move forward together. That is how it is done here. The idea was not necessarily wrong, but the transition was ham-handed and handled cruelly. Unilateral decisions shoved down throats are resented by most Americans especially here in Vermont.

So let’s talk about now. Since that term “safety” worked like magic last year to obliterate any discussion or chance of exchanging ideas and solutions, the same crew are trotting out the tactic again. Apparently they are unhappy that the Town Green is being used periodically by people they do not politically agree with.

They are hoping that by pretending to use the term “safety” as a benevolent protective gesture, they can ban any ideas and speech they don’t like. They are attempting to convince the town to establish limits and cumbersome rules to stifle or derail the gatherings.

This is America. It doesn’t work that way. The U.S.  Constitution is crystal clear and not up for debate. I find it more than a little ironic that those who are so eager to claim safety concerns as they attempt to cancel the First Amendment rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech are often the same people who ignore safety concerns when it comes to Second Amendment rights to carry weapons of war into elementary school classrooms.

Perhaps just maybe safety is not the real motivation here. Town leadership would do well to look into the hidden agenda inside this push to limit use of the Green. Town leaders need to stand firm and uphold the First Amendment rights of all the people.

Charlea Baker
Chester