From Where I Sit
By Dale Jacobs
| Odyssey Times Editor
It seems our pages are filled
with more and more stories about governments who interfere with the rights
and business of private citizens. Tom Riley's farm is a case in point.
Without a formal complaint from those who distribute or purchase Riley's
apples, the Environmental Detection agency--a bogus tax-waster at nest--took
it upon itself to survey Riley's farm for potential toxic contamination.
Former Odyssey councilman Philip Glossman is credited as the driving force
behind this inquiry.
Our readers know well the
background on this case.
Some time ago, the Edgebiter
Pesticide Company leaked pesticides into the creek running alongside Riley's
farm. After a meticulous inquiry by the Environmental Protection Agency and
other concerned organizations. Riley's farm was declared entirely safe. The
Edgebiter Company made restitution to all concerned and have since moved
their storage facilities to Connellsville. Fine. Case closed.
Why the Environmental
Detection Agency should no decide to investigate Riley again, disrupting his
business and causing some alarm among his distributors, we can't tell.
Philip Glossman's involvement causes us to raise our eyebrows. Glossman is
well-known for his dislike of Tom Riley after numerous battles on the City
Council. And now that Glossman has taken on responsibilities with the state
government, he seems determined to cause Riley more trouble. Readers will
remember Glossman's failed attempt to put a major highway through Riley's
property.
The Odyssey Times feels
that this is harassment of a most heinous nature: victimizing a good citizen
in the name of the government. Where are Riley's rights? And were are
ours if we allow such things to happen? I suggest we call our state
representatives right away to protest this unjustified action.
This
article originally appeared in "The Odyssey Times," a
special fictional newspaper produced by Focus on the Family to promote
Adventures in Odyssey.
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