Opinion

The more millions they fork out for advertising percussion, shows the more they're planning an oil invasion! If they didn't have the reputation of causing mutilation this race wouldn't take place.  

The latest television ads bought by the oil companies against Measure J really disturbed us. A man says he is an employee of a "local" oil business, speaks with an accent and claims that Measure J will leave him unemployed. But, according to the president of the local oil business Steve Coombs, of Patriot Resources, who described their oil recovery process to my husband and others at a meeting he attended; none of those practices that are currently being used would be banned by Measure J. Steve described needing to use acid to clean scale off an existing Class II injection well used for water flooding and waste water injection and to use acid to break up drilling mud in new well borers. These methods of acid used in well maintenance would not be banned by Measure J.

What I’ve noticed in this campaign blitz to defeat “Yes on Measure J” (because it’s obvious) is that there are several propaganda tactics being used by the No on J coalition to manipulate public opinion. The most obvious and insidious one is:

Local leadership on Measure J has been disappointing. Some local leaders say they support Measure J and some say they don't. And some don't have anything to say at all. Most are afraid that “fracking” is too controversial a subject to waste time on because of the negative social connotation the word conjures, even though fracking isn't proposed here in San Benito County.

What I’ve noticed in this campaign blitz to defeat “Yes on Measure J” (because it’s obvious) is that there are several propaganda tactics being used by the No on J coalition to manipulate public opinion. The most obvious and insidious one is:

Local leadership on Measure J has been disappointing. Some local leaders say they support Measure J and some say they don't. And some don't have anything to say at all. Most are afraid that “fracking” is too controversial a subject to waste time on because of the negative social connotation the word conjures, even though fracking isn't proposed here in San Benito County.

You recently published a piece of mean-spirited zealotry from a supporter of Measure J running down the San Benito County Farm Bureau for its opposition to the local ballot measure. The writer called the county’s leading agricultural organization “misguided” for concluding that Measure J is bad for farmers and bad for San Benito County. She belittled the concerns of Farm Bureau members and others over the potential loss of property and mineral rights if Measure J passes. I am writing in response and to set the record straight.

Panelists answered the following: Are you concerned about your own health with the Ebola virus’ presence in the U.S.?