Commentary: Free speech denied in race for Clackamas County chair

The race for Clackamas County Commission chair is really turning into a mud fight. Instead of debating the issues, giving logical answers that will help the people of Clackamas County, the supporters and/or the fringe groups of the current county commissioners are engaging in tried-and-true Chicago-style politics: 1) campaign sign destruction; 2) unknown websites calling candidates names.

We have all heard the stories of conservative signs disappearing throughout the county, most recently in the Oak Grove-Milwaukie area. Radio talk show hosts have been highlighting the double standard of the liberal and conservative perspectives on the First Amendment right of freedom of speech.

Liberals most often believe freedom of speech applies when it supports their viewpoint but if it supports a conservative, there is a backlash against them. President Obama said back in 2008 "if you don't have a record to run on, you paint your opponent as someone to run from." That is exactly what is happening in the race for Clackamas County chair. Scoundrels or vandals have been lurking around the area looking to do damage to conservative campaign signs. Some people are creating websites trying to scare voters away from conservatives and their positions by name-calling and or other disruptive behavior.

Recently, while traveling around the county and talking with candidates on the issues, people have approached me about the new "John Ludlow is a Bully" signs with a website that are popping up all around the county. I typed in the website and wanted to learn more about these comments. Upon reading through the website, it is full of name calling and unfounded claims against Mr. Ludlow. The most telling part of the site was at the end -- it does not accept comments to refute any of the claims made by the unknown author.

We are Americans and take our First Amendment very seriously and I stand up for it, but if you create an opinion site, you should take responsibility and be accountable for your words. I created my own blog to highlight and discuss the issues in the news from the federal, state and local levels; however, my blog is an opinion forum. I welcome comments and discussion if I get something wrong or misspeak; I will not hide behind a curtain and call candidates names. I will give reasons why I believe their policies are wrong.

We are better than this and that's why I support a change in course. I will not stand for reckless denial of free speech just because someone has a different point of view from you. Campaign-sign destruction cannot stand and I call for candidates to come out and stand on principles and denounce this type of behavior. We are not Chicago, we are Oregon, we reject partisan rhetoric and welcome discussion on the issues. We believe in the voice of the people and the freedom of speech of our citizens. Kevin Moss lives in Sandy and is vice chair of the 3rd Congressional District for the Oregon Republican Party.

Originally posted here:
Commentary: Free speech denied in race for Clackamas County chair