http://www.desertdispatch.com/2005/112827106178221.html

Barstow, california
 

Sunday, October 2, 2005
Letters To The Editor
Battle, outcome over trails was predictable

 

There was an interesting, but predictable, battled acted out this week in
Apple Valley. It was triggered by flyers that attacked horses and horse
owners.Many were outraged by the misleading and insulting information these
flyers contained. They were designed to generate fear in the minds of those
who know little about the equestrian lifestyle.

 

The Town Council meeting on Tuesday (the 27th) was standing room only as
horse owners came out in force to rebut this fear-mongering assault. Few
spoke in support of the flyer's content. The action of accepting the
proposed trail system was unanimously approved by the council after two
hours of testimony under public comments.  Several things occur to me after
watching this drama. The first is how predictable all of this should have
been to those who threw good money away producing these flyers.

 

Apple Valley has a long history of being a "horse town" and those who follow
that choice of recreation are very dedicated in defending their activity.
They've also proven, on several past occasions, an easy group to galvanize
into action. What's more, most of the current Town Council supports the goal
of creating a unified, linked, trail system.

 

The second thing that pops into my mind is how common this tactic is in the
political arena.

From the national to the local, fear is often used to get people to vote
for, or against, something or someone. The positive aspects are often
over-looked if those in charge feel that "fear works best." The more
uninformed they think the voters are, the more likely this tactic will be
utilized.

 

Lastly, I'm reminded that no group (if perceived as being in the minority)
is immune from being targeted this way. Horse owners have now had their
turn. Others who've been attacked in the past are: big-rig truck drivers,
skateboarders, off-road riders, car enthusiasts, dog owners, gun owners,
hunters (as a separate group), and we can add various religious, ethnic, or
political sub-groups back into our early history.

 

It's easy to kick those in the minority when opportunity joins a political
agenda. Here's a wild idea. Before you think it's fine to attack "the little
guy," think how you'd react if it was you being attacked. History has shown
that "what goes around, does indeed come around."

 

Paul Mammano

Apple Valley