Editor:
This Elizabeth Riel lawsuit is pure Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights intimidation ("Riel to sue city on First Amendment grounds," June 10). As a tax payer, I will not stand for it! When my opponents don't get what they want they either threaten a law suit or make every effort to censor those who don't march to their drum beat. Whether the residents like it or not the responsibility of democracy and freedom rests on our shoulders, not our elected officials. Hear me clear, my fellow residents: it is your duty to our nation and dignified responsibility to vote. This is the ultimate system of checks and balance, U.S.!
How much more intimidation, censorship and betrayal can my fellow Santa Monica residents take? To what end will my fellow voters go to not to stand up for themselves? We are showing the world that we are cowards when it comes to our own rights. If we fail to vote Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights out of office, we will all be responsible for the future of the city: as good or bad as it may become. The question isn't how can Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights push you around, the question is how can you stand by as the essence of your freedoms are being eroded? Where is the courage of our framers that should be running through your veins, where is the payment for the liberty earned by the death of thousands of men and women over the 200-plus years of our history?
If you fail to stand up for your liberty then it's your fault that Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights has a green light to continue to intimidate and bully until our freedoms are taken away.
Robert Kronovet
Santa Monica
