Pubdate: Tue, 24 Feb 2004
Source: Marshfield News-Herald, The (WI)
Copyright: 2004 Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2236
Author: Stevyn Schlinsog Jr.

FARMER QUESTIONS PROFESSIONAISM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Editor: This is an open letter to all Clark County residents.

Beware of false accusations of drug trafficking if you sell sweet
corn.

This is what happened to me. I had over two acres of sweet corn to
sell. Apparently the dozens of vehicles that came to purchase sweet
corn led several citizens to assume I was doing something illegal.
These citizens approached an officer to report drug activity. He told
an investigator "That it was common knowledge."

How can unfounded reporting of alleged illegal activity be stated as
common knowledge? If our law enforcement suspected any violations of
any laws, they should have stopped what they claim were drug purchasers.

Law enforcement officers, add this to your knowledge: I've never been
previously arrested, charged or convicted (except in your obviously
biased opinions) of any drug related offenses. You see a little, hear
a little, fabricate and assume what you want to.

Common slander is common knowledge is absolute fact. Clark County
rules. What drug screening does Clark County have in place for its
employees? I offered to voluntarily give two different body fluid
samples to prove myself clean. Will the local law enforcement do this?

In recent memory there is one reported homicide in Clark County. A
year was wasted looking for two Asian men. Common rumor has it that
they never existed. Several weeks ago there was an armed robbery in
Neillsville only a few blocks from the sheriff's department. In both
incidents no arrests have been made.

It is common knowledge that some locals create and spread
rumors/gossip for their personal satisfaction.

There should be no need to tell law enforcement how to do their jobs.
This country has a constitution, presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Stevyn Schlinsog Jr.

Romadka-Fremont Farms

Granton
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake