The Imperial Council

Well – The Imperial Council is at it once again.

They vote in open session not to send a letter to the Congressional delegation about the Border Patrol checkpoints. Then they enter closed session, and miraculously, a letter signed by five Imperial Councilmen appears out of nowhere. Thank goodness, the County Prosecutor reminded them they needed a vote of approval the next day so the letter could go forward. Never mind that it all happened in closed session out of the public eye. Who cares about the public anyway?

Miracles seem to occur around the Imperial Commissioners with regularity. While I admit that I was not at the Orcas meeting regarding the checkpoints nor was I at the City Council meeting at which the issue was discussed, I was at the first meeting in Friday Harbor where many people spoke – not including me.

This is weird! I did not hear a single business owner stand up and identify himself as a business owner from San Juan, Shaw, Lopez or Orcas whose business would be hurt by the checkpoints. I am sure I did not zone out and I do not think I was drunk or on drugs, but there were no complaints by business owners.

Maybe the Imperial Council is like the Emperor with the new (invisible) clothes. Maybe they fabricated out of whole (invisible) cloth the idea of protecting businesses as a reason for sending the letter.

If there are business owners who do not like the checkpoints, I would like to see their opinions expressed in the media. Step up folks – If you were one of the invisible business owners who miraculously appeared during the closed session and turned the Imperial Council around I would like to know whom you are.

Not only that – If you identify yourself and your business as agreeing with the Imperial Council, I will conclude that you value offering jobs and protection to illegal aliens above protecting jobs and providing economic wherewithal to persons legally entitled to them.

Then I can feel good when I do not shop locally.

Dennis R. Hazelton
San Juan Island



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