Threats created issue

I signed Referendum 71 not because I care about what goes on in anyone’s bedroom, but because of the vow to post the names and addresses of the signers on the Internet. I take that as a far more serious threat to the democracy of this state than any domestic partnership rights bill could ever be.

I am so sick and tired of all political scare tactics, threats, intimidation and propaganda that I’ve decided that whatever group uses them, I’ll be on the opposite side of the issue to get it to a vote of the people.

Had the opponents of R-71 not made any threats or tried to intimidate the citizens of this state I would not have given R-71 a second look, because I would benefit from the domestic partnership rights passed by the state Legislature, too.

The problem with using scare tactics as a political tool is they often have the opposite effect. People who would look at this as a nonissue will have a look-see and make it an issue. My issue is with the use of intimidation, threats and other such scare tactics.

Makes me wonder how many other signers have the same issue.

Christine M. Petrasso

Otis Orchards