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Objection is to the Location

Recently, a controversy has grown in Guilford over a methadone clinic set to open on the Boston Post Road. Many residents have written letters to the newspaper expressing their support for or opposition to the clinic. Their statements are considered protected by the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights, which guarantees citizens the freedom of speech.

Some residents and business owners have denoted their specific opposition to the location chosen for the methadone clinic. They have posted signs in front of their residential or business properties. The signs clearly read, "Relocate the Methadone Clinic." This declaration is likewise considered protected under the First Amendment.

Perhaps some people do not understand that the objection is clearly to the location near a residential area that abuts the commercial district—not to the treatment program being offered. Under the main message of the signs is this website, www.relocatethemethadoneclinic.com, to which anyone may refer for further information.

During the past two weeks, virtually all the signs have been taken down. My question to the persons who have removed the signs is this: what are you afraid of?

Harold Ramsey

Guilford