On a recent Thursday evening cowards wearing black masks appeared at the Buttered Biscuit restaurant in Waynesville while the “Concerned Citizens” were holding their weekly meeting. This American Nazi brown shirts subjected attendees to intimidation by spouting attendees were bigots, racists and fascists. It appeared these individuals took pictures of the building, attendees and attendees’ license plates.
The Buttered Biscuit hosts discussion and respectful debate regarding issues of common concern. Radicals such as those who descended upon the Buttered Biscuit are known to have connections with the Haywood County and Asheville Democratic party leadership. “Concerned Citizens” has tried to engage everyone in respectful debate and discussion — with the goal of bridging the political divide in Haywood County and seeking common ground — but it is apparent these radicals have no interest in discussion or common ground.
It was obvious these thugs were there to strike fear in attendees to cause attendees to fear future participation and to end “Concerned Citizens.” This act of intimidation was a direct attempt to deny attendees their First Amendment rights to free speech and to peaceably assemble. Citizen’s First Amendment rights sustain our republic’s ability to exist. These masked cowards were a direct assault on the Constitution and cannot be left without accountability.
It is incumbent upon the Waynesville Police Department and Haywood County Sheriff’s Department office to pursue these thugs to assure those who participated in this act of intimidation are held to the full extent of the law to assure it is made known that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated in Waynesville or Haywood County. We have knowledge of the insider’s description, so locating her and her masked friends should not be difficult. Failure to do otherwise will make it known that Waynesville has fallen to the lawlessness infecting cities across the country.
Those who enjoy the insightful information garnered at these meetings must not succumb to these fear tactics. We must stand solidly together and make it known we are not afraid, will not be stopped, and our meetings will continue.
LeRoy Cossette
Waynesville
