In Meyer v. Grant, the U.S. Supreme Court stated: "the circulation of an initiative petition […] necessarily constitutes ‘core political speech,’ for which First Amendment protection is at its zenith.” 486 US 414 (1988). The Court also noted that “the circulation of a petition involves the type of interactive communication concerning political change that is appropriately described as ‘core political speech.’" Id. at 421-422.

One of the most important lessons of the brazen act of the Commission is not just Lane County government’s willingness to thwart the Oregon and U.S. constitutions at the best of industry interests, but the true grassroots power of the people of Lane County. Our national conversation is increasingly about government/corporate collusion to protect industry profits at the expense of the people and our planet. See how quickly government and corporate interests scramble at the hint of the people exercising their true power? 

Don’t let up now!