To the Editor:
The Projo editorial, “Here comes the weed patrol,” of June 25 notes the Westerly Town Council passed an ordinance stipulating that “weeds” on a property six inches or taller could result in $50 per day fines. Basic property rights aside, consider the following.
What if residential borders abut either a farm or vacant lot? Will town property remain “weed” free?
The definition of a “weed” is determined when the beholder decides a plant is an annoyance. The aesthetics of tall “weeds” is open to opinion. A “weed” can be another’s flower or farmer’s crop. Some regard legumes as “weeds” in their lawns. Others see them as generators of nitrogen. Agreement on the definition of a desirable landscape is beside the point. Freedom to hold a contrary opinion is guaranteed under the Constitution.
Politicians who can’t or won’t stop illegal aliens, from invading cities and towns, look ridiculous going after illegal weeds on private property.
C. Christopher Sirr
Warwick
