The tactics used by Rich Robinson in his letter concerning the ballot measures on the large developments are disturbing. He repeatedly resorts to name calling, describing those with views different from his own as a fearful, unreasoned and strident minority; aggressive misinformed people; group of miscreants; and an angry uniformed mob.

More subtly he claims to speak for the majority based upon unnamed surveys.

But survey questions are often slanted to get the desired results; and if surveys show a majority wants well-planned, well-managed, affordable housing, I expect there is a wide range of views of what that means and if the projects in question fit that description.

He ends his letter by calling his opponents NIMBYs. But who are the NIMBYs?

Just those people living near the projects? Anyone living in Cupertino? Would those from Sunnyvale or San Jose be NIMBYs for opposing these projects, or would they become meddlers? Where exactly can one live and not be attacked for opposing these projects?

Mr. Robinson claims those opposing the projects are trying "to impose their will over common sense, ... ." However, they followed the existing process to have these measures placed on the ballot, and they cannot impose their will unless a majority of voters agree with them.

I am sure the pro-development forces have plenty of resources to argue their case. But if the choice is as obvious as Mr. Robinson claims, why does he resort to name calling and implying that it is everyone's civic duty to agree with him?

David Radtke
Cupertino Courier Letters
Wednesday, August 30, 2006