Editor,

I recently delivered some firewood to some folks in a very rural part of the South End of the island and saw a sign on my way there that proclaimed “Fiber Farm.” I am doubtful that they are producing dietary fiber and wondered if they realize what they are doing. They are virtually inviting any less than honest passerby to steal their crop.

I saw that happen a lot in the “Emerald Triangle” in California in the 1970s where it became quite dangerous to venture near another person’s property for fear of encountering attack dogs or armed guards. Three were disturbing instances of beatings, rip-offs, and murders over the highly valuable crop. Some inventive rip-off artists even came up with uniforms of delivery people or posed as government employees. You might think that our circumstance is different because of legalization. But legalization does not change the fact that a well-groomed pot garden is worth thousands of dollars and is quick, easy money for crooks.

Legal pot is going to change the nature of our rural areas in Washington to a culture where trust of neighbors and strangers is a thing of the past. Some people are going to learn some heartbreaking lessons and pay some very high prices. But I suppose it is silly of me to be concerned about that because the people who grow it probably smoke it too, and are not inclined to worry about it.

But please don’t call the cops for help when you do get ripped off because they are not likely to get your crop back, and they certainly cannot live at your house and be your armed guards.

STAN WALKER

Freeland