Editorial: We Are Not Into That

Late last evening, The Purple Violet Press received a detailed e-mail threatening specific members of the anti-shale gas movement. It was the first of its kind to come our way since we began reporting on the issue.

We contacted the members for comment, thinking it only fair to air both sides if a write-up was done. However, we were told other threats have recently been levelled at them as well. Upon learning this, it hit us the shale gas issue in New Brunswick has now gone to a whole different, and sinister, level.

Realizing the seriousness of the territory the threatening e-mail pulled us into, this publication passed it along out of safety concerns when a copy was requested by the members. They have included it in a report filed with the RCMP, who are investigating the matter.

For those looking to use The Purple Violet Press as a messenger or public forum to threaten others, let it be stated we are NOT a venue for that. Any e-mail, submitted comment or face-to-face mention of harm, in any form to anyone on any side of the shale gas issue, will be a matter for the proper authorities, not us.

While this publication realizes people with different views on the shale gas issue have the right to be heard, we expect it to be done in a civilized and rational manner. Heated opinions are also not out of bounds, it is a heated issue, but when the line crosses into threats, physical or otherwise, we will not participate in that.

Those who conform to decent discourse are welcome on this site. Those who don't are now aware of the consequences.