It seems to me that some residents of Fountain Hills have witnessed what’s going on in Washington, DC, and decided to use similar tactics here. I refer to the accusations against Councilman Cecil Yates.

I have never met Yates nor have I ever met his accusers. However, the theme is one that we must all be familiar with by now. It stinks.

As in Washington, accusations have been made with no proof offered to back them up, other than mere appearances. Appearances do not constitute proof. As in Washington, allegations are made and then the subject of the allegations – in this instance, Yates – are told that they must prove that the allegations are not true.

Wrong. In the United States, the burden of proof rests with the accuser. It is up to the accuser to prove that a thing happened. Otherwise, say your neighbor’s home was burglarized. They claim that you did it because you were home at the time and live next door. They then demand that you prove that you didn’t do it, but offer no evidence other than the fact that you live next door.

Before any such accusations are made – or at least treated by persons in positions of responsibility with any regard – it seems to me that some real evidence in support of the accusations should be produced.

When I think of nations where guilt by denunciation was or is a hallmark, I think of the French Revolution, the old USSR or North Korea. I don’t wish to live in any such place. As far as I am concerned, Mr. Yates is a fine citizen.