Opinion did disservice to community activists

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Meaningless and ineffective. Grandstanding time wasters.

This is how I believe The Bellingham Herald editorial board portrayed the City Council's resolution opposing U.S. military action in Iran and the council members who supported the measure.

Appallingly, the editorial board also compartmentalized citizen supporters as "a small minority" of "activists" in what I believe was a sneering, dismissive tone - implying they also were ineffective and meaningless.

Activists work and speak for the common good. They may be found in all walks of life, contributing in any number of ways toward the betterment of their fellow man and the community at large.

Activism is the very basis of our national heritage. Good citizenship and social responsibility requires it. Activism is the means by which the masses ensure that exploitation of themselves, others, and common resources do not occur. Through activism, society ensures that those who cannot speak or care for themselves are provided for. The larger the issue, the more societal pressure - in the form of activism - must be brought to bear to change the course of events and the policies instituted by those in power.

The Herald editorial board's remarks characterize tactics typically used to dampen dissent and foster apathy. I expect more from a community newspaper.

Mary Ann Armstrong

Deming

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