Opinion - Letters to the Editor

POSTED: Thursday, Jun. 18, 2009

Says sanctuary talk 'waste of time'

The sanctuary city discussion was a terrible waste of time and money for a city with real issues, such as why unions should take pay cuts while the city plans to spend millions paving Northridge Park. But the meeting met the objective of gesture-politics publicity for a fringe element. I will gladly support a petition for the recall of the elected officials who permitted it.

The supporters of the silly proposal had absolutely no idea how insulting and offensive their words were to those who have sacrificed years and blood to defend their rights to free speech. I was immensely proud of the forbearance and patience shown by the crowd of patriots.

If you tell a vet that "honoring your voluntary service commitment don't mean nuthin'," your insensitivity will inspire a profoundly emotional reaction. Few of the sanctuary supporters, which included the moderator, seemed to realize that you can't order people to not feel disrespected when you invalidate the strongest experiences of their lives. Some spontaneous boos were heard, while many speakers were thanked with applause.

No one tried to drown out the gullible kids and aging hippies when they responded similarly; there just weren't that many of them there to make much noise.

E. James (Jim) Brennan

Bellingham