Editor,

While we are still in the early stages of these very dark days, it’s important for me to remember that the voters of Island County and the greater Pacific region overwhelmingly voted in favor of democracy, the rule of law and the rights of all people. A very small minority around us bows to absolute authority, stokes imagined fear, demonstrates loyalty above truth, lacks any tolerance for critical inquiry, sees their group leader as the exclusive source of truth, and has been financially exploited for baubles, flags and bright hats. These are signs of a cult.

Let’s not allow the misguided voices of a few define who we are; a community that values kindness, decency, human rights and truth.

Ted Noodle

Clinton