Vashon didn’t display the acceptance we boast | Letter to the Editor


August 14, 2012 · Updated 12:15 PM 

Having lived on Vashon now for 15 years, it has been my impression that debate and tolerance of viewpoints were a welcomed part of the community. On Friday, however, I was shocked by some islanders’ behavior.

At the corner of the post office, members of a group were stationed to promote and discuss their viewpoint. They were greeted in the five minutes I was there with “You should just leave the Island,” “You don’t belong here” and similar comments that were hurled from multiple people walking past as well as from drivers moving past.

As I thought about this through the weekend, I asked myself, ”Where has common civility gone?” Has the public forum to discuss and debate issues civilly disappeared? Is this tolerance? (I’ll tolerate as long as you don’t disagree with me.)

Have our politics divided us that we cannot be neighborly? I have hope that this was an isolated incident, but it also has me concerned.

 

— Wilson Hu

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.