To the editor:

It should come as no surprise to anyone that Bainbridge Island leans more to the left than most parts of the country, but it is very self-serving, however, to say that we are “tolerant, inclusive” and other empty phrases. Truthfully, we can be very intimidating and hostile to anyone who doesn’t see the “enlightened path.” What makes this more upsetting is that many “enlightened” individuals make some rather unjust accusations by making arbitrary assumptions.

James Olsen made an entry into the Grand Old Fourth Parade with his “Veterans for Trump.” Rather than respectfully watching it go by, a lot of people made obscene gestures, signs of disapproval, etc. I know this because his wife recorded it because he wanted to show the hypocrisy of the “inclusive” claim, and Bainbridge obeyed in Pavlovian fashion. There is no reason parade watchers cannot simply watch his float go by and just remain silent or graciously wave. That shows inclusivity, civility and maturity.

Too many people in this community and the country at large make assumptions about a statement. If a person supports Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration that person is automatically a racist. Why is securing a country’s borders automatically racist? If a person opposes same-sex marriage he or she is automatically a bigot. He or she may be, but he or she may see marriage in a very different context. However, the assumption is made before questions are asked. If a person is opposed to legalized abortion he or she is “against choice,” but no one stops to ask about the morality of what is being chosen.

The point is that we proudly claim we are enlightened, inclusive, etc. when we are really just as biased, bigoted and provincial as everyone else in this day and age where lively debate has been replaced by hyperbole and denigration. Can we move beyond such boorish and hypocritical behavior?

FRANCIS JACOBSON

Bainbridge Island