The Editor:
This may be the last year I attend the 4th of July parade in Blaine – unless the city decides to ban the throwing of candy.
I’ve lived in Blaine for over 10 years, and each Independence Day, I get up early to place chairs along the route for myself and my grandchildren. We look forward to enjoying a sunny day together, watching the parade and appreciating the efforts of those who volunteer their time to entertain the community.
Unfortunately, this year was a different experience. As the parade began, large groups of children with shopping bags crowded in front of our chairs, shouting “give me candy!” and running back and forth across the street. Their excitement for candy completely blocked our view and even led to them stepping on my grandchildren’s toes.
I couldn’t tell you what the parade had to offer this year – I spent most of it trying to reassure my granddaughters that I would take them to the store for candy later. Meanwhile, parents were seen dashing into the street with toddlers in tow, and kids were darting between vehicles and horses for pieces of candy that didn’t quite make it to the curb. Parade participants seemed more focused on tossing candy than performing or representing their organizations.
I believe it’s time to reconsider the role of candy in the Blaine parade. I understand some may argue that removing candy could reduce attendance – but are people really coming to Blaine just for free candy?
I vote to prioritize safety, visibility and enjoyment for all attendees. Let’s bring the focus back to celebrating the spirit of the 4th, not scrambling for sweets.
Sally Howell
Blaine
The Editor:
Under the control of Homeland Security, ICE has been operating around the country, including here in Whatcom County. Documented cases exist of agents being masked, wearing no badge or insignia and refusing to identify themselves when stopping cars, people on the street, or raiding businesses, in some cases detaining even American citizens. Heavily armed and sometimes wearing no uniform of any type.
Under normal circumstances, those taken away would be considered victims of kidnapping. Under the new federal budget, the budget of ICE has just exceeded the budgets of the next four federal law enforcement agencies combined. That makes it the largest and most powerful agency in our nation’s history.
Our law enforcement agencies are hired and charged with protecting our communities, and that includes acting to stop a kidnapping of our neighbors by masked men in unmarked vehicles.
I call upon the heads of our local police departments and sheriff’s office as well as the Washington State Patrol to issue a training memo to; when rolling up on one of these scenes, or if being alerted to purported illegal actions, intervene, ask for identification, purpose of the action and warrants. If refused, they should carry out the law that protects us from being kidnapped.
Someone has to hold these ICE agents to the law; their boss is obviously not going to do that, and we, as citizens, can’t do it alone. It’s why we have police – to protect us from illegal actors, and it would appear ICE is acting illegally with impunity. Enough.
Gary Meader
Nooksack
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