The Editor:
The First Amendment to our Constitution guarantees the right of free speech, yet this administration has threatened to use the FCC to remove broadcast licenses of those in media who do not treat President Trump “kindly.”
People are being punished for views that disagree with the thoughts of this administration.
A healthy democracy depends on debate, disagreement, and the free exchange of ideas. Differences of opinion are a strength when they lead to constructive dialogue and thoughtful compromise. But in the United States today, political extremism has grown into a dangerous threat, eroding trust, distorting dialogue, and undermining the foundation of democracy.
The extremism we are currently seeing is not simply strong conviction – it is the refusal to accept facts, the rejection of legitimate outcomes, and the belief that power should be pursued at any cost.
It turns any with opposing views into enemies rather than fellow citizens.
Extremist movements thrive on fear and conspiracy, often amplified by social platforms that reward outrage over understanding.
Our current leadership seems to encourage these forces, placing blind obedience over loyalty to truth or country. This reality weakens democracy.
Extremist voices drown out reasonable debate and push institutions toward dysfunction.
Citizens lose faith in government when they see it hijacked by those unwilling to compromise or respect Constitutional limits. Extremism pits neighbor against neighbor, creating suspicion where there should be cooperation. Extremist narratives open the door for disinformation and manipulation from both foreign and domestic actors who benefit from division.
Democracy, however, does not require uniformity – it requires commitment to common rules and respect for legitimate differences. Combating extremism means reaffirming shared values such as safety, opportunity, fairness, and freedom – values that unite Americans across political lines. These principals are not partisan; they are the bedrock of our democracy. Reducing extremism will not eliminate disagreement, but it can restore respect and stability. It strengthens institutions, allows the government to serve all citizens, and reminds us that leaders are accountable to the people, not to the loudest or most radical factions.
I am asking you to reject extremism and choose cooperation over chaos.
Larry Bronemann
Blaine
The Editor:
In response to Ms. Alexander’s recent letter in the September 4 issue of The Northern Light, I’d like to clarify who “the comfortable few” are. In Blaine there is a growing divide between those who are already secure in their housing and resources, and the many young families, working people, and seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling to make ends meet. The “comfortable few” are those who oppose new housing, resist change, and prioritize protecting their own comfort over addressing the very real needs of others. These attitudes are ill-intent, but they have the effect of keeping Blaine unaffordable and out of reach for families who want to build their lives here.
The school district used to have 160 kids in the kindergarten classes; that has whittled down to 110 kids over the past few years as we don’t have jobs in the community to support the cost of living here, as in the surrounding cities such as Ferndale and Lynden.
We need representation on council for people with children in our school district and those running small businesses and caring for their elderly parents all at the same time, like Sarbie Bains.
We have seen the damage the current council member Eric Lewis has done by working with the Save Blaine/Water Coalition group who have cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal and other expenses – that was documented in The Northern Light this past week.
The city has had to do two rounds of job and other service cuts over the past couple years; there are more to come if we don’t elect a council to help move the city forward.
Joseph Snow
Blaine
The Editor:
I’m writing this letter in support of Jiggy Sorrell. If you’re like me, and have been inundated with political ads, it’s hard to break them down; so I felt a helpful letter to my fellow Blaine voters might help.
I met Jiggy through his wife, Terra. She was running a non-profit giving away bicycles and our son happened to earn one of them. Since I’ve met Jiggy, he has been nothing but honest and encouraging. He would meet with us on Saturday morning breakfast with the guys from Blaine Christian Fellowship and give us his insights on a future for Blaine.
What appeals to me about Jiggy is that he hasn’t stopped volunteering to help out his neighbors. He was heavily involved in community work including helping veterans but also finds the time to listen when asked. I haven’t asked much of him. When I first met him I asked him to tell me something positive about his opponent, and he didn’t hesitate to reply. It wasn’t what he said, but that he didn’t hesitate to say something positive which impressed me.
Knowing he isn’t trying to change Blaine, but make it better, is the reason I would vote for him. Sadly, he’s not in my ward/position, but I would consider moving to vote for him (just kidding, I like my house, so he should run in our ward so I can).
If you are looking for honesty in politics, Jiggy Sorrell is your man. I’m not saying his opponent isn’t, but I do know Jiggy Sorrell is.
Mat Lang
Blaine
The Editor:
We are so fortunate to live in a country with great newspapers and people with respectful opinions. This last week (I haven’t seen this week’s issue of The Northern Light), Cascadia Daily News published some great reporting and editing. So important together were the article on the Arch of Healing and Reconciliation and the letter from Perry Parsons.
We should heal from what has happened to us and at the same time pledge that never again hate and judgment be allowed to damage the community. We can’t predict or control the actions of opponents, adherents or neighbors, but we should be able to speak our minds without devaluing the existence of others.
Personal choice and beliefs should remain personal. Our laws may reflect many of our beliefs, but there is a process. You do not have to like your neighbor to love and acknowledge them as a unique individual that deserves respect.
Donna Starr
Blaine
The Editor:
I am writing in support of Eric Lewis for Blaine City Council. Eric has consistently shown that he listens to the entire community. He does not discriminate based on political alignment, reputation, or personal history. Instead, he takes the time to do his due diligence, gather facts, and form his own well-rounded opinions. This approach ensures that all voices are heard and prevents our city council from becoming an echo chamber.
Eric understands that public service means putting the best interests of Blaine first. He takes that responsibility seriously and works with integrity, fairness and accountability. His ability to listen, weigh all perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions is exactly what Blaine needs as we move forward.
I encourage my fellow residents to support Eric Lewis for Blaine City Council. Blaine deserves a representative who leads with balance, fairness, and genuine commitment to the community.
Jacquee Sovereign
Blaine
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