Editor,

With the joyful news ISIS has been for all practical purposes defeated, I give public thanks to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for its starring role in that affair. It is worth reminding that it is not the writer gushing about Outlying Field Coupeville and EA-18Gs defending freedom of the press, but the pilot making a safe carrier landing with their EA-18G that defends freedom of the press.

Furthermore, in this season of giving thanks I would really appreciate it if the so-called environmentalists who run around and bash NAS Whidbey Island joined me in giving thanks to Island Transit for not just removing dangerous potential drivers from the road to the county commissioners’ chamber like I, but by giving folks an option to reduce their environmental impact. Oh, that’s right the so-called environmentalists who, instead of using Island Transit, take their carbon-spewing trucks and SUVs to the Island County Commissioners to, “protect the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the region, including the marine, migratory and endangered species.” To me, the test of the sincerity of an environmentalist is if they take public transit or use an SUV.

My point is this: I would like it if the folks who proclaim wanting to “protect the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the region, including the marine, migratory and endangered species” started celebrating the defeat of ISIS by walking their talk and taking the fare-free Island Transit. Or enjoy their freedom to move about the country enough to be grateful for EA-18Gs training in front of me and other OLF spectators.

Joe Kunzler

Sedro-Woolley