It’s unfortunate that a recent comment by a reader received such negative feedback. Freedom of speech is a key cornerstone of our democracy, but that applies to everyone, so comments can often be met with differing opinions.

The hope is always that those engaging in this freedom do so with some clarity and common sense. In this specific case, clarity and common sense were lacking on both ends with the comment of “guests” instead of “neighbors” to describe the largest employer on the island, and a vital component to ensuring our freedom of speech, and the negativity it inspired.

None of us wants that kind of feedback nor do we routinely expect it. But common sense doesn’t just apply to the writer and those with differing opinions, it also applies to the media when they elect to report it. In this case, it became a headliner story for some of the actions of those lacking common sense, and still remains a concern for the individual and her family involved as the media elects to keep the comment posted for more individuals to review and simply closed additional comments. Common sense when it comes to making a choice between attracting readers versus helping to reduce a volatile situation need not apply.

Michael Delaney

Oak Harbor