Editor,

Reader comments such as, “COER people should just move away if they don’t like jet noise,” so frequently published by the Whidbey News-Times, are very un-American.

In a democracy, we allow, even encourage, others to have an opinion different from our own. Majority voice should not muffle the minority voice. Both can exist.

That’s the American way.

We protect the rights of those who may disagree. We don’t tell them to leave.

The Navy is indeed very important to all of us. It is the most powerful organization in the world. A strong defense is the best deterrent against aggression.

But that does not mean that the Navy can violate noise and pollution standards that all others must obey.

In history, the United States government has violated the trust of the people — Agent Orange in Vietnam and nuclear testing for WWII — both caused great harm to innocent American citizens.

I appreciate what our Navy does. I appreciate the many fine people working for the Navy. But that’s not a license to cause harm to your neighbors – at this point, a well-proven fact.

Those who love jet noise could buy a CD and play it as loudly as they like, hopefully with their windows closed. Or they could live close to a runway. But pollution violations are not as obvious as noise.

Jet fuel is a known carcinogen.

Let’s all get along — even with those of differing opinions. Just look at the better community spirit of nearby communities like Anacortes and Port Townsend for example.

No one owns Island County, not even the Navy.

Tim Verschuyl

Oak Harbor