Re: “SPD interim Chief Barnes’ defiant words put city at risk” (June 12, Opinion):
Op-ed writer Sakara Remmu criticizes interim Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes for speaking out against the federal administration’s assault on our democracy, claiming that doing so will only bring greater calamity upon the rest of us. Calamity is already well on its way as this administration has made clear that it is coming after every city and state led by Democrats.
Hiding under metaphorical bed clothes will not stop it. We may lose our freedom but must we also lose our dignity? Must we write our own sad chapters in “profiles in cowardice”? History’s teacher is unambiguous: When that knock on your door comes in the dark of night, answering “I did nothing; I said nothing” will avail you precisely that — nothing!
To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin: “Those who would sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither.”
Paul Gutowski, Seattle
