A friend was visiting the island last week. While riding the ferry, there was a man walking around with an open carry large gun. My friend reported that she and many others of all ages and genders felt intimidated, scared, and uncomfortable for obvious reasons. Guns generally represent a potential threat. This experience is now part of her memory: as she was off to visit her friend in the beautiful San Juan Islands.

I am writing this, realizing that those with guns have “rights,” but those without guns must have “rights” as well, for emotional security and physical safety. A person cannot carry drinking water onto an airplane, for some others’ fear that the water carrier might be a terrorist, and there could be a terrorist attack. I was recently detained at the airport for carrying chalk pastels in my suitcase – apparently this particular art material resembles the shape of something that could be used against another. A person can only smoke in certain areas, so others are not affected by second hand smoke.

I wonder about Washington State Ferry System’s current laws regarding open or concealed weapons, and its permitting processes in general.

Any help in giving another look at this issue would be greatly appreciated. Who among our legislators, local and county departments/officials might be willing to take more informed steps in this process? Who will be heard in a constructive fashion? We all want to keep “our rights.”

Many of us would appreciate a restoration of “the balance” and hopefully, some balance can be restored.

Thank you to Sharon Abreu, Nancy Wang, and Jill McCabe Johnson for traversing this ground with me, for the sake of all of us and for a more peaceful balanced world.

Susan Slapin

Eastsound