I am a liberal, but not a “snowflake.” I attended the march in Seattle out of genuine concern that many minorities, people of color and women will all face serious setbacks in basic rights under this administration. This concern is based on how this candidate, now president, spoke and behaved throughout the campaign.

In my opinion, making this a partisan issue only, undermines the seriousness that some of his policies will pose to those historically unprotected groups in our society. Our president has chosen to take on battles that will only serve to divide our nation further. Most alarming is how he has reacted to the media reporting on facts – specifically – the number of people at his inauguration. His response, and that of his White House staff, is to offer “alternative” facts.

Every citizen of this great country should be alarmed at how “the media” is continuing to be portrayed as all being dishonest, therefore, this administration is forced to offer up “alternative” facts when reality isn’t favorable to how they want to be portrayed. Our democracy needs to be protected. We should all take this very seriously.

I welcome an open exchange among Democrats and Republicans, where we can discuss this as fellow citizens, rather than name-calling. This should be viewed as a nonpartisan issue, because it feels like a purposeful strategy to distance the office of the president from the basic tenets of the First Amendment, which states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

A free and transparent press is absolutely critical in our democracy.

PATTY ROBERTS

Port Townsend