LETTER: Tell the Navy: We’re not the enemy

Posted

I am writing as a concerned resident of one of the areas affected by the Navy’s proposed Special Operations Warfare Training. Aside from environmental impacts of this program, the potential for psychological damage, even extreme trauma — to vulnerable populations such as young children, veterans of wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, mentally handicapped individuals, as well as anybody else living or visiting in or near areas of proposed “exercises” — cannot be dismissed.

I find it unconscionable for the Navy to use beaches, parks, streets and buildings, as well as residents and visitors, as practice “enemies” in these simulated incursions. This is our home; we not the military, should decide whether or not these “exercises” may take place here. Real public forums, not just meetings for information handouts, should be held in all areas affected by the proposed operation. It is not our part to petition the navy — you should be asking us for permission to carry on your warfare training on our land.

ROBERT KOMISHANE

Port Townsend