Speak against bigotry

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your May 24 editorial “The decisions we make.” You describe well bigotry’s basis in fear and its manifestation in cowardice. You also point your readers to pay attention and speak up. I encourage the same.

An American variety of “brown shirts” that helped bring Donald Trump to power in 2016 remains active across the country, and in our own state and county. I believe that ugly political strain will continue to assault our democratic institutions unless and until enough people stand up and call it out for what it is.

Remaining quiet is often wise, but when faced with prejudice, silence is consent.

Joseph Welch set a famous example for speaking directly to prejudice when he stopped Joe McCarthy’s demagoguery, and his career, in 1953 with just a few words, “Have you no sense of decency?”

Mark Lundsten

Anacortes