Exercising their rights

This letter is a response to the letter from Ray Anderson (“Enough is enough,” Aug. 28).

I respect Mr. Anderson for his service in the military and as a law enforcement officer in Los Angeles during the 1960s. However, I find his referral to protesters as “animals” to be deeply disturbing. I am offended by his suggestion that the protesters probably spent their stimulus and unemployment checks on guns and drugs. That kind of language and thought has no place in American political discourse.

Protesters are exercising their constitutional rights. Their protests may be infiltrated and hijacked by criminals intent on vandalism or murder, as in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse and his semi-automatic rifle in Kenosha. Even an 89-year-old such as Mr. Anderson should be able to tell the difference between peaceful protesters and violent fringe groups and vigilantes. He should not demonize men and women who have broken no laws.

Anne Oswald

Spokane Valley