All government power is granted to the police, and the state, by the people who are governed.
When mayors, police chiefs, and state authorities are unable or unwilling to use that power to maintain civil order, the people have a right and duty to use their power to defend life and property.
After casting off the shackles of an oppressive government during our revolution, the founders created a Constitution that reserved all power to the people. In their infinite wisdom, they added the “Bill of Rights.” In that document they insured the people to be governed had the tools necessary to protect themselves from all enemies, both Foreign and Domestic.
Herald columnist Tom Burke’s concerns (“Snohomish dodged tragedy, lawsuits by hair trigger,” The Herald, June 22) seem totally unfounded. The photographs of the men and women displaying their willingness to defend the city we love, using their lawful right to open carry, showed ordinary people smiling and gathering in a good fellowship. Not one incident of unlawful action took place, as opposed to the uncontrolled rioting mob of rabid individuals bent on random destruction.
I’m convinced the display and willingness of armed people to defend life and property, as opposed to the police standing down and in some cities hiding out, convinced the out-of-control mob that Snohomish was not a city to mess with.
After a review of our history and a read of the Constitution, including our Bill of Rights, Mr. Burke needs to rethink his position.
Where was his concern and outrage at the mob’s actions?
John Branthoover
Arlington
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