Do not have right to endanger public safety
To the editor:
While we do have a right to protest, we do not have a right to endanger public safety.
Having had the misfortune to get caught up in the middle of the so-called peaceful “No Kings” protest on Periwinkle Way on March 28, I can attest it was borderline peaceful at best and somewhat out of control. And I was shocked to learn now that it was not organized by outsiders as I originally thought.
What I encountered that Saturday morning was a massive traffic back up in both directions. There were hundreds of protestors lining both sides of the road forming a gauntlet, screaming and shouting and waving signs at motorists. They were practically in the street.
I’ve talked to other island residents who experienced what I did and they were truly worried that these protesters were dangerously close to the road. I was concerned that my vehicle would get damaged by a sign being waved.
This location was strategically picked to cause maximum interference with the flow of traffic, in my opinion. The Shared Use Path had to be completely blocked. God forbid, if someone needed emergency medical transportation off island during this protest they would have been in serious trouble.
Again, I was shocked that these protesters were islanders and had such little regard and respect for their neighbors and fellow citizens.
Thank you to Councilman John Henshaw and Councilwoman DeBruce for their comments.
Richard Harvey
Sanibel