Guest commentary: For the record
At the Sanibel City Council meeting on April 21, I expressed my disappointment with a rally or protest that was held on Sanibel. I felt it was contentious and inconsistent with what I have always respected about Sanibel and our community. What prompted me to express this opinion was what a friend, who comes to Sanibel every year for a month, said after we got caught up in the demonstration: “I never thought I would see that on Sanibel.”
My comments had nothing to do with the right to protest or free speech, or with protesting for the betterment of Sanibel, as one news media outlet reported, all of which were echoed in a few critical letters to the editor.
I subsequently apologized publicly at the May 5 council meeting for apparently calling out the local organizers of the event. I did not intend to do that. I don’t know who organized it locally, or who attended, and I don’t care to know. All I know is that it was a nationally organized event intended to make a political statement, which was contentious, divisive and caused discord, splitting people into opposing groups. For the record, I will be equally disappointed if and when the other side of the political spectrum, which is equally contentious, holds its rally on Sanibel.
As a Rotarian, I try to stay true to what we call the 4-Way Test, a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for personal and professional relationships. The 4-Way Test asks four key questions about the things we think, say or do. The third question in the 4-Way Test is: “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?”
Everyone in America has the right to peacefully protest. However, it’s my opinion that contentious and disruptive demonstrations on either side of the national political debate run counter to “Will it build goodwill and better friendships?” on Sanibel. If I breached that principle in voicing my disappointment, I apologize. It certainly is not my intent. My focus is on working hard to improve our island community, a community of family, friends and neighbors, living in harmony with each other and with the island’s wildlife and natural habitats.
Thank you for understanding.
John Henshaw is vice mayor of the city of Sanibel. For more information, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/.