Island citizens afforded all rights, liberties
To the editor:
I concur with the letter to the editor from Arlene Dillon published in the April 29, 2026, issue of the Island Reporter regarding Sanibel Vice Mayor John Henshaw’s opinion on the recent “No Kings” march held on Sanibel.
I agree that Sanibel is certainly a sanctuary island. It’s the reason I live here, and I am very proud to be a member of this community.
Last time I checked, though, Sanibel is part of America and its citizens are afforded all the rights and liberties provided by this great country. The right to peacefully protest and the right of free speech are part of this.
Just because we cross that bridge and choose to live here does not mean we give up our right to organize and express our opinions. This is the place I am fortunate enough to call home and this is where I am going to protest! Sanibel is not a fairy tale land where we live enchanted lives free from the realities of the real world. Specifically, the reality of the soul crushing agenda of the Trump government.
I suspect that Mr. Henshaw’s speech was a partisan demonstration of his support for the present administration. Oh, well, I guess if I saw a large group of people protesting against what I stand for, I would have something to say, too.
Maria Dispenza
Sanibel