Signs and protesting military cargo don't cause peace

Thanks for the excellent front page article on the discussion about use of the Port of Olympia for military cargo.

I was puzzled, however, by the accompanying photo of a group of folks with a “peace” banner. Is it that they are naïve enough to believe that the denial of the port for military cargo will enhance world peace?

I suspect they are among those who believe that by not supporting the military they can play a role in avoiding threats to our country. Guess again.

As a native of Washington I am grateful for the military that kept the west coast from having to learn to speak Japanese. I am also grateful that, thanks to the military, we have a country where people can display irrelevant protest signs in the street without fear. Yes, the transport of military cargo to and from the Port of Olympia could cause periodic traffic disruption. Boo-hoo. I see it as a win-win situation. JBLM gains an alternative asset and the port gains needed revenue.

The most likely alternative I see to nonsupport of the military is a few years to feel self-righteous before we have to brush up on our Arabic or Mandarin.

This story was originally published October 1, 2016 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Signs and protesting military cargo don't cause peace."