It is not a surprise that the very group that influenced our Chamber of Commerce to keep political parties out of this year’s parade are the very ones whining that they cannot participate in the same manner.

I do not understand this sense of entitlement. It is not your parade, it is a parade for all. The Chamber Board would like it to be an event enjoyed by everyone and free of the derision and animosity gripping communities. That is a good thing.

Claiming that your members “allegedly” carried offensive signs or that none of you saw such signs is to insinuate that the Chamber leadership is being dishonest and you are somehow victims. This argument is as childish as the too often displayed petty, nasty, hateful, juvenile expressions that have no place in such a celebratory event.

I have little doubt that had entrants with opposing political values exhibited similar behavior, you would be clamoring for them to be banned.

Here is an idea, how about the democratic and republican party clubs propose to march in the parade together, sign free. What a nice symbol that would be of love for our country and what we have in common…..the good fortune to be Americans.

Lauren Cohen

Friday Harbor