Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor written by Sanibel resident John Henshaw. Letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors, not necessarily those of the Santiva Chronicle, its editors or staff. To submit a letter to the editor, email news@santivachronicle.com.
At the April 21st City Council meeting, 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 the Santiva Chronicle reported, all of which were echoed in a few critical editorials.
I subsequently apologized publicly at the May 5th 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 3rd 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
This writing is a shallow atempt to side step what you originally wrote. You wrote that protests were okay, BUT not on Sanibel. Your comments were completly elitist. When did Sanibel suceed from the US? Free speech John, our 1st ammendment rights. I fought for those.
I served in the armed forces, and when I did, I pledged my loyalty to the Constitution, a pledge I have upheld all my life.
John, maybe you haven’t noticed but this country is divided in ways that will take us YEARS to rebuild, if we can ever rebuild the damage done to this country, its laws, and our Allies.
You wrote, “My comments had nothing to do with the right to protest or free speech, or with protesting for the betterment of Sanibel.” You in fact said, “Sanctuary Island and as such, when we come over the causeway, we should leave our politics behind.”
In closing John, thank you for taking the time to time write your editorial, BUT to be honest there is no meat in your letter. Lots of back pedaling and weaseling around the issue.
Thank you for your apology. Also, and for the record, I offer the following observations. I attended this gathering for the duration, not just a quick drive by. I found peaceful, happy neighbors and friends from across the island, expressing concerns with humorous signs. Pretty much the group you would find at the Farmers Market. There were no disturbances, and not a whiff of violence – Sanibel PD confirms that. Thanks to the smiling SPD officers that gave us the thumbs up. But the real pitfall I see is labeling someone that you may disagree with as “divisive”. That is just not the case, and is an easy way out – a way to avoid a conversation.
There was nothing contentious about this free-speech gathering. While the “other side” may be all about being divisive, those of us on the right side of history are not. The support from cars passing by was comforting in that it was 99% supportive of our message, which gives me hope we might emerge from this dark point in our history soon. Sanibel is different, but we all must participate to protect our democracy and ensure freedom for all people, not just the elite.
you sure, free speech and the right for peaceful assembly sound at all familiar to you. we don’t live in a bubble.
there are people concerned about the direction the country is going and those whom disagree have that same right.
in the past, protests gave women the vote, stopped a war and provided the push civil rights needed. of course there is no place for violence in any protest and it should not be tolerated. jim weyant
I love crossing the Causeway and coming back on Sanibel not because I leave the world behind but because I’m home. And this particular island home has residents of every political persuasion. Some of whom were out on No Kings Day protesting on Periwinkle. I would have been disappointed if there had not been protestors that day. That John Henshaw was upset that his guest commented that they never expected to see protestors on Sanibel is a weird manifestation of island attitude. One that an elected official should lose. This is not Brigadoon ! Our officials have to deal with Lee County government and the state government daily – we do not operate as a duchy. Our population should make their preferences known in letters, speeches, meetings, protests and the ballot box if needed.
Your apology is not enough. You should resign immediately. We do not need narrow minded elitist on counsel