To the editor,

“Society has gotten to the point where everybody has a right, but nobody has a responsibility.” John G Stevens

The State of Washington has been run by one party for the last few years. A dictator with executive power has kept our representatives out of their offices and Olympia in lockdown. Many items have been passed by executive order.

Dealing with issues such as the pandemic and law enforcement regulations, has caused us to pause and question the direction our leaders are taking us. In order to correct a wrong doing, the answer was thought to be defund the police and restrict their responses when dealing with emboldened criminals.

No matter your political affiliations, law and order has to be a part of our community. Without law and order, chaos becomes the norm. In my opinion if you are doing illegal things (whatever the reason) consider yourself a target of law enforcement.

In 2020 House Bill 1310 was passed restricting the use of force and directing law enforcement to use de-escalation techniques when possible. Sounds good right? It has emboldened the criminals. The bill had no exceptions for the police force. Their hands were tied.

Due to interpretation of the law, enforcement departments are choosing to protect themselves from liability. Who wouldn’t? Criminals are seen as not guilty or at fault, but an officer is guilty until proven innocent.

Realizing this bill was not clear, the controlling legislature are trying to make provisions. Who is responding to crisis situations? When an officer responds to a scene, do we not expect something to be done? What a thankless job. Officers are cussed when they show up and cussed when they don’t respond.

I encourage both citizens and legislators alike to read the fine print of every law that is passed or voted on. Don’t just read the big bold headline. Think of long-term repercussions and research the issue. There will be initiatives on the ballot this November. Do some research and try to understand the details.

Let’s vote for rules and laws that will lead to the end of mob rule in Washington State’s streets.

Vonni Mulrony

Pomeroy, Wash.