Response to letter about boundaries

Published 4:17 pm Thursday, February 25, 2016

Mick Sheldon’s letter (“All persons benefit from traditional boundaries,” page A4, Feb. 12 Herald) makes note of the value of “common sense” when thinking of “traditional boundaries” in some connection with equal rights in this state — in this case, a recent extension of equal rights to use of restrooms for the transgender citizen.

He uses also a turn of language that often goes with “common sense”: “There but for the grace of God go I.” Perhaps he means to let the readers know that he is well into middle age and a man with a religious view. Sadly, he suggests that he does not know that the Human Rights Commission has existed since 1949, created then by the legislature.

A change of use to women came years later signed by President Richard M. Nixon. In 2006, there were further changes in this state; then, in 2015, a decision which some imagine will discomfort a young woman (without ever having been a young woman).

Mr. Sheldon uses the words “unelected Human Rights Commission” as if he does not know that the members are appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate. The recent activities of certain legislators suggest oversight is current.

Lastly, Mr. Sheldon is likely to say words commonly spoken as part of a traditional worship: “Thus saith God the Lord … he that giveth breath unto the people upon it and spirit to them that walk therein.”

I think that means, “There with the grace of God go I.”

Mike Hattrick
Poulsbo