Poulsbo’s own Jewel Box Theatre is being targeted for a protest Oct. 25 for its decision to produce the controversial play “The Laramie Project.”

While Westboro Baptist Church’s pledge to picket the play and several local churches may never come to fruition, it should serve as a wake up call for residents that discriminations many feel are someone else’s problem can hit your hometown all too easily.

The community has supported the Jewel Box since it opened and should continue to do so now more than ever.

Misguided members of the WBC need to get North Kitsap’s message that their hate-mongering is not wanted here. It is their right to express themselves as they see fit, though. Just as it is the Jewel Box’s right to produce the play.

The difference — aside from the obvious fact that WBC spreads hate and our local theatre entertains and enlightens crowds — is courage. It takes that and more for a small town theatre to tackle the controversial subject of hate crimes and all that goes along with them. The Herald sincerely thanks the Jewel Box for not shying away from such topics and for pushing many of us out of our comfort zones.

Without folks like you, many of us would go through life with blinders on. Thanks for opening our eyes.