Dear Editor: An unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Swan Lake Roundabout.
For over six months, two opposing groups have held political demonstrations at noon on Saturday at that location. During that period, there have been some arguments, and often there are chants and counter-chants, but for the most part, each group ignores the other to focus on their respective supporters passing through the intersection.
Last Saturday, one person attempted to change that dynamic. A fellow demonstrator spotted this young man as he approached our group standing on the western side of the Roundabout. He noticed the young man because he seemed tense and angry. Soon after his arrival, the young man darted into the roundabout to run behind a passing car in a rash and dangerous manner. He followed the car around the circle and then charged toward the opposing group on the east side. I doubt they saw him coming since he was partially hidden by the car.
He rushed one of these people, grabbed a flag from his hands, turned, and ran towards us. Many of us shouted at him to stop, to give back the flag. I stepped onto the sidewalk to block him, but I am old, and he easily dodged me. A man from the other group was running after him. They collided, with the chaser being thrown to the ground, as the flag grabber darted across HPR heading toward the lake. A fracas erupted by Swan Lake, and the Police became involved.
For over six months, two groups with very different political visions have expressed our divergent views without violence. Our two groups strongly disagreed, but until this young man stepped into the scene, each group had honored the right of the other group to demonstrate. That is a splendid testimonial about our community.
Bruce Gazaway, Member
Sitkans for Peace and Democracy
