Editor,

During this season, a time of renewal, when we all look toward a new year, we would like to take a moment to look back in time in anticipation of  the future. The United States of America, the first democracy in the modern world.

By the Civil War there were only six democratic countries. Now with 130-plus democracies worldwide, we remain the template by which others define and grow.

To hold this example true to its roots we have our moral responsibility as citizens to voice our rights to be heard. We have a duty to make sure  our government hears and upholds the laws and rights of the citizens it serves.

With this in mind we urge  you to attend meetings in your community concerning the coming increases in military aircraft activity over North and Central Whidbey as well as Anacortes, La Conner, the San Juan Islands and Port Townsend.

Our concerns are noise, pollution and safety. We have an obligation as taxpaying citizens to ask the hard questions.

It is up to us to protect our children, families, environment, our islands, our future — this  uniquely beautiful place we call home.

Please get involved. This may be your last chance to bring about a new dialogue and save a quality of life we may have taken for granted for too long.

We hope your holiday season brings peace and goodwill to all.

Becky Spraitzar, Garrett Newkirk and Shannon Stone

Representatives, Concerned Island Citizens