Editor,

We’ve heard endless sides to endless arguments when it comes to Outlying Field and jet noise versus what others call the sound of freedom.

We’ve heard one side argue the noise is at dangerous levels and the other side say those who don’t like it should just up and move. We’ve heard that the Navy should be “good neighbors” and we’ve heard complainers deemed anti-military.

What we haven’t heard is what the “sound of freedom” really means: Being able to debate a point of contention without name calling, without making threats, without dismissing another person’s steadfast opinion and without demeaning another’s point of views. The sound of freedom — whether you are for or against, means honoring the fact that we can “sound off” at all. We should be able to do so safely, without restraint and without repercussion. That’s the sound of freedom.

Luanne Raavel

Coupeville