Guidelines for July 4 parade should be inclusive, not divisive

To the organizers of July 4th parade:

I was part of the large, fun group that sang and danced and played music in last year’s Fourth of July parade. The photo posted in the May 27 Juneau Independent shows that we were a crowd pleaser. Many folks lining the streets danced with us. I am sorry a few folks complained. There was no offensive language on signs. Believing in and demanding functional guardrails to protect our democracy is the highest form of patriotism.

As you know, the First Amendment protects the right of all American citizens to peacefully protest and to make their views known. The undermining of political, ethical, financial and moral norms by the current administration, on the eve of our 250th anniversary as a democracy, must be challenged. Those who believe that what is coming out of Washington, D.C., in the past 18 months is “normal” have a right to make their case. It follows that you cannot tell a large segment of the Juneau population that we do not have the right to make our case during this annual community celebration.

I hope we can sort out guidelines for the parade which will be inclusive, not divisive. This will be a great exercise in respecting differences of opinion, and staying civil about it. I look forward to clearing up any misunderstanding.

Emily Kane

Juneau