Editor,

On Nov. 21, we on Whidbey Island were very likely in the crosshairs of a domestic terrorist. The vigilance and courage of our Island County deputies averted tragedy and saved many lives.

The potential killer fit the profile of the violence prone, angry men who have already killed hundreds of our fellow citizens in theatres, schools, dance halls, clinics and places of worship. He was a suspect in an incident of domestic violence, and he was in possession of all those items employed by domestic terrorists in previous attacks, including a pipe bomb, an AR-15 rifle and a semi-automatic pistol with a silencer.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the public servants who arrested him and to the likely victim of domestic abuse who reported him to police. And to the “Me Too” movement that has helped more women find the courage to speak up.

We need to continue to work to create laws and regulations that will reduce the access such men have to the lethal weaponry of the domestic terrorist. We can also improve the access such troubled people have to mental and spiritual advisors. However, we will continue to mainly rely on people who have the courage and civic mindedness to alert us to the fact that an abusive, dangerous person may be poised to kill.

This is a time when many of us turn some of our thoughts to peace and goodwill toward all. Let this include gratitude toward all present and future men and women of courage and character. They are the foundation upon which a good life must rest.

Michael Seraphinoff

Greenbank