Editor,

I am writing in response to a letter printed in the June 28 edition of the South Whidbey Record. The letter, submitted by COER leader Paula Spina, is confusing and misleading.

Ms. Spina claims that COER is “neither seeking nor advocating the closing of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station,” yet she also claims that one of COER’s missions is “the relocation of all Growler training out of the North Puget Sound Area.” Such a relocation of so many aircraft would surely close the naval air station. So, keep the base open, but take actions that would close it? You can’t have it both ways.

Then we come to Spina’s defense of COER President Michael Monson, whose actions have become so extreme and aggressive that a restraining order has been filed to keep him away from a South Whidbey Realtor. This would be the Mr. Monson who barges into a Congressman’s meeting, demands an agenda change, calls a Realtor a snake, grabs the realtor’s hand and refuses to let go.

That Spina defends Mr. Monson is puzzling enough, but her arguments become even more confusing when she says, “Neither Monson nor the COER ever threatened anyone with violence. We are not the ones advocating rape and arson as political tools.” Rape and arson? Someone in the OLF controversy advocates their use? Who?

We had better find out soon.

JOHN CLOSE

Oak Harbor