Editor,

Wouldn’t it have been refreshing if the immediate reaction to the Signal fiasco was to acknowledge responsibility for something that actually happened and to acknowledge that the incident raises legitimate concerns about the security of sensitive information at the highest levels?

Wouldn’t it have been refreshing if the knee-jerk reaction wasn’t to immediately badmouth the journalist (who did nothing to cause this to happen) calling him scum, a sleazebag, and deceitful?

Wouldn’t it have been refreshing if the reaction was the same outrage expressed when people perceived to be on ‘the other side’ acted in a way they deemed inexcusable?

Wouldn’t it have been refreshing if this had not predictably been characterized as a “hoax,” trying to somehow blame Biden and the previous administration for the carelessness of others?

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if people could respectfully express different views and criticize those in power without being called stupid, deranged, or un-American?

I am close to completely giving up hope for a return to sanity and reasonableness.

Patti Toth

Coupeville