UNEQUAL PROTECTION

[from Donna]

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are reminded that justice is not a slogan — it is a duty.

Dr. King warned that, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His words remain relevant today, especially in Blaine, Ferndale and Whatcom County...particularly when those entrusted with enforcing the law fail to provide equal protection under it.

Dr. King understood that the greatest threat to democracy is not criticism of government, but government that shields itself from accountability. When investigations are compromised by conflicts of interest, delayed without cause, or redirected from those who report wrongdoing, justice is not merely postponed — it is denied.

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law. That promise does not disappear when the accused holds power, wears a badge, or occupies a position of authority. How many people have stripped four death threat victims of their Fourteenth Amendment rights? Law enforcement exists to protect the people — not itself.

Honoring Dr. King’s legacy requires more than ceremonial words. It requires a commitment to unbiased investigations, transparency, and the COURAGE to confront misconduct when it occurs. Anything less reduces his message to symbolism without substance.

Justice is not radical. Accountability is not hostility. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW is not optional. It is our Constitutional right.

That was true in 1963. It is true today.

I wonder what Dr. King would think if he were to look into our little world right now. Would he be ashamed of people in power doing wrong to the citizens? Would he realize that injustice is still strong and alive. Would he be proud of the citizens who have gone up against this evil force? I believe he would be. It takes courage and a strong unrelenting will to not back down.  Each of the death threat victims have that in us...we are all going full force right now, and we are not backing down. As Dr. King said, “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” How many of you have been our oppressor? How many of you have put us in harm's way? How many of you played a part in this death threat? 

Trust me. The victims of the death threat will find out. Justice is on the way. 

p.s. let's welcome Chief James Triplett to this chain. He refused to let me do up a police report and told me to go get help on my own. Does that sound familiar Funk and Huffman? None of you will stop us from getting justice.