I love the Opinion -E ditorial section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

Men in combat gear shoot citizens on the streets. Official statements about what’s going on contradict available evidence. The government calls for “patriots” to “protect the homeland” from “agitators” and “terrorists.” Armed commandos roam neighborhoods and break down doors, just looking for people to arrest. The assumption is, if you have darker skin — or if you criticize the government — you don’t have the right to be here. They smash your car window: You were just driving past. Where are your papers? Even if you have the right papers, even if you’re a law-abiding citizen, they can hurt you. They can hurt your children. They can kidnap and imprison you in secret if they call you “illegal” or “terrorist.” Nobody will know where you are. Nobody will know what the truth is.

Friends emigrate in a hurry. Neighbors disappear. Everyone wants to believe that this isn’t happening here, not in our city, not in our neighborhood — but the fear is everywhere.

This is how life was where I grew up, in apartheid-era South Africa.

America, do you really want this?

Susan Gaylard, Seattle