Editor, The Beacon:

In reply to Duncan S. DeMarsh:

I can accept the factual premise that there is unused office space in the federal government. I cannot personally confirm the facts of where and how much. That is for others to investigate.

I can accept the conclusion that unused office space is wasteful. I can accept the hypothesis that there are past policy choices — not just a pandemic — responsible for some of that unused office space.

I can accept the argument that different policy choices should be explored, in order to achieve better results. I can accept a system of government that allows the people to decide which policy choices should be explored, in order to achieve those better results.

What I cannot accept is the use of force or intimidation, whether through physical or economic means or shame, by any government against its own employees or citizens, to make any changes in policy. Force is always met by force. Violence always results in violence. Blame or shame is always counterproductive.

Peace is everyone’s stated goal. Peace can only be achieved through cooperatively working together, with mutual respect and compassion, across our differences, to find and implement mutually achievable goals.

Peace,

Daniel R. Vaughen

Orange City