Earlier this month was the monthly “Current Events Day” at the Vashon Senior Center. It is a gathering of the most politically and socially aware people on the island: the whole spectrum. I was astounded at the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience present.

I am finding vast differences here. There may be a preponderance of “far left” but there is a significant number of “far right” and even some “far crazy” (hence the slogan “Keep Vashon Weird”).

But we met to discuss the things that really bother us: the stuff we are worried about. Maybe find a new perspective. Each participant gets a turn to bring up their heaviest issue for group comment.

How civilized is that?

— Lawrence Dean