If you, Alan Jackson, continue to use the letters column to preach the importance of fair play and civil discourse, I implore you to practice what you preach (“Response to letters, editorial cartoon,” page A4, March 25 Herald).

Furthermore, if your goal was to express a position of “unbiased balance,” I must give you a failing grade. It is not acceptable to use rascally rhetoric, in which you are guilty of slanting, misquoting, and quoting out of context.

Let’s review what I actually wrote: “Neither Trump and his mindless minions nor disruptive protestors at Trump political rallies understand the wisdom of Voltaire, for by their behavior they oppose free speech.”

Your letter misstated that my true colors were exposed when I referred to Trump’s obstructionist followers as “menials.” Menials is not a synonym for “mindless minions.” Context determines meaning. My context clearly reveals I was referring only to those at Trump rallies who obstruct free speech. To unbiased readers, my “true colors” are clearly stated as a balanced attack on obstructionist extremists on the left and the right.

Rascally rhetoric is not my idea of “civilized ground that may give guidance to all parties.” Nor will misrepresentation of my true colors ever be an adequate substitute for civil discourse.

Tom Driscoll
Poulsbo