State Sen. Ericksen’s thoughtful proposal to send protesters to jail for “economic terrorism” has historic precedence and is still being used effectively by highly respected statesmen such as Assad of Syria.

Hitler and Stalin kept peace in their countries by rounding up protesters. Wise monarchs such as Henry VIII of England, Philip II of Spain, Louis XVI of France, Czar Nicholas of Russia and many others found street protests annoying and disrespectful to their God-given rights as rulers. And, rightly so, after all the French and Russian Revolutions started out with street protests.

The good senator should also include protest expressions such as dumping tea as economic terrorism and push for felony prosecution. We taxpayers are proud to have such vigilant senator looking out for peace and prosperity.

James Behrend

Bainbridge Island