I was concerned that the proposed boycott of Israeli products at the Port Townsend Food Co-Op would give a message to all the Anti-Semites in our county and now it has gone over the top. Today was the Quilcene Fair and Parade - September 18, 2010 - an event that is designed for family fun and activities - but instead, in the middle of the parade, Kit Siemion Kittredge handed the parade announcer a written diatribe blaming Israel for the conflict with the Palestinians. It was announced as written and apparently a large portion of the audience cheered. How festive. A fun time was had by all.
This has become beyond disturbing. Now the children and family members in Quilcene who attended the parade have been negatively influenced against Israel and Jews even though most of them have little to no knowledge about the history and details related to this political conflict.
Using the announcer's booth as a political platform has never been allowed during the Quilcene Parade. Political organizations and campaigns are in the parade, but they are never allowed to take over the announcer's platform to make negative statements about anything or even to advocate for their positions. Why now - why Israel?
Does the Quilcene Fair and Parade Association support this? Does the Quilcene/Brinnon Chamber of Commerce support this?