To the editor:

Since the announcement of the winner of the presidential election was made on Nov. 9, there have been a number of protests in many of the streets over much of the country. Many of them have been primarily by young people who found enough time and energy to protest but not enough to go vote. Upon further checking, more than 50 percent actually did not vote.

As I watched some of the protests on television I began to wonder, whatever happened to the time when people had organized protests were required to obtain a permit from the municipality that would specify what, when, how and where the protest would be conducted? My next step was to look it up and see if it was still required everywhere in the United States. The answer was a resounding yes and the do’s and don’ts were explained and in detail.

In this paragraph I will explain the details of things I observed on television that was violations of the permit laws. 1) There was a large number of people parading in the street and blocking traffic going both ways: Violation. 2) Blocking pedestrian traffic on sidewalks: Violation. 3) Destruction of police vehicles and private property: Violation. 4) Failure to follow legal orders from a police officer: Violation. 5) Resisting arrest: Violation. 6) Assault on police officers with rocks bottles and other objects with intent: Violation. 7) Rally large enough to require sound amplifying devices such as megaphones: Violation. 8) Failure to apply in advance for a permit: Violation.

For over a week now these type demonstrations have been conducted in many cities across the U.S. The way these protests are handled by each municipality is up to them individually. However, I suggest that any rallies or protests which are conducted in Lee County be handled promptly by the local sheriff patrol and police officers. If it is handled properly and firmly, there will be much less damage and disruption. These protesters should not be given a slap on the back of their hands and released, but given the maximum time and fines.

This is an outward display of how far this country has gotten out of control and the need for us to restore America to the order and harmony to which we had become accustomed.

Mary West

Cape Coral