What defines a nation? 1. Well defined and respected borders. 2. A common language. 3. A common culture that engenders patriotism.

These three items are essential. The current protests seek to undermine all three of those components. If allowed to persist, we will not have a nation.

We will have a geographic area.

We must act to prevent our country's Balkanization and encourage assimilation of legal immigrants.

Larry Gilbert

Former Burien City Councilman

Union, Wash.