After reading Wally Duchateau’s divisive and inflammatory opinion piece (Sept. 19) about “aliens,” I am left with the question: Just what is his point?

Does he believe that people who never leave the town they are born in are somehow superior to those that do?

Does he believe that I will suddenly become an “authentic” Enumclawite in five years, when I will reach his 30 year definition?

Does he think an “us and them” mentality contributes in any way in solving the problems facing our community?

We moved here from Alaska, where you were a “newcomer” for a year. After that, you were simply considered “a local.” Not so complicated, really. What mattered was the sense of community, where we supported each other. Does Wally consider that an alien idea, too?

Carol Reed

Enumclaw