BRATTLEBORO — I have faced hate here in Vermont many times. It is here.
I know a time when a town in Vermont would have never been okay with this kind of banner - “Hate Does Not Grow Well in the Rocky Soil of Vermont” - on its street. The banner has given me hope and pride for the positive change happening in my home. I read this letter, and it took away a bit of that loving feeling I had.
I focused right away on the phrase “grow well.” I think it is key. If the banner said “doesn't grow” instead, I would fully agree with this view.
It is not about what is here; it is about not letting what is here grow. Crabgrass can take over a lawn, but with care and love it can be stopped. Love and helping hands will treat the crabgrass of hate. Together, we will stop it from growing and soon the green grass of love will take over.
For me, it is a big deal. I took this banner as my neighbors saying, “We care, and we are standing up for all of us.” Combine that with the numbers of people showing up for a better, more-just place with activism in Brattleboro.
I feel there is nothing to say but “Thank you. Please keep hope alive. Let's work for and create with visions and words a better Vermont.”
Changes are happening. I was born here in Vermont, and it is changing a lot in good ways - let's not lose that.
I feel love and a resistance to hatred in this banner; I am truly sorry for those who did not feel that. I have also heard a lot of positive feedback from many people, including others who I know have been the target for hate as well.
I have found in my experiences that confronting the hater can escalate the situation. I took the banner as deflecting power from the haters. It gives the power to those who push love.