GUILFORD-I congratulate The Commons on presenting two views on the Acceptable Community Conduct Ordinance in a clear, well-argued format. These kinds of debates are vital to our community, and The Commons serves us well.
That is why I was surprised that you printed the letter "Concerns over software amount to thinly veiled bigotry," as it was, as it consisted largely of ad hominem attacks.
Political disagreements are fine but printing wild accusations calling a community member an "anti-American, aspiring insurgent" with an "anti-semitic agenda" who is a "proxy" of Iran in Vermont, is dangerous and unprofessional. Such language can have physical repercussions, especially in these polarized, violent times.
At the least, I expect that the editor should have asked the writer to restate his arguments without the personal attacks. If he is incapable of making a reasoned argument, which should be directed to the group, not just the one who signed the letter on its behalf, and refrain from hate speech, then it should not have been printed.
Bert Picard
Guilford
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