To The Editor:

I miss the days of civility, respect, and kindness. When you could ask someone not to talk about politics and they would respect your wishes. Especially a friend and his wife.

Most Americans have everything they could possibly need, want, and enjoy, and yet it’s not enough. They have to complain about something. The price of gas, the price of eggs, and of course immigrants. I never realized how much blind hatred has been indoctrinated into America, all because one powerful, opportunistic bully was able to foster and focus the scorn.

A week after the election, I was verbally assaulted at the Newtown Community Center pool. Without provocation, the wife of a friend inundated me with a vile diatribe about immigrants. I reached out to the Newtown Community Center, but never heard back. Hence I no longer feel safe there.

I always wanted to believe in “Nicer in Newtown” and that “We choose love.” Not any more. Unfortunately, civility has died and blind racist hatred has been reborn.

God help us all.

John Doern

Newtown