To The Editor:

There are really five levels of public conflict resolution. They are Persuasion/Mutual Understanding, Protests/Politics, Specific Activism, Bullying/Shaming, Passive or Aggressive Violence. In her letter dated October 24th, 2024 Wendy-Leon Gambetta appears to move from activism to the bullying arena by encouraging generalized boycotts of local businesses that displayed Republican “Trump” signs. Since that time, members of our well known “Allies” have expanded calls for such boycotts behind computer keyboards. The illogical shrill of the “virtuous” boycott trumpet is simply: If you displayed a Trump sign, then you are an anti LGBTQ business that is bigoted and unwelcoming to specific groups of good people.

Since power driven bullies depend on a silent fearful audience for the oxygen of tacit approval, I suggest that everyday citizens of Newtown tap into a deeper social conscience that courageously calls out tactics of “trouble making” groups in the most poignant and positive way possible. I leave to the reader to think through many levels of Newtown social and economic regression by ignoring “the fruits of community bullies.”

Donald H. Ramsey

Newtown