To the Editor:

Webster’s defines “cowardice” as, “The shameful lack of courage.” Shameful is the operative word.

The advent of social media has unleashed hordes of twisted souls that delight in their ability to post execrable slurs and insults, assured that such behavior can be foisted upon the public anonymously. This is shameful.

When such anonymous viciousness leaches into the political arena — where the good of the community is at stake — democracy is sullied. Over the long term ,our community is debased by this vileness. Such behavior is simply unacceptable — every sixth-grader understands this. Cowardice!

The present political environment in the town of Berne is a particularly virulent form of such cowardice.  Baseless, anonymous ,and vile accusations have been spit out against  Democratic candidates and public officials via the Republican Facebook pages. All of them untrue and published anonymously — Cowardice!

However, you have to give the Republicans some credit — they are consistent. While spewing hatred and division anonymously, they have steadfastly refused to debate any of the important issues confronting the town. Cowardice!

The folks in Berne want leaders. They want elected officials to stand up for what they believe in and to engage in honest debates about the various issues confronting the town of Berne. Cowards spread baseless rumors and hurl vicious lies anonymously about their opponents. This is infantile and cowardly! 

If you have a platform, stand up for it and debate it. If you don’t have a platform, stay home and kick the dog — that is the sum total of your contribution to the town of Berne.

Lawrence Zimmerman

Berne

Editor’s note: Lawrence Zimmerman serves on the Berne Planning Board.