Editor, Gazette-Journal:
I was proud to see the turnout for the recent “No Kings Day” protest here in Mathews. Nearly 200 people showed up to peacefully express their views, a remarkable number for a small county like ours. I’m sure there are other people in the county that did not attend that share the same values and ideals, and will now feel more encouraged in the future to attend such events seeing such a great turnout. I support the right of every American to speak their mind.
As a veteran, I didn’t serve for just one side of the political spectrum. I served so that all Americans, regardless of party, belief, or cause, can exercise their First Amendment rights. That includes peaceful protest.
What disappoints me is the level of hostility I’ve seen in response to this event. The mocking, name-calling, and veiled threats being tossed around on social media don’t reflect the values of respectful disagreement or civil discourse. Some posts even encouraged people to show up armed “just...