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By Guy Page
A day after taking a political whack at one Essex Democrat legislator, Vermont Republican Party Chairman Paul Dame is calling out another: on social media this morning, he asked Rep. Leonora Dodge (D-Essex) to apologize after photos from her Facebook page showed her attending the annual Migrant Justice party, where a Trump-themed piñata was featured.
The full post can be read at the VT GOP Substack page. Dodge represents Chittenden 23, one of three legislative districts serving Essex Junction/Essex Town.
The photos, which the VTGOP says were provided to the party by a concerned individual, depict scenes from the event, including children taking swings at an effigy resembling President Donald Trump. Dame said Dodge’s decision to photograph the piñata and post images from the event on social media showed poor judgment for an elected official.
“In a time when tensions are high and threats of political violence are on the rise, it is incredibly disappointing to see a Vermont State Legislator not only participating in, but actively promoting through social media, a party where young children are encouraged to ‘take a whack’ at an effigy of the President,” Dame said in a statement.
He noted that while lawmakers cannot control everything that happens at public events, they can control what they choose to capture and share online.
“Rep. Dodge should issue a public apology and state clearly whether she condones this kind of behavior, especially because it was modeled in front of young children,” Dame said.
Dodge responded to a VDC inquiry:
“To be clear: I oppose political violence and strive toward peaceful resolution through word and deed.
“Secondly, piñatas are a call to community and festivity, not a call to violence. Piñatas shaped like the star of Bethlehem, the donkey ridden by the venerated Virgin Mary, and beloved Disney characters, are rooted in hundreds of years of tradition in Mexico.
“As a legislator, I will continue to work respectfully and productively alongside our administration and in the legislature, regardless of party.”
Yesterday, Dame, a former Essex legislator, criticized Rep. Alyssa Black (D-Essex, District 24) for being one of only two House members to vote against Act 71, which provides income tax breaks on military pensions and survivor benefits and grants a tax credit to low-income veterans who do not receive pensions.
Dame’s criticism of Black prompted a letter to the editor critical of politiicizing veterans’ issues from retired U.S. Army sergeant Ken Sekuterski. Sekuterski was endorsed by Dame as a candidate for VT GOP treasurer prior to Saturday’s bi-ennial convention, but withdrew and gave his support to Lynn LaFleur, was elected treasurer unanimously.
Dame’s post on X this morning also elicited a strong on-air reaction from WVMT Morning Drive co-host Dan Feliciano, also a voting member at the convention, as well as callers to the radio program. Feliciano in particular deplored urging children to any acts of political violence.
According to her legislative bio, Dodge was born to Irish and Mexican parents and grew up in Montreal and Mexico City. She moved to the US as a young adult. She earned a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Williams College, and an M.A. in Latin American History from the University of Texas at Austin. She completed a college semester in Chile, and a semester in southern Spain, and studied in Guatemala for a month. She is the recipient of a Mellon Fellowship, a Ford grant, and a Fulbright. She moved to Vermont in 2000. Her Facebook page includes a birthday fundraiser for Migrant Justice, but as of this morning, none of the photos shared by Dame.
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Categories: politics
Don’t care. Still want one. It’s adorable.
Taking swings at “former” President Trump. Either wishful thinking or I’ve been asleep for several years and it is 2029.
Or 2027, if Democrats control House and Senate they will impeach him again, Jefferies is on record
I just think it’s great that we live in a place where we can do these things as national catharsis without the government putting a boot on our throat.
Yea, except just it would be a whole different story if it was an Obama pinata…
Timothy Page, so I take it you were against Senator Douglas being called upon and coerced into resigning?
Where did the kid learn about this? Ask that question!
Oh “ I saw Paul Dame, Gov Scott and Lt Gov Rodger’s doing this verbally every day, so I thought I’d show them action.” I’m still upset they didn’t allow me to vote, this is age discrimination!” The eight year old was quoted saying.
Hypocrite
So…it’s okay to bash politicians, so long as they don’t wear National Republican livery? It’s free speech, the thing Trump has championed. It’s not just for his supporters.
Is NOONE else going to bring up the blatant racism involved in the photo and the incident depicted?
Okay, Timothy; I’ll take a bite at this apple. Which photo are you talking about?
H. Jay… photos are on the Substack
I saw the substack photos. There are five. Again, which photos are being addressed? More to the point… what about those photos is ‘blatant racism’?
Jay, it’s because he said so.
Re: ‘because he said so.'”
No it isn’t, Dan. For one thing, Timothy may be being sarcastic. Or, perhaps, he didn’t express himself accurately. Otherwise, he perceived that there is ‘blatant racism’. And just because I don’t see it doesn’t mean its not there.
One of the mistakes many VDC readers make is ignoring the Socratic method of forming a dialogue in which one person asks a series of open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Doing so encourages participants to explore their beliefs and assumptions through discussion rather than by imposing their own misperceptions on others…. i.e., ‘projection’.
Which is, by the way, the ubiquitous and tragic flaw in the public-school monopoly’s warehousing mentality that indoctrinated most of us.
Don’t fall into that trap.
Jay, I guess I should have put a question mark at the end. Sorry.
Free speech does not include the “right” to incite violence or riotous acts.
Setting fires is not free speech.
Overthrowing tables & vandalizing property that is not yours is not free speech.
But most importantly, as a PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVE and SERVANT to ALL of those who reside in VT including those who support the POTUS, behaving with civility, tolerance, and professionalism is expected.
This numbskull should be humiliated and embarrassed, at best, by her censurable behaviors.
Alas, I’m certain she remains quite proud.
And if she is capable of comprehending a scintilla of what that means in terms of Biblical definition, that’s much worse.
By the way elected officers, why do virtually NONE of you ever seek to defend your vile positions and actions on VDC? I’m certain your rational arguments would be very convincing.
My, how you all make the actual reps of New Hampshire laugh their azzes off!
I’m still waiting for Timothy to explain his comment.
Rep. Dodge should post a video all over social media of herself taking a crap on trump instead. That would be totally fine.
Dame, eye on the prize, stop being distracted by squirrels and irrelevant socialists. The fact that your Governor who by lack of public support for Trump encouraged people to vote for cackling Kamala should be more your concern!!!!!!!!! Start putting together a plan!!!!! Unless you have nothing better to do than reply to silliness.
I think it would be appropriate to hold a GOP affair that pays homage to the Rule of Law wherein a Leonora Dodge themed piñata is featured, and we could all take swings at that.
The democrats: The party of violence, lawlessness, and utter idiocy.
We Americans have the greatest latitude of self expression of any inhabitants of this planet. However we do have laws restricting any physical threats of death or physical harm specifically directed against the President. And if we used the liberals/progressive’s own rules of political correctness, any participation by white folk in the use of a pinata should be considered “cultural appropriation”. Also, any kind of symbolism making use of a human dangling from a rope is automatically racist. Thank you Guy Page and Paul Dame for bringing to light yet another example of hypocrisy and a double-standards among members of the democrat party.
Did anyone see this video Trump posted on his social media platform? Posts on this thread seem to suggest the democrats are the ones doing disgusting things.
That’s a new one. What is he spreading on the Astro turf, paid to protest people?
He is not, nor acting like a king, however there is one thing he is KING of, Trolling those with TDS and making their heads explode with comments like these!
The hypocrisy of trump supporters glows brighter than the sun. The comments on this website are the fruit of Ideological capture. So incapable of calling a spade a spade, Trump is your living jesus, he can do no wrong. Yet when a democrat does something similar it is worth an entire article on VDC and a bunch of mind-numbing comments. Lord have mercy!
What is your alternative, Schumer, Mamdani, Welch, Balint, Sanders, ……..?
Timothy Page
November 12, 2025 at 10:15 am
I just think it’s great that we live in a place where we can do these things as national catharsis without the government putting a boot on our throat.
My alternative is to vote for someone who isn’t crazy. The dems did it with Biden and the Reps doubled down with trump. My biggest concern are the voters not guided by principle and instead follow whatever the leader says. And no constituency exemplifies that as much as trump supporters. Comments on this site come from humans, I think. I hope the republican leadership in VT doesn’t read what is written. The demise of the party is exemplified here enmasse.
Nick, at least you are honest with your feelings for Trump.
Mr. Page and Mr. Rosato,
If Trump sends you both $2000.00 from the tariffs, I will take it off your hands if you are too proud to take it.
Dan, it seems as though government handouts are now in the republican… eh hem… Trump playbook. Handouts to farmers, handouts to Argentina, handouts to american citizens. What’s that famous winter song? “It’s beginning to look a lot like chri… socialism! Everywhere trump goes! Take a hold of the five and ten, from the government again. Aren’t you happy? The bloated executive is your friend!”
Looks more like melted milk chocolate being spread onto liberals in an attempt to sweeten them up. Besides, who doesn’t like chocolate covered NUTS.
As a preface I included some copied excerpts from this link>blog.vibeadventures.com article titled-What is a Pinata. Tradition Symbolism & more What is a Piñata: Tradition, Symbolism & More. First of all, who made the pinata and secondly out of all the public figures, of course they would pick CIC Trump and then teach young children to whack the head and body of a sitting leader. However this whole narrative is quite the satire comedy because a pinata via the historical traditional concept is as follows: [copied excerpt] Each piñata is special and shows the love and work of the person who made it. And it’s quite fascinating that when a political rep has to respond, their response buzz words are always the same. 1. ‘to be clear’ 2. I oppose political violence [copied response] “To be clear: I oppose political violence and strive toward peaceful resolution through word and deed. “Secondly, piñatas are a call to community and festivity, not a call to violence. Piñatas shaped like the star of Bethlehem, the donkey ridden by the venerated Virgin Mary, and beloved Disney characters, are rooted in hundreds of years of tradition in Mexico. [revert back to dialogue] Yet they still engage in political theatrics. It must be part of their political training. Do this, say that. I’ve determined that part of the criteria to be a politician is to ensure they cater to the word Hypocrite. Considering she has a teaching background, and her cultural backdrop is from Ireland and Mexico, she is accurate. A pinata is about tradition that is steeped in a long history stemming back to Mexico via [copied excerpt] Ancient Roots: The concept of the piñata finds its roots in several cultures. Initially, they were believed to have originated in China. Historically, Chinese New Year celebrations involved colorful figures of animals, often filled with seeds, which were struck to release good luck. These figures might be considered early predecessors to the modern piñata. From there Europe particularly Spain and from there, the Spanish adapted the custom, introducing it to the indigenous people of Mexico during the 16th century. However, the whole concept behind them is full of symbolism steeped in the following: [copied excerpt] Cultural Significance: In Mexico, piñatas are a big part of many parties and holidays. People use them at birthdays, Christmas, and other special events. They help make the party more fun and full of energy. Everyone waits for the moment when the piñata breaks. Piñatas also show love and care. When someone makes a piñata or buys one, it means they want to make others happy (not only kids). It is a way to share joy and give small gifts to friends and family. This makes the event feel warm and special. In many places, piñatas are also part of tradition. For example, during Las Posadas in Mexico, people use a star-shaped piñata to tell a story about faith and hope. It helps keep old stories and beliefs alive through fun and play. Piñatas bring people of all ages together. Kids, parents, and even grandparents can enjoy the moment. It does not matter where you are from—when you see a piñata, you know it’s time to smile, celebrate, and share happiness with others. Piñatas are more than colorful decorations; they symbolize joy, unity, and the essence of celebration. As part of a very important cultural part of Mexico, their presence signifies the communal spirit of coming together to enjoy life’s festivities. These pinata are very easily constructed with cardboard, newspaper, flour, water, tape or glue, colored crepe paper or tissue paper and they could have chosen any creative diverse design as well. They DID NOT HAVE TO CHOOSE DONALD TRUMP. THEY COULD HAVE CHOSEN A STAR. Whether folks like it or not, Donald Trump was chosen to lead America out of the deep state-cabal clutches and all Human Beings need to stop persecuting him like the raving lunatics did to Jesus back in the day. Human Beings as a whole, should stop using geopolitics to behave like a bunch of hyenas while they drive the sword of schism further into the heart of Humanity. What we need to focus on as a whole in this country is unearthing Common Law out from the clutches of Statutory jurisdiction as Jordan Maxwell discovered almost 4+ decades ago, reform everything starting with the Homestead Declaration law that forces us via Adhesion contract and tacit agreements to keep paying increasing property taxes for services WE the PEOPLE did not CONSENT to, nor use in some cases such as school services and on a final note: if the federal government ‘shutdown’ without WE the PEOPLE’s consent due to LACK OF FUNDING, while we’re still ‘legally getting extorted’ to pay taxes and this doesn’t register as a huge red flag, I don’t know what it’s going to take for folks to wake up, unearth the Declaration of Independence working in concert with the Constitution that clearly states: ~When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. ~We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
One final footnote: WE the PEOPLE should replace ‘liberty’ which is asking for permission at every turn, with FREEDOM and replace the ‘pursuit of Happiness’, with ‘WE’RE JOYFUL AND GRATEFUL.
Liberty IS Freedom and Morality from my understanding…
Next week the new drama, for inquiring minds, will be the Epstein files and most of this soap opera was know ten years ago with Bill Clinton as one of the Epstein perverts. Massive money laundering with very high level people involvement. The complete investigation of this operation most people would not believe. Clinton was Governor of Arkansas when the C. I. A. was flying drugs into the Mena Airport. Maybe this is just fake news from our fake paid off media. Many connections with Trump and Epstein with the Mossad and other dark operations. Comment from Richard Day with no apology and many books have been written on the C. I. A. drug operations.
And the VTGOP is strong out of the gate, within one week they’ve once again managed to do nothing and at the same time upset half of their supporters….
Oh yes you were all duped, enjoy you victory these next two years……clearly NOTHING HAS CHANGED.
I think it is very revealing of the intellectual maturity displayed by a GOP “representative.” The plausible deniability excuse used is “hey, he does the same taunting and trolling – I am going to react in the same manner, showing I am the better person.” Mirror, mirror – faceplant. Any representative who stoops to the same/similar level should be considered untrustworthy and not worthy of respect. I have to wonder what other repugnant words or actions are said against constiuents or other citizens of different beliefs, creeds, or colors?
Besides this clown show tactic, the fact she was awarded grants (grifts) and traveled the world using her race and ethnicity as a tool to her success speaks volumes. Does she actually represent and want to do better for Americans or is she a globalist, new world order, WEF puppet? Who, what or where does her loyalty oath lie? Who does she defend, protect and represent? The USA, Latin America, or One World Goverment?
Before the racist card is played upon me, my bloodline does include indingenous, Native American Indian. So please advise where I may redeem my reparations and stake my monetary claim on behalf of my elders for deeds done down and dirty generations ago.
self correction – not a GOP rep – my bad, observations remain the same.
House GOP members of Oversight Committee released the information proving the Democrats information was highly redacted to change the meaning and to perpetuate a hoax to take news cycle off of the Government Shutdown failure.
Now all of a sudden Paul Dame wants to come to the defense of Donald Trump when him and his RINO governor didn’t even support him when he was the Republican nominee for president. Too late Paul. There is no Republican party in Vermont, just two sides playing against the middle for their own benefit.
Nick, you think you can change things by voting, good luck with that!
I know I’ll get attacked for this, but I don’t vote because ‘they’ already have picked who will be in office.
Watch James Corbett’s latest video on “What is the Deep State”….
You can certainly change things with voting. What you can’t change are people who complain that democrats do bad things, but when a republican do similar things the same people say nothing or endorse it. People like that lack principle. And they abound on this website.
Factual corrections:
I’m retired from the Army, not Air Force.
I also withdrew from the Treasurer race and endorsed Lynn myself. I was one of the 98 delegates.
We all need to be stimulated with a two thousand dollar check before Trump gets fried with the Epstein drama show that was played out many years ago. Really I have not seen anything new yet that was not made available when Clinton was president. Excite me some more with the facts that are unknown.
Is Representative Dodge trying to suggest in her statement about the tradition of pinatas, that Migrant justice was honoring Trump with a Pinata in his likeness? Give me a break.