by Gene Leon
Just wanted to share this harsh reality with all of you.
On 10/10/2022 it was brought to my attention, the despicable conduct occurring on threads of Montpelier’s Front Porch Forum. I have been discussing some of the forms of thought and political discrimination that keeps dividing our country and unfortunately this form of toxic behavior is apparent and present in our local communities and should not be tolerated.
I have been promoting peace, unity, diversity and love for quite some time and the importance of a balanced government. One candidate in our district once stated, “the seats belong to dems”, such outrageous statements is just one example of the unfair practices that promote further division, and such outlandish comments simply attempts to exclude other candidates in all other parties.
I have felt harassed and humiliated by the individuals that spread misinformation and lies regarding topics based on the reality of issues or viewpoints I raise on my website. Opinions matter but should not be hacked, assumed or changed to promote false narratives against another person or promote negative judgments.
As an artist I don’t have to explain my forms of expression although as a leader one should. My comments in the live Orca forum were authentic and I was not dodging questions, my answer suggested voters investigate all sides before considering their choices. I stated where I stand, what I will protect and defend. Yet some individuals will turn my honesty into negativity and controversy.
It is unfortunate one has to face such a level of disrespect; it is very disappointing and hurtful that such a form of defamation and haste is among us on the local level. It’s worse than I thought when members of our community call me a facist to my face, such words are not only demeaning but have become politicized and often used fragrantely without knowing its true definition. It’s quite disturbing and simply prejudice. Discouraging and prohibiting diversity of opinion and political dissent is a form of discrimination.
These are some of the conduct violations that has triggered many people in our community:
a) that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libelous, invasive of another’s privacy, or is harmful to minors in any way;
c) that harasses, degrades, intimidates or is hateful toward an individual or group of individuals on the basis of religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, age, or disability; or economic, housing, or immigration status
f) that includes personal or identifying information about another person without that person’s explicit consent;
g) that is false, deceptive, misleading, deceitful, misinformative, or constitutes “bait and switch.”
The author is a candidate for the Montpelier House seat.