by Dr. August Murray, Colonel, U.S. Army, Ret.
The following are my personal thoughts, shaped by my experience as a Vermonter, a Veteran, and someone who cares deeply about the future of our state. I share them to offer a perspective that I believe deserves to be heard. I welcome differing opinions and thoughtful discussion.
This past Saturday’s No Kings rallies drew large numbers of passionate Vermonters and even out-of-staters. To those who participated peacefully, thank you for exercising your First Amendment right to assemble—a freedom I and many others have sworn to protect. That said, there’s another perspective—shared by many across our state—that deserves to be heard.
Vermont Republicans are too often mischaracterized, but the truth is simple: we are parents, small business owners, veterans, farmers, and neighbors. We care deeply about this state and this country. And we’re focused on solving real problems—problems that didn’t arrive overnight. For well more than a century, Republicans helped shape Vermont’s prosperity and civic strength—and after years of policy failure under one-party rule in Montpelier, momentum is shifting back toward common-sense, practical, and fiscally responsible Republican values.
Vermont is in crisis. We have the highest increase in homelessness in the nation. Illegal drugs and crime are running rampant in our communities, leaving broken families in their wake. Property taxes and education costs continue to soar. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing. Affordable housing is out of reach. These are the issues Vermonters face every day—not slogans or political theater, but real-life concerns. And many have been worsened by well-intentioned but misguided legislation passed without balance or restraint.
Republicans believe in the rule of law, public safety, legal immigration, and smaller, more accountable government. We value fiscal responsibility, local control, and community—not chaos. And we know that while presidents come and go, Vermont values endure. Our Republican tradition here has always been moderate, inclusive, and grounded in common sense.
I also want to share a personal disappointment. The date of these rallies—June 14th—was not just any Saturday. It marked the 250th birthday of the United States Army and Flag Day, a moment when Americans should have united to honor our flag and the institution that helped build and preserve our republic. We don’t have kings in this country, and we wouldn’t even have a country if it weren’t for the U.S. Army.
As someone who retired from the Army after a lifetime of military service, I was deeply saddened to see such a historic day overshadowed. Millions of service members, veterans, retirees, and our fallen brothers and sisters deserved better respect and recognition. Nearly 20 million Americans have worn the uniform and served under the American flag. This milestone and this day were not about politics—they were about honor and history.
This raises a hard but important question: Is the hostility toward one president—however controversial—so great that it warranted diminishing Flag Day and the Army’s 250th birthday? I served in uniform under every single president from Ronald Reagan to Joe Biden—including Donald Trump. I respected them all as my Commander in Chief. You don’t have to agree with any one president’s policies or personality to understand that hatred toward the office—or those who support its occupant—can become toxic. What troubles me most is how that anger is increasingly directed not just at leaders, but at everyday citizens who identify as Republicans. How fair is it for a party that claims to stand for tolerance and anti-bullying to shame others simply for thinking differently?
We can disagree—that’s the strength of our nation. But when anger overshadows respect, something important is lost. The harsh rhetoric and personal attacks directed at one man or one party do not reflect the Vermont I grew up in—where political disagreement could still be met with civility and mutual concern for our shared future.
So yes, rally if you feel moved to. Exercise your freedom of speech. But also remember those who fought to protect these sacred rights under the flag of our great nation. Vermonters are watching. We don’t want more division—we want solutions. We want a government that works, a state that functions, and a future that our children can afford to stay in. It’s time to restore what’s been lost in Vermont.
It’s time to stop throwing stones—and start cleaning up our own backyard. The Republican Party welcomes all Vermonters who want to work together to preserve and improve our state for the next generation.
Let’s set aside the anger, refocus on the real challenges facing our state, and come together to restore the Vermont we know and love.
