An open letter to Paul Dame: I am currently a Californian but not by choice, having moved here from Bristol, Vt., five years ago for family reasons.

I just learned that you, as Vermont’s new GOP chair, used a so-called euphemism of the slur “F*** Joe Biden” to lead a rally in a Brandon event in November. That is despicable and no doubt a new low for the Vermont GOP. 

Yes, free speech is a time-honored all-American expression but is seriously tainted under the guise of hate. Whether you realize it or not, you are walking lockstep with former president Trump in the perpetration of division and hate in America. Shame on you.

In your party’s desperation in the state, it is unfortunately no longer enough to be in strong opposition to Democrats, which for the most part is a respectable element of our two-party system. Copying a trendy new hateful tactic that can work in some parts of the country will only hurt you in Vermont.

I can’t wait to move back to the best state I have ever lived in to support all the good Vermonters against what the state GOP has become. But it won’t be hateful, unlike the tactics you play. Be careful, because the next thing you know, these types of tactics could spur a mini-Jan. 6 at the wonderful Statehouse in Montpelier. Don’t think it can’t happen. 

Maybe you ought to think about taking your gutter politics across the Connecticut River because they are very un-Vermont-like, even for the GOP.  

Wayne Michaud

Citrus Heights, California

I looked up Citrus Heights California. It’s a very nice place. According to its demographics, it’s somewhat similar to Vermont. What’s different is that it’s slightly majority Republican. Might be a reason he longs to come back to the Democrat Peoples Republic of Vermont.