Opinion

Gloucester residents far outshine the 'hate mongers'


Published: July 17, 2008

To the editor:

I grew up in Gloucester, and went to Gloucester schools — and although I now reside in Salisbury, I visit Gloucester weekly, still.

The one thing I know about Gloucester is that, for the most, her citizens are good, very decent people, brought up with strong values, passed down from generations of good decent people. So now this fine city has a small problem come up, gets more bad media press than a little town deserves — and everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon of hate mongers.

When I grew up in Gloucester, a lot of people thought the people from Beverly Farms were "upper class" type. But after witnessing what I did on the news recently I would now say their class level is well below average. The town fathers had to have some knowledge of what was going to be in that parade; did they not think about their own children, growing up in Beverly Farms who were watching this sick display? And to top it off, it seems the proud city of Salem decides to start public hangings again; only residents of Gloucester need apply this year, though!

A few girls may have made mistakes, for whatever the reason, but a neighboring town or towns should be able to hold themselves above the shameful level of actions displayed by its citizens on a town trying to deal with serious problems. Just think of the soldiers who have fought, and are still fighting to give people the right of freedom of expression, and this is how some people wish to express themselves. Thank God for veterans and the framers of the Constitution of the United States.

I know Gloucester is a wonderful city, with a large majority of her citizens being very good, Christian people. I will proudly stand with them — and let the people and town fathers of Beverly Farms, Prides Crossing and Salem know that Gloucester stands above and outshines them all for dealing with issues, not belittling its neighbors.

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BILL SELIG

Salisbury