An Aug. 21 letter to the editor from a member of the Athol Democratic Town Committee claims Kamala Harris supporters did “peaceful standouts” in Orange and Athol for several weeks [“Peaceful standouts met with bullying,” Aug. 22]. The letter claims “bullying” by Donald Trump supporters, “demonstrations,” “screaming racist, sexist, and profane remarks,” and someone in a Trump mask screaming at them through a megaphone.

In fact, Republican committees of both towns did standouts for several months. Since the 2016 election season, and during 2020 and 2024, a man wearing a suit and Trump mask was on the Athol common every Saturday using a megaphone stating issues and refuting lies and distortions spread by the news media. He does not scream at anyone.

In Orange on Aug. 17, Harris supporters surrounded him, got in his face, held up signs attempting to block him. Aggressive bullies. On that day, about 40 Harris supporters were around the Orange intersection, with far fewer Trump supporters, holding signs, flags. Both groups moved around. We were told not to stand on the sidewalk near the crosswalks. We didn’t. The Harris group stood wherever they pleased.

Harris supporters approached us yelling. We yelled back. They bullied an older man, yelled in his face. He stood quietly holding his Trump flag. Yet there were some friendly interactions.

Police arrived, likely called by sensitive Harris supporters threatened by words and loud speech, tattletale “Karens.” Ironic they wanted police presence. Tyranny of the left — control speech. They will not bully us into submission and silence.

Paula J. Botch

Secretary, Orange Republican Town Committee