This letter is in reaction to anonymous hate mail in response to my Dear Neighbor letter, It Feels Like Grief, first published in the Salisbury Post. You can also find the letter on the RCDP website. “…while I believe that kindness can solve many issues, I must also acknowledge that there are some things about which I cannot simply agree to have a difference of opinion or remain silent. I find my reaction to be a very American response.”

Dear Neighbor, 

Years ago a popular movement touted, “practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” It appears to have originated with the title of an article by journalist and writer Anne Herbert in 1982. That title sparked a kindness movement that continues across the nation. Years ago I first heard the phrase in Salisbury from a local artist. I thought it originated with him. That seemed appropriate as he has provided much to our community with his volunteering and beautiful art. Perhaps it’s time to make this a popular phrase in our community again, through words and deeds. 

There’s often a catalyst that moves me to action or writing. Today I started thinking about the ability of that phrase to bring a feeling of consensus of our common humanity after having anonymous hate mail delivered in response to my recent letter, “It feels like grief,”published on the 12/4/25 Salisbury Post editorial page.

Rather than dwell on any details in the hate letter, I’ll focus on one commonality the anonymous writer and I share. Evidently we both feel strongly about our views. Our difference? I prefer to sign my name and submit my submissions to the Post, knowing I may have a response in disagreement, while this writer prefers to send anonymous letters of hate to numerous writers whose opinions he  just doesn’t like. (Note: These many letters appear to be from the same hand and have been reported to the Salisbury Police Department.) 

Should the writer be reading this, please note that while the Post won’t print the language you use, there is a process to submit a letter to the editor in response to opinions you disagree with and that’s part of what really does make America great. 

Lastly, while I believe that kindness can solve many issues, I must also acknowledge that there are some things about which I cannot simply agree to have a difference of opinion or remain silent. I find my reaction to be a very American response. 

“Dear Neighbor” authors are united in a belief that civility and passion can coexist. We believe curiosity and conversation make us a better community.

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