To the editor:

How unfortunate for the Town of Bristol to let our historic 4th of July celebration be held hostage and the volunteers to be disparaged by a select group calling themselves the “vast majority.” The informed decision to change the location of the concert series has certainly brought out the worst in some, so called, concerned citizens. Shame on you.

And all this over a simple venue change. My concern is what will happen when a real crisis hits Bristol. Will we band together as a community or break out into factious groups to generate discontent. Again, I have to ask, all this over a venue change?

The 4th of July volunteers certainly deserved better than the verbal attacks and bullying that has taken place these past few months. If all that venomous energy had been channeled into putting forth the effort to instead join the cadre of volunteers, who work tirelessly to make the 4th of July celebration happen, perhaps we would be in a better place. The attacks on the 4th volunteers was disgraceful and resembles a group of bullies threatening to take their ball and go home, which I would gladly welcome.

And calling for ballot initiatives to guarantee their routines will not be disrupted in the future? Talk about politicizing an historic event for the select few. Regardless of what some people think about making this country great again, I say that this country never stopped being great, we still have a Constitution in place allowing each and every citizen the right to vent and let their voices be heard. The Save Bristol 4th is exercising their rights and freedom. I hope that the question posed in the March 6th editorial in the Phoenix, “Who is in charge here?” will be answered by the Town Council. Please bring an end to the nonsense and return some sanity and civility to Bristol. The 4th of July committee and volunteers, at a minimum, deserve your support.

The committee’s concerns for the safety and well being of all Bristolians, Save Bristol 4th individuals included, brought about their decision. How about generating all the negative energy into a simple, “thank you 4th of July volunteers, I support your decision and concern for our safety and well being.” They at least deserve that and Bristol would certainly be a better place.

Paul J. Salesi
Hope Street