Is this our vision for America?

To the Editor:
How can citizens of a free democracy use verbal threats and obscenities to insult a peaceful group of protesters?
Recently in Milford, silent, peaceful demonstrators marched down the main street to express their views of what they feel is a government opposing the people. To greet them were groups of adults yelling obscene and grotesque remarks. I feel this is not only uncivil but out of place in the democratic process. It was uncalled for, and instilled fear in those present.
Our founding father George Washington feared the destruction of our political system by such degrading behavior, and he wrote a booklet listing 110 rules and guidelines for all to follow if we are to enable constructive congressional debate. If such unruly discourse is allowed to prevail, participation in the democratic process will waiver, putting a few demagogues in charge of the masses.
Is this our vision for our democracy?
Lynn Rideout
Milford