To the Editor:

There used to be a slogan for Newtown, to support citizen’s public service, termed “It’s Nicer in Newtown.” The Newtown Bee encouraged this sentiment with a clear expectation for letters to its editor, “Be Civil.”

This stuck in my mind as I deliberated about how to address a sign posted on one of our major state highways.

Imagine a parent, happy to be driving their school-age children to Danbury on a beautiful day. One of your kids sees a sign prominently displayed, with the large words that would get the child disciplined severely if used in their home, school or church setting.

Imagine that parent having to take the time to avoid or discuss the meaning of that sign.

Imagine explaining that the subject of that curse is the President of the United States. How does one explain that to impressionable young adults?

I know, I know, someone is going to exclaim: “First Amendment, Free Speech.”

Yes, that is what it is. It is also FOUL.

And what it announces to drivers on a state road, encountering Newtown perhaps for the first time, is anything but nice.

Yours sincerely,

Mary E. Thomas

Newtown