Let’s call this what it is: a full-blown meltdown.

A VERY small group of people in our community have made it their full-time hobby to harass the local school board. Not because of corruption or scandal — but simply because they don’t like someone else’s perspective or opinion. And instead of voicing disagreement like normal humans, they’ve chosen personal attacks, rambling rants in this paper, and Facebook conspiracy posts.

Let’s be real: this isn’t civic engagement. It’s targeted harassment.

Our board members — who, by the way, are actual human beings with jobs, families, and faith — are being dragged online and offline. Their kids have been targeted. Their businesses smeared. Their private lives dissected like reality TV. Over disagreeing on an issue!

This is beyond inappropriate — it’s dangerous.

We’ve seen where this kind of behavior leads. From the recent Catholic school shooting to the assassination of a public figure, the line between online outrage and real-world violence is razor-thin. When people are dehumanized, anything becomes “justified.” That should terrify all of us.

So to the angry mob: this isn’t how change happens. It’s how communities fall apart. If you want to speak up, great — bring facts, not Facebook memes. Argue policy, not people. And maybe take a break from doomscrolling and touch some grass.

We don’t have to agree. But we do have to be decent.

Harassment isn’t free speech. It’s just cruelty wearing a costume.

TERESA SMITH

Alpena