“The last four years of service have been incredible; an enormous honour and significant responsibility…The last two years have been emotionally difficult for many. Political discourse, and in particular within the sphere of social media has been divisive, inflammatory and at times, even dangerous. It is my hope that as a state, we will continue to demand greater support and protections for one another from those forces which seek to divide and destroy our communities.”

Her colleagues are upset. Bernie Sanders said this is “not what Vermont is about.” And yet, during these ongoing attacks, what were her colleagues and others (including law enforcement) doing to protect Ms Morris and her family? Did they just hope this vicious (and likely quite small, Trump-inspired) group of individuals would just go away? Could more have been done? We must not pretend, turn away or close our eyes to evil.

Vermont State Representative Kiah Morris says she will be stepping down at the end of the year…but will not be giving up the fight. (Photo: Essence Magazine)

You may ask: What relevance does this story have for Jamaica? We don’t have a “race problem” here (some would say, although others might disagree). My point is about hatred and intolerance – something which is creeping back into many human societies, in different manifestations, around the world. This has a way of slipping into political discourse. Right now, the President of the United States is talking about “dangerous” immigrants. It has a way of manifesting itself – as in the explosive devices sent to the homes of the Clintons, the Obamas and CNN today.

All kinds of termites are coming out of the woodwork. Creepy crawlies are coming out from under stones.

Physical attacks and violence simply breed more violence. It’s not the way to go. Like many great human rights activists, such as Dr Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, among many others, my personal view is that protest and “righteous anger” should be expressed non-violently. We should sit down together (as in the Vermont Public TV studio) round a nice polished table (or its equivalent)…and talk. Make eye contact. As one who has personally suffered from online abuse, I believe this is the coward’s way out. Nevertheless, some dark forces are happy to abuse you, face to face and offline. They are, as I said, emerging – even in a peaceful place like Vermont, where people are extraordinarily respectful and thoughtful.