During the recent Fourth of July parade in Marquette, Republican state Rep. Karl Bohnak and state Sen. Ed McBroom were subjected to grossly inappropriate and vulgar taunting in the presence of many children.  

There were certainly those who thanked them and those who demonstrated displeasure — part of our important free speech rights. But a number of citizens were heard swearing at the legislators, even attempting to engage them in arguments in the streets — about federal issues, no less, for which they have no participation.

I know these gentlemen to be frequently available for discussion and disagreements — time, place and proper decorum! There is truly no excuse for vile profanity and open hostilities out on the street during a public celebration with children present. The legislators have no recourse but to smile, wave or attempt a witty comeback. Attacking this way was cowardly, pointless and sets a horrible example in a political landscape that is increasingly void of decency.

As a centrist Democrat who has and continues to financially support numerous Democratic Party candidates for higher office, and a few Republicans as well (including Mr. Bohnak in the last cycle), I implore citizens to reconsider this repulsive behavior that far exceeded the disagreement and discourse that defines and facilitates our envied democratic system of representative governance. 

Joe Boogren

Gwinn