A social media spat over the removal of a Christmas tree from a Massachusetts public library has led to what officials called “threats and bullying” and an LGBT activist stepping down from her position in a human rights group after sending profanity-laden messages attacking Christians.
It all began when an employee of the Dedham Library’s Endicott Branch in the town of Dedham, about 20 miles southwest of Boston, revealed a decision by the library not to display a tree this year.
Lisa Desmond, the library’s branch supervisor, wrote on Facebook Dec. 2 that the decision was made because some people “were made uncomfortable last year looking at it.”
Desmond wrote in her post that she was given “zero explanation” for the move: “When I asked, I was told ‘people’ were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry WHAT?”
In her nearly three decades at the library, Desmond said she never heard one “negative comment” about the tree. She also noted how the library has “celebrated and included everyone in our community” and pointed to her recent gig as emcee for the library’s Juneteenth event last summer.
A few days later on Dec. 6, Desmond shared some comments made about her initial post from Diane Loud, who accused Desmond of putting “people’s lives in a lot of danger” by revealing the library’s decision about the Christmas tree.
Loud wrote: “For a tree? For a mother— tree? You have put people’s lives in a lot of danger. A LOT of danger.”
In her profanity-laced post, Loud also appeared to mock the beliefs of Christians, referring to God as a “magic sky daddy” and comparing Christ and Christmas to “happy horses—.”
The post read in part: “I hope the fact that you — who claim to believe in Christ and Christmas or whatever happy horses— you're trying to hide behind — are the least gracious, most hateful, most disgusting trash in the world.
“Is this what you think your magic sky daddy wants? Where in the Bible was this again?”
While Desmond declined to comment to Trash Media, she did confirm that she did not personally know Loud, who is listed as a member of Dedham’s Human Rights Commission.
After Desmond said she contacted police about Loud’s post and called for her resignation, it was announced that Loud had indeed stepped down.
A statement from the Commission on Dec. 6 read in part: “HRC Member Diane Loud has stepped down from her position on the Dedham Human Rights Commission. We sincerely appreciate Diane's service and look forward to working with the Commission on Disabilities to find a representative to take her place.”
As of Dec. 11, however, Loud was still listed on the HRC website as a member.
Earlier this year, Loud took part in an LGBT pride event hosted by the town and the Commission, along with her grown child Max, who “discovered his transgender identity at the age of 13,” according to local media.
"I think it's really important for everybody to be celebrated and feel affirmed," Loud was quoted as saying.
Loud was also featured in a local report for Dedham residents on how to respond to a mental health crisis for “Mental Health Awareness Month.”
The Commission did not respond to a media request from Trash Media.
On Thursday, officials with the town of Dedham also released a statement acknowledging the dispute had resulted in the bullying and harassment of town employees.
The statement read in part: “Unfortunately, a recent social media post expressing disagreement with the decision to display a holiday tree at the library has quickly evolved into a polarized environment and has led to the harassment and bullying of town employees. We wholeheartedly condemn this behavior as it tears at the fabric of our community and cannot be tolerated.
We continue to encourage constructive conversations and healthy debates, but because of social media and outside sources, what could have been something of legitimate discourse turned neighbor against neighbor, and has threatened the safety and well-being of community members and staff. This behavior is not a true reflection of our commitment to lead with kindness and civility.”
Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after she caused them to lose their home healthcare Medicaid program. Hochul is dismantling the home healthcare CDPAP program which will cause tens of thousands of disabled and elderly New Yorkers to lose their benefits, healthcare aides, and many forced to move to assisted living facilities.
This protest is trying to stop her bill before it goes into effect April 1st.
In December 2024, a video surfaced showing former Watertown Mayor Jeffrey Smith receiving a ride home in a police patrol car after a night of holiday drinking. The incident has sparked controversy, with City Councilman Cliff Olney accusing Smith of receiving "preferential treatment" from the Watertown Police Department.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media this week, depicts Smith interacting with officers before being escorted into the patrol car. Councilman Olney contends that such actions undermine public trust and suggest a double standard in law enforcement practices.
In response, Smith has downplayed the incident, stating, "It's not a big deal, I drive on a suspended registration too!" This remark has further fueled the debate, with critics arguing that it reflects a dismissive attitude toward legal obligations and public safety.
The Watertown Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. As discussions continue, the incident ...
Watertown City Police Department – Daily Arrest Log
Date: June 4, 2025
Gary Amos Collins, 47, of 111 N Rutland St, Watertown, NY, was arrested at 8:09 a.m. on June 3, 2025, and charged with Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree, a class A misdemeanor. Collins allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection issued by Jefferson County Family Court by entering the residence of the protected party. He was processed and held for arraignment in Watertown City Court.
Luke Allen Bohn, 35, of 896 S Massey St, Watertown, NY, was arrested at 11:32 p.m. on June 3, 2025, and charged with:
Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree
Both are class A misdemeanors. Bohn is accused of unlawfully entering and remaining at a residence on Bronson St after being repeatedly told to leave and was also found in possession of nine Clonazepam pills. He was held pending arraignment.
William Nathan Monroe III, 26, of Paterson, NJ, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. on June 4, 2025, and...
Justin David Childers (37) 355 Keyes Ave - Childers was arrested by police for two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree degree. Police report state that he did knowingly and intentionally kick an interior bedroom door causing the door to break. Police stay he also with the intent to harass annoy or alarm another person did knowingly grab the victim by her clothing while she attempted to get away from the defendant during a domestic incident. When police arrived he did knowingly unintentionally push a uniformed officer during a criminal investigation. When placed under arrest he tensed his arms and refused to provide his hands for handcuffing. While police attempted to process Mr Childers he refused to provide fingerprints or photographs for his arrest processing. He was held pending his arraignment to City Court.
Chaniece Kaya Saintival (33) 246 Central St. - ...
Andrea Ann Brozzo (40) 409 Academy St - Brozzo was arrested on the 500 block of Clay Street in the city on an executive bench warrant for Jefferson County family Court. The defendant was transported to PSB, processed, and turned over to the Jefferson County sheriff's office.
Elvin Brandon Nieves (33) 25791 NYS RT 37 Apt#109 - Nieves is charged by police with public lewdness in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a controlled substance in the Seventh degree. Police report state that the defendant exposed his genitals to a female victim as well as a 3-year-old juvenile and did intentionally stroke his genitals while speaking to another victim at Holy Family Church located at 129 Winthrop Street. The defendant was also previously convicted of public lewdness on 04/03/2025. He was arrested on the above charges and transported to PSB where he was processed and released with an appearance ticket for Watertown city court with a date of 04/28/2025 at9:00 am.
