Last week’s “06880” blog party was a celebration of all things Westport. It was a chance for everyone in town to meet, eat, drink and chill, in a community environment at our favorite beach. And, as I always say, it was non-partisan.
But these days, politics intrudes everywhere. Prill Boyle — a longtime “06880” reader, 1972 Staples High School graduate, and the author of “Defying Gravity: A Celebration of Late-Blooming Women” — saw something that made her think.
And — nearly a week later — write.
Here’s an open letter she’s written, to 1st selectman Jim Marpe:
Prill Boyle (Photo/Suzanne Sheridan)
When I witnessed my friend Rozanne Gates refusing to shake your hand at the beach last Thursday simply because you are a Republican, I was appalled.
The more I thought about it though, the more I came to admire both her principled stance and your even-handed response. I applaud both of you for being civil to one another.
Although I will always shake your hand if you extend it to me, I too question why you align yourself with today’s Republican party.
From what I have seen, you are a highly intelligent man, not someone who is anti-intellectual, anti-science and anti-environment.
From what I have seen, you are a caring husband and father, not someone who would condone separating mothers and children at our southern border and shutting down Planned Parenthood.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe at last week’s “06880” party.
From what I have seen, you are someone who builds strong coalitions, not someone who would undermine NATO and the European Union.
Finally, from what I have seen, you are someone who is fiscally prudent, not someone who would give a deficit-financed tax cut to the rich while attempting to de-fund a healthcare program for poor children that saves society money in the long run.
In short, from what I have seen you are a good man, a person who values honesty, decency and community. In short, you don’t seem like a person who would tacitly condone the values of today’s Republican party.
So I wish you would speak up.