TEAM Westport is a town committee. Its mission is to “make the Town of Westport increasingly welcoming with respect to race, ethnicity, religion and LGBTQIA+.” The acronym stands for “Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism.”
Last month, Philip Gallo resigned from TEAM Westport. He writes:
We moved here in 2023. We didn’t think being a gay couple, my husband Latino and Native American, would be relevant. It hasn’t been.
Neighbors introduced us to the town’s Republican Party. A life-long Democrat, I strayed from the party’s far-left direction — open borders, anti-police, taxes, identity politics — so we shifted parties.
I heard TEAM Westport was a committee to make the town more welcoming, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and they needed non-Dems, given Connecticut rules.
While “multiculturalism” was in the acronym, and I never thought all cultures are equal, enjoying Western culture (that gave me and my husband the right to marry with a family), I would give it a go.
I came out in the 1980s, the first openly gay attorney at Cleary Gottlieb, an early out employee at Goldman Sachs, benefactor of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN).
Heck, I rang the NYSE closing bell for Pride month. I thought TEAM would welcome me. I mistakenly believed they’d want people with different viewpoints, welcome discussion about bias, and be even-handed in addressing controversial topics.
No, TEAM expected ideological conformity, a focus on racial essentialism, grievance, and left-wing ideology, cloaked in liberal elitism.
I invited the chair to my home, he couldn’t make it, I never got a reciprocal invite.
I got lectured by affluent white female liberals (AWFLs) about privilege. I witnessed town leaders come to TEAM. Why? It seemed like a Star Chamber, everyone said they were against discrimination, though there seemed little of it.
When the teen book essay contest was discussed, I read many winning contributions. Someone who wasn’t white wrote about how hard it was to be “different,” or was white and how much privilege they had.
TEAM Westport 2025 teen essay winners, with town, school, TEAM and Westport Library officials. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Coming from a blue-collar background, where my father didn’t finish high school and I worked my butt off during college and law school, I saw everyone in Westport as having privilege.
The chair attended an Ivy League school and an elite boarding school. The winners went off to elite colleges.
I said the essay prompt elicited these responses, why did the judges rate them, it seemed hypocritical. We should engender discussion, but also gratitude. How would Bridgeport kids view it?
I asked to be on the essay sub-committee, but was given the cold shoulder. Obviously, giving space for grievance would make the town a better place.
The book club was similar. I suggested reading conservative authors, some black and gay! Books were about the racial wealth gap, focusing on discrimination rather than other causes and failing to compare successful minorities with whites, I mentioned this to angry stares.
We celebrated the Indigenous producer of a “documentary” about Canadian schools, which looked like a hit job on the Catholic church, everyone loved it.
TEAM was asked to support the ADL’s “No Place for Hate” program in schools. I researched it. This wasn’t just about eliminating hate, fine, it was about enforcing ideological conformity.
Groups right of center were “hate groups,” Turning Point USA was “extremist,” it took the Kirk assassination to scrub the list.
Like many gay people, I question gender ideology suggesting you can’t tell boys from girls at birth, supporting gender treatments for minors. The ADL materials indicate these questions were signs of bias and bullying, other materials include the pyramid of privilege, focusing on the oppressed.
We’ve seen the outpouring of this conformist, academic thinking on college campuses post-10/7.
Ironically, I got bullied when I raised my objections, with sneers and snide remarks. I found repugnant the chair sending a letter on behalf of TEAM to the state describing the insidious effects of discrimination here, that he had to send his kids to Exeter and Choate, without noting the elitism, which was rich!
Again, I got lectured by rich white ladies saying TEAM was better before the committee included people like me.
Last month I questioned DEI. I think diversity can be cool, but “equity” got added, everyone was afraid to say it meant reverse and specifically anti-white discrimination, and with inclusion, traditional views weren’t welcome.
Time for a reboot, it’s a broken-down brand, half the country hates it, constitutionally suspect, overly focused on race, divisive, how about MERIT (merit, excellence, respect, innovation, teamwork)?
One regular attendee exclaimed “F… you!” twice, I stood up facing the new selectman to ask the guy be removed, the chair said nothing to him. My views, unwelcome, I guess foul language was.
The committee mandate was to make the town more welcoming regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, not DEI? No, “DEI” was its mandate. After the George Floyd killing, many towns approved whatever DEI language was put in front of it. I still believe it is time for a refresh.
I see ridiculous Saturday protests on the bridge, I’m called “fascist” for showing my thumb’s down. These thoughts, unwelcome at TEAM, regardless of my personal story.
Anti-Trump protest on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Also unwelcome, self-reflection on the elitism of the surroundings and the expectation of liberal conformity.
Westport is great, I’m grateful to be here. TEAM, the least welcoming part of Westport.
Rich liberals love it, but it’s a force for ideological divisiveness and bullying. I resigned, I’ll hang out with my neighbors, at least they’re nice.
Respectfully,
Phil Gallo
(“06880” invited TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey to reply. He declined to comment.)
Phil,
Great, great letter.
I grew up in Westport and there has always been a variety of opinions and leanings but most still had respect for those with different views.
My favorite line you wrote is: ‘a focus on racial essentialism, grievance, and left-wing ideology, cloaked in liberal elitism.‘ with that you summed up both coasts and yes, I find the white, liberal females the worst and most likely to consider their views the only acceptable views.
Enjoy Westport and all it has to offer.
The best advice my father ever gave me was ‘ ignore the A-Holes because the world is full of them and life’s too short’.
Peace
Phil:
I respect you for writing this post.
Dan:
I respect you for publishing it.
Breaking News: Man quits committee because no one agrees with him and thinks he’s a difficult jerk… pens whiny editorial confirming it.
Are committees on diversity supposed to be echo chambers, or are they supposed to be “safe spaces” where differing viewpoints can be heard?
NOTE: I invited TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey to respond. He declined to comment.
I apologize for not including that information in the story. It’s been added to the post, at the end.
Anyone who uses the far-right acronym AWFLs (affluent, white female liberals) the same day other extreme right wingers use it to excuse the murder of the mom Renee Good in Minnesota never should have been part of such a positive expression of inclusivity such as TEAM Westport in the first place.
God forbid females have opinions?
Maybe it should be against international law for males to lead countries? Putin, Xi and Epstein’s closest friend are three that immediately come to mind. President Iseman has a nice ring to it though.
Only if you’ll be my chief of staff!
Phil,
Why the acronym AWFL? Sounds pretty awful to describe white liberal woman that way! What inspires you about Turning Point? What inspires you about ICE killing Nicole Good?
Phil, your point about the risks of ideological litmus tests resonates with me. In my own family, including relatives on college campuses, I have seen how simply expressing sympathy for Israelis immediately after October 7 led to ostracism and hostility. That experience reinforced for me how quickly spaces that prize inclusion can become unwelcoming when a narrow set of views is enforced.
Phil, Thanks for writing. Know that there are others who are also concerned about the constant echo chamber as well. Diversity of thought is so important and a not only willingness but eagerness to listen and learn is scant these days. Let’s make sure this makes it through to the other side of what this country/town is currently experiencing. Peace.
Good for Phil
I am disappointed you would publish more transphobic hate while hate against trans people is the government policy, their rights are being stripped away and our precious children are literally dying. First they come for a misunderstood vulnerable minority but they dont stop there. Bigotry and ignorance aren’t an opinion worth listening to.
Based on the tone and content of this column, you’re a pretty unpleasant person. People tend to respond negatively to that regardless of political affiliation or ideology. You might find more success in your future endeavors if you are able to express yourself without name-calling and ad hominems, particularly in volunteer opportunities that require working well with others who don’t share your views. Good luck!
This description of the ADL materials is not accurate. If people look for the “pyramid of privilege” that Phil Gallo describes, they can see that it is actually quite different– a pyramid of hate.
https://www.adl.org/sites/default/files/pyramid-of-hate-web-english_1.pdf
Inaccuracies such as these only perpetuate antisemitism and misunderstanding.
Thank you! Can we get Erica on here to defend the materials and the ADL please?
Phil: Glad you and your family are part of Westport.
Two points. First, I agree with Eric B and respect Phil for writing this and Dan for publishing it. Second, I was drawn to Westport and moved here in 1982 because of its friendly nature and unconventionality. It reminded me of Austin, where I lived and attended UT. Austin, while overwhelmingly liberal, was welcoming to anyone regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, social class or political affiliation. Everyone commingled, an example being you’d see guys in bow ties blending in at “shit kicker” bars. This being clear support for Austin’s longstanding tagline, “Keep Austin Weird”. Maybe we who live in our great town can learn from Austin’s playbook, although with a variation, lets “Keep Westport Civil.”
I believe we all have to look for common ground and engage in genuine conversation. This isn’t it.
Word to those irritated by this post: maybe take this as an opportunity to listen to and learn from others. Whether you like it or not, something like over 1/2 of this country feels the same way. Continuing to do that same thing (rail against) over and over – well you know the end of that adage… I’m not saying you should refrain from posting, but try to understand and learn as well.
Dan: Kudos to you for publishing, much appreciated.
Phil: Kudos for the courage to write this with the full knowledge you’d be vilified by the very vocal minority for doing so.
I want to assure you the majority of Westport folks are just like your immediate neighbors, welcoming, compassionate and tolerant. Much the opposite to what some folks would have you believe, there are neighborhoods in Westport that are very culturally diverse and celebrate all the positives that brings to our everyday lives and to our kids. I have found most Westporters are caring, giving people that will look after their neighbors, appreciate all our town has to offer and are willing to support the less fortunate both in town as well as in the surrounding communities. I’ve had very spirited conversations with my neighbors about all kinds of topics, including political and have never found anyone to be unwilling to be civil and certainly never have they sacrificed our friendship due to disagreement. Of course I’ve also been exposed to the kind of behavior you speak of in the public and governmental context but that will never outweigh the love I have for this town overall.
So continued welcome to Westport and rest assured, for most of us, our arms, hearts and minds are open to all.
Phil,
How very interesting that you don’t recognize yourself as being among the elite you disparage.
After describing yourself as coming
“from a blue-collar background, where my father didn’t finish high school and I worked my butt off during college and law school”
you are or have been an attorney at Cleary Gottleib, an employee at Goldman Sachs, rang the NYSE closing bell.
And you have the elites’ defining characteristic, the luxury of discretionary time. Time to attend meetings, no need to work three jobs at minimum wage (thankfully recently raised in Conn.).
You are offended and your feelings are hurt because you were not welcomed and embraced by a local civic organization, whose Mission Statement you sought to undermine.
“A life-long Democrat, I strayed from the party’s far-left direction”, you oppose Democrats’ “open borders, anti-police, taxes, identity politics” so you shifted parties. Yet you make no distinction between your positions and the policies of the Republican Party.
You sound like my Ohio Congressman, John Boehner. He grew up with 11 siblings in a small blue-collar home in Cincinnati and famously said he was a Democrat when he was poor and now he’s a Republican.
Jeanne V. Reed
Staples 1958
Boehner went to my high school. He was never a Democrat. Anyone who does not speak out against Trump has no soul or brain functioning at this point. To promote a demeaning acronym for white liberal woman is vile! Turning Point is a clown show. ICE is acting like the closest thing we have to Nazis. Trump is acting like the world’s dictator with unchecked power. Mamdani took too long to condemn a PRO HAMAS rally outside a synagogue! Extremism begets extremism people! No wonder people are becoming Independents at record numbers nationally!
Mr Gallo primarily seems bent on creating his own definition of “Equity” and arguing against it. The idea isn’t that you predetermine the results based on race but that you create equity of opportunity that will benefit those who have been historically discriminated against. A gay man married to a person of color ought to be able to grasp this.
And is a gay man really going to defend Turning Point USA, when Charlie Kirk said that stoning gay people was “God’s perfect law?”
But, as they say, even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and the
ADL comment is spot on. Per usual, that reference will likely lead to a takeover of the comment section.
It is the blatant political focus of the ADL that is why TEAM Westport (and the BOE) should distance themselves from their materials.
Jonathan Greenblatt defended Elon Musk’s Nazi salute at the presidential inauguration. Does that seem like the action of someone who is primarily focused on “anti-defamation?” Of course not. Let us not be guided by materials or ideas from an organization that doesn’t object to apartheid or genocide in service to its own political aims, a half a world away. There are plenty of organizations that have a more principled focus against hate.
First, I’m sorry the takeover of the comment section didn’t materialize as you expected, Chris.
Second, my guess is some members of TEAM Westport may feel the same way you do about Israel/Palestine, and yet they were obviously able to still recognize what they believed to be the overall value of the ADL’s No Place For Hate program (which, from what I can tell, includes zero content around the middle east conflict), voting 9-3 to support it. In other words, they were able to say “I may disagree on this one thing, but I’m not going to let that be a barrier to what I believe to be a worthwhile program.” It’s too bad your ideological rigidity prevents you from doing the same.
I’m not sure how to create an apt analogy, but let me try. (Apologies for being late to check out the page, today.)
If the Proud Boys put out a No Hate suggested program, similar to the one from the ADL, would you want it in schools? Or would you think, “these folks have ulterior motives so no matter what the message is in this one specific program, we should probably keep it off the table.”
Let’s avoid normalizing radical organizations.
That’s my point. Because treating the ADL’s output with any level of seriousness/sincerity lends credibility to the organization when they turn a blind eye to genuine antisemitism because of other political goals.
We all know what happened with the Musk incident, right? Jonathan Greenblatt took a position of (and this is the kindest possible interpretation), “I don’t want to alienate the new administration, so I will ignore a Nazi salute at the inauguration.” I can’t believe you’d be good with that. And there are other organizations that provide anti-hate materials without kowtowing to fascists. Let’s put /their/ materials in our schools.
Using ADL materials in schools sends the message (as subtle as it may be) that “we know this group doesn’t care about the slaughter in Gaza, but we endorse the use of their materials in our schools.” I don’t want benign Proud Boys materials being used in the schools. I don’t want benign Hamas materials being used in the schools. I don’t want benign Klan materials being used in the schools. Etc.
So just to be clear:
1. You’re comparing the ADL to the KKK and Proud Boys
2. Any group that supports Israel’s operation in Gaza would need to be excluded from consideration.
Do I have that right?
What are examples of organizations you’d support?
There is a thread of truth through Mr. Gallo’s screed. Ideological purity tests are real, and have no place in open dialogue. However, when he casually dismissed “ridiculous protests on the bridge” he completely loses any credibility. Open YOUR mind, Gallo.
All I see after reading this post is the irony of the opening paragraph!
“We moved here in 2023. We didn’t think being a gay couple, my husband Latino and Native American, would be relevant. It hasn’t been.”
It seems to me, that gay inclusivity was not always a given in our society. It certainly wasn’t something I saw around me growing up in the Bronx in the 1940’s or even in the 1970’s when I was serving in the USPHS while stationed in Atlanta, Georgia or the “Don’t Ask , Don’t Tell” policies in the US Military of the 1990’s and early 2000’s.
But after you state that gay and lesbian DEI exists for you today in Westport, you go on to say that the rest of the DEI focus of TEAM WESTPORT are one of “racial essentialism, grievance, and left-wing ideology, cloaked in liberal elitism.”
Something does not compute for me. It sounds like you got what you needed (and are entitled to) but somehow the rest of DEI is not Diversity, Equity and Inclusion but an alternate DEI- Divisive, Extreme and Invasive.
We can argue about regulations and taxes (who, how much, how high and whether tariffs are taxes), we can argue about immigration policy and ICE being authorized to scoop up Latinos (and without proof call them all rapists and drug traffickers), we can argue about gun rights versus mass shootings, domestic violence, murders and suicides.
I can tell you I don’t agree with you and you can tell me I’m wrong headed. Then hopefully in our democracy- we should get to vote in a free and fair election without fear of national guard or military intervention on our streets or at out polling places.
And I agree with you- everyone knows we need protections from all the do-gooder affluent white female liberals (AWFLs) lurking in Westport (all the PTA’s, the League of Women Voters, the Women’s Club, and the Church and Temple Women’s Auxiliaries).
Just my opinion on DEI
Very thankful to 06880 for being able to offer it readers opinion pieces. Always something interesting to think about, whether you agree or disagree. it’s a wonderful forum for community members to be exposed to different views
“MERIT over mood”: If ‘equity’ needs ideological guardrails to survive, maybe the idea needs a performance review. Westport got great by clearing the bar, not lowering it—let’s try MERIT: make excellence routine and inclusion natural, with grievance strictly optional. Inclusion that can’t stomach debate isn’t a welcome; it’s a loyalty oath.
Kudos to you, Phil.
Thank you for writing this letter, Phil, and make it known to all what TEAM is about.
And it is about suppression of dissenting voices and discrimination of those of us whose life experiences contradict their “woke” agenda.
I too faced adversity, lectures, and discrimination by AWLs when I expressed my opposition to anti-white hatred. They even tried to convince me that I am privileged despite I am a Slavic immigrant who came to this country with nothing and faced all kinds of attacks and discrimination on my way.
It was the AWLs type of creatures who called my people as “subhuman” and killed many millions of us mere 80 years ago. And yet, they want me to jump their bandwagon and admit “white privilege”.
I am also not surprised by the lack of Kevin Christie’s reaction.
He did this to me too.
My three children used to attend Westport public schools, so I had three pairs of eyes and ears in a district.
Hence, when outside groups were attacking the district and falsely claiming it discriminates black and Hispanic students, I reached out to BOE which Christie was part of and shared what my children witnessed and were exposed to at WPS and this was the opposite of what “woke” groups claimed.
I provided description of the incidents and witness names.
Needless to mention that my children are half-Hispanic and carry Hispanic names. So, they really are in a position to opine and to share on whether Hispanics are discriminated or not here in Westport.
Guess what, Christie never replied to me.
He also did not have a problem with Jonathan Alloy inciting violence and/or other type of attacks on dissenting voices with his public remarks during BOE meeting when he called us “good people to be attacked”.
At the same time, Kevin Christie welcomed a masked individual who was harassing BOE and refused to share his name.
Apparently, Christie thinks that BOE and other rules only apply to those of us who play by the rules and do not apply to those who share his divisive and racist agenda.
Thank you again for speaking up and being part of Westport. We need more vocal people like you who are not afraid to state the obvious here.
I wish you be well and continue enjoying your neighbours and the town!
Mr. Gallo disagrees with the mission statement of TEAM Westport and wants it changed. He disagrees with the concept of DEI because he’s concerned about anti-White sentiment.
That’s his right, of course. But that’s like going to a vegetarian restaurant and being annoyed that they won’t serve hamburgers. Only with more significant effects.
Man who seeks to contradict and undermine a local organization is rejected by that organization. Man then purposely misstates opposing positions and argues against his own fabrications.
Nothing to see here.
Phil, thank you for having the courage to write this and put it out there publicly. It takes real guts to call out the hypocrisy in a place like Westport, especially when you’re coming from a background of genuine advocacy for gay rights, yet still see through the performative, conformity-enforcing nonsense that’s taken over groups like TEAM.
Your story highlights exactly what’s wrong with so much of today’s “diversity” efforts: they claim to welcome everyone, but only if you toe the exact ideological line—grievance-focused, race-essentialist, and allergic to any viewpoint that doesn’t fit the affluent progressive script. Lecturing a self-made gay man from a blue-collar family about “privilege” while the room is full of Ivy League elites? Sneering at suggestions to include conservative voices (even Black and gay ones)? Bullying and foul language tolerated only when it’s aimed at dissenters? That’s not welcoming; that’s a clique masquerading as inclusion.
Congrats on walking away and choosing real neighbors over fake virtue-signaling. Your resignation letter is a breath of fresh air in a town (and country) that desperately needs more people willing to speak truth to power, even when that power is wrapped in rainbow flags and good intentions. Westport is better than this committee’s version of it, and stories like yours help remind people of that.
Respect. Keep enjoying the town with folks who are actually nice.
Ji
I have never commented here before so please excuse that I messed up above!
Just wanted to share that ADL’s No Place for Hate program is a school-based, student-led program designed to improve school climate by addressing bias and bullying. No Place for Hate has reached 1.8 million students from all backgrounds, supported by over 190,000 educators across 2,000+ schools nationwide. The program, celebrating over 25 years, helps cultivate student leadership, unite a school community, and engage students and staff in active learning. Connecticut’s students, teachers, and administrators share that the initiative creates positive and lasting change. Watch NPFH video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NM8n79Z3Ao
Jill
https://www.jns.org/after-the-adl-gets-caught-spreading-woke-ideology-greenblatt-must-go/
Thank you, Phil, for sharing what it’s been like for you at TEAM meetings when you tried to inject a new way of thinking that diverged from, but could have enriched, the committee’s mainstream of thought. Having a different background, different but relevant point of view, should have been welcomed into the discussion. Sounds like this TEAM concept has descended into a conformity club for those of a certain ideology. This in a microcosm points out why government, politics, anything like that, should stay out of the ways in which people relate to other people on a day to day basis. The kids had it right when mine were in school; as a volunteer “class mother”, helping to organize activities, I saw that first-hand. Too bad about the ideological ossification on TEAM Westport as well as the unproductive intolerance. I’m glad that your neighbors are nice.
Thanks Philip for sharing your thoughts here, and I’m sorry your experience on TEAM has not been what you anticipated, and apparently has also not been particularly productive. Diversity comes in many forms and overly simplistic definitions I believe tend to do more harm than help unfortunately. Maybe some people want to “do more” and be “activists”, but I think being kind to others and treating other people (regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or yes even national political party affiliation) with respect and dignity gets 99% of us most of the way there. Even if we disagree with some or even most of their opinions, and so long as they aren’t endangering anyone.
Also I have to say that many of the comments on here, whether in agreement or disagreement with you, seem to be pretty civil. Maybe that’s another way to promote town diversity – by being civil to people who are our neighbors, particularly ones we do not know and have never met.
I have 4 thoughts, though I must confess that I don’t 100% understand everything the author wrote. I think part of that stems from the lack of detail on the many incidents described which I understand – people won’t read something that is too long. I’m writing a long comment anyways because this was an interesting post.
(1) The best way to be persuasive is to have an open mind yourself, and insults aren’t helpful. To the author, I’m really sorry that was your experience. My experience has usually been that generally both sides are at fault to some extent for not having an open mind and keeping things civil. We can all work on being better – me included.
(2) I don’t agree with your comment regarding the individual that put his sons in private schools because (I think?) they were experiencing racism in the WPS. We live in one of the most segregated areas on the U.S. and it’s truly bizarre if you didn’t grow up in a place like Westport. My dad was in the Navy and we moved a lot. I experienced living in many different parts of the US and internationally. My family is white, and my biggest concern when we moved here was the lack of diversity – of many types – in town. The term inherent biases wasn’t in common use back then, but that’s what I was worried about. Two of my four kids attend Pierrepont. It’s more diverse and, in part as a result of that, does a better job of helping parents produce kind, tolerant humans than the WPS – even though it costs more than public school. To beat a dead horse, part of that comes from my girls being surrounded by people who are different than them in many different ways relative to who their peers would be in public school here. In addition, I went to an elite boarding school for 2 years on scholarship, so I can say first hand that it is not all “privileged” kids. Like most families in the U.S., my parents woudn’t have been able to afford a house in Westport.
(3) This is more in response to one of the commenters, but merit is flawed as a metric to the extent that we’re not starting from the same place. I’ve never understood why this concept is controversial. We can debate what the best solution to this issue might be, but championing merit without acknowledging such complications seems like the same closed-mindedness that’s the subject of this editorial.
(4) How do some of you have such strong, ideological responses to what was written? As I mentioned initially, it does seem difficult to discern what happened here due to the lack of detail.
To Phil Gallo: BRAVO! Thank you for pointing out the hypocrisy of the left–only welcoming those who adhere to the leftist agenda. It has gotten worse by the day. Westport is now so severely infected that it was a major cause of us leaving after 23 YEARS in town. Classic liberal nonsense like: “Musk’s Nazi salute” is laughable. Can anyone comment on Mamdani’s Nazi salute? Or did you not see that? Or the “murder” of “mother” Renee Good. Yes, the activist agitator who was leading a group of activists blocking and egging on ICE agents to go after them, a woman who lost custody of her 2 children (which is very hard to do as a women) and nearly ran over an ICE officer with her 2-ton car. Leftists have nothing. No moral high ground. Nothing. They are a complete and utter joke. Thank you for pointing that out.
My comment on Musk’s Nazi salute is spot on, given that after Jonathan Greenblatt defended it (and faced a lot of blow-back) he would later express regret over his defense of it.
Let’s look at the Minneapolis footage.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2026/01/09/moments-before-ice-shooting-minneapolis/?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wp_news_alert_revere&location=alert
“My comment on Musk’s Nazi salute is spot-on”? Once again proving the point that leftists refuse to embrace reality, living in a clown world of utter nonsense. SMH. And maybe you should look at all the footage (including the ICE agents body cam footage) without your leftist blinders on. WaPo is a total joke.
https://x.com/bennyjohnson/status/2007124118811087307
Five Left-wing narratives instantly crumble with the body cam footage:
1) Renee was terrified for her life. Nope.
She absolutely was NOT. She was smiling and taunting officers. Literally zero fear.
2) The officer was not hit. Nope.
Clearly, he was hit HARD.
3) Renee didn’t know who the officers were. Nope.
Clearly false from the new footage, they knew EXACTLY who they were.
4) Renee was peacefully trying to leave the scene. Nope.
Clearly not, she slammed on the accelerator directly into the officer, even when she had nearly a full minute to leave the scene prior to him being in front of the car.
5) Renee wasn’t involved in any ICE-related activities. Nope.
Instantly proven false. The wife/partner in the video clearly states they are going to harass ICE “later”.
What is beyond insane to me is that Renee’s partner screams for her “Drive! Drive!” when law enforcement commands her to exit the car.
Renee Good was a Minneapolis “Ice Watch warrior” who trained to resist Federal officers.
You get that the most of the “new footage” floating around is AI created, right? If you aren’t smart enough to realize that, I can’t help you. Even the administration has backed away from that assertion.
Also, “whataboutism” is a logical fallacy.
Enjoy your gestapo.
So you think that the ICE officers body cam video is AI generated? lol. “Gestapo”? SMH. It’s lunatics like you that get people killed– by calling ICE agents who are doing their job enforcing federal laws “Nazi’s” and “Gestapo”. Reality is hard for you, huh.
None of what you stated is factual and anyone can easily research it. The ICE officer broke all protocol. Her last words to the monster who killed her, “ I am not mad at you, man”. His last words to her before he blew her head of because he was so scared, “ Fucking bitch”. It is downright frightening anyone defends this ICE agent. The fact that this DHS refuses MN to be involved in the investigation and that Noem and Trump convicted her without a trial is just insane. scary! No wonder Kyle Rittenhouse is their hero. Nuts. Jan 6 capitol police officers should have used their guns on those peotesting thugs in hindsight!
“None of what you stated is factual”? lol. Sadly you’re just another liberal lunatic that has lost all grip on reality. Your postings here are hilarious, full of nothing but blabbering nonsense. But keep using caps, that really works– ha.
You SUPPORT the killing of Renee Good? Why? According to you she was KILLED for “egging people on”. Is that a death sentence your honor? Who told you she lost custody? I never read that ! What relevance does thar have to her being KILLED?! You get killed in this country for “egging on” and “ losing custody”?! Wow!!!! Now let’s talk about Trump’s crimes of pedophelia, fraud, Jan 6th and so on and so forth. Cheated three times! Should he be KILLED?! Now let’s talk about the behavior of ICE. As a moderate centrist Jew, a zionist Jew, and a Jew who just took my family to Dachau two weeks ago, I have never witnessed modern day Nazis like I have seen with the behavior of the low IQ, unqualified and bigoted racist ICE! They act like NAZIS!
Please do not respond with “ Mamdani”. He is also an extremist with bad behavior. why on Earth do we need to tolerate hate? Or extremism?
I support what ICE is doing. She died because she used lethal force against law enforcement. Of course no (D) politician will tell these activists that they are placing their lives on the line when they engage in very dangerous activism. btw– to point out how ridiculous your comments are– you’re a Jew and you went to Dachau. I’m not a Jew but I’ve been to Dachau. So what? Did you mention that because you believe that it makes you more qualified to spot Nazi’s when they walk down the street? lol. Calling ICE agents– Federal law officers who are simply enforcing Federal laws– Nazi’s or Gestapo is the height of absurdity.
Great article! I agree. I lived in Westport for decades but as a Republican .. you’re not welcomed. I’ve been called out personally before because I didn’t agree. Sorry you had a hard time. Elite Liberals are bullies. I got tired of people telling me what I thought and what I was .. so we moved to FL. We’re VERY accepted here! Hang with your nice neighbors because there are wonderful people in Westport.
Incredibly well said and represents how many people feel. We need to celebrate and not dismiss courageous role models like Phil Gallo. There are so many things I would say but I would only be repeating what Phil said. I am happy to live in the same town as Phil Gallo.
Love the misunderstanding of what “DEI”, it really reflects your education.
As a girl who’s family has been here for over 100 years….. Yeah, the discrimination exists in real ways. For me, it was a class thing – I didn’t grow up with parents able or willing to shell out for over-priced tween brands. And the way anyone from outside suburbia was treated – terrible.
And I find it fascinating that you talk about a lack of diversity when you represent a view that is, at its core, hateful of people who are different than you. All it requires is respect.
AWLF? Here is a diverse opinion for you: You are a misogynist and a racist, Mr. Gallo.
Would you classify yourself as an AWGM. That collective has taken a lot of pot shots at the conservative ideology you espouse, and vice versa.
Classic. When leftists have no argument, they resort to name calling. “Racist” and “misogynist” are the probably the top 2. Not sure if you realize that this kind of name-calling has lost all credibility because it has been so abused by leftists like you. And if you haven’t noticed, the best and most qualified Treasury Secretary of all-time Scott Bessent (appointed by Trump)– is an AWGM.
Who is this person. She name calls like a child, she thinks she knows what I am. I’m pretty sure most of the town knows what she is! Sad she doesn’t know herself, say it out loud to yourself in the mirror, antoinette. LOL
January 10, 2026. It’s already been a long, awful year.
I feel really bad for you. IMO it’s been a fantastic year so far. Inflation is way down, gas prices are way down, interest rates are down, making it more affordable for folks to buy a home. Both real wages and job growth have been on the rise, and crime is down significantly across the country– because violent criminals are actually being arrested. Stocks are hitting all-time highs. Both the trade deficit and budget deficit have dropped dramatically. Your TDS is showing. Take your blinders off.
As Mark Twain may have once said, “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”
I agree with your comment! Look in the mirror. Obviously facts are hard for you. And making Americans lives better is also hard for you. I repeat what I said: I feel really bad for you. But good luck, even with your misguided misery.
Abe!!! Who ARE you? An angel sent from God(dess) to “penetrate” Westport (aka the birthplace and hometown of TDS) and tell truth to power? Welcome aboard. I can now retire and hand off the Golden Boxing Gloves of Wisdom to someone who deserves them and knows how to use them. Are you on FB? You have earned consideration for the prestigious EWB SHS ‘70 Brass Cojones Award. I’m looking for a place to award them – the Westport Museum of History and Culture won’t talk to me.
Thank you. I am a retired ex-Westport resident (of 23 years), who got tired of the leftist BS that has sadly taken over the town. We raised 2 beautiful children in town. So thankful to be out of the insanity and down in southwest FL. No state income taxes, beautiful weather year-round, and the best Governor in the country (DeSantis) who is determined to also eliminate property taxes for full-time residents. Not on social media. Be sure to check the Westport wikipedia page– it’s a great place to see how residents have voted in Presidential elections going back 70 years. When we moved in in 2000– it was 57% D and 39% R. Not bad. By the time we left, it was 74% D and 24% R. The town has become infected with TDS to the extreme. Too bad. All the best Eric!
Abe,
What can I say that you didn’t say? I would love to shake your hand. Expressing my kindest regard is the best I can do. When you left town Westport lost.
I have told Abe the rules (5 comments per thread) — he’s way over the limit. I also asked for proof that this is his real name. He has not responded. Further comments in this thread by him will be removed.
Dan,
If you can’t corroborate that the person I connected with is authentic I have no problem with you deleting my comments. Your decision, best regards EWB
Another thought Dan, in response to your earlier concern:
It is possible that “Abe Felice” is a pseudonym for a celebrity, currently residing in Westport (Westport is famous for being the best place for celebrities to live among regular people that adore them). I think with that in mind it is very possible, if not probable that “Abe Felice” is a pseudonym for Keith Richards just as “Mark Twain” was a pseudonym for Samuel Langhorne Clemens (who lived out his last days in Easton, because he couldn’t afford Westport).
I KNEW my Staples education, particularly in English, would come in handy someday.
Abe – where are you getting your job growth figures from? By my research we only added 584,000 jobs in all of 2025 (avg of <50k per month) which would be the weakest annual job gain outside of a recession in more than 20 years.
Unemployment has also ticked up almost half a point since Trump has been in office.
Ok, so even if you drink the Trump cool-aid around government jobs not mattering (which you clearly have), looking at ADP private sector job growth gains in 2024 vs. 2025 gives Biden a significant edge in 2024: In every month in 2024 there were private sector gains of >100k whereas there were only 3 of these months in 2025. Also, you need to go back to July to find the last one (in three different months since June it was actually negative).
Guess this doesn’t matter since you’re done here anyway according to Dan…
I love to see such involvement and civil discourse on this subject! This could be a discussion/topic for the library!
In fact, the Westport Library has a subcommittee called the Common Ground Initiative, a forum for public discourse on topical issues of importance to the community.
The aim of the initiative is to: host a positive, productive conversation on how we work together to move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue; and build capacity to tackle challenging and/or controversial issues.
I served one term on the board and there is training similar to public speaking courses.
When you attend TEAM meetings for a while, you get to know which members are teleporting in from before the Civil War.
Many of the commenters here have never been to a meeting and are unfamiliar with the bullshit that sloshes out of the mouths of some appointees.
One said that it was fine for white fans to hurl monkey sounds when Black basketball players took to the court. “It’s free speech,” he said, “not hate speech.”
This seems, I don’t know, uncharitable? Infuriating? Wrong? Racist?
You have to be present at these meetings and see what goes on to understand the serious problem that still exists in this progressive little hamlet, this little SoHo on the Saugatuck.
I wish Gallo would spare us this endless Farewell Tour of his. No one’s buying tickets.
So the author’s different thinking was not accepted by TEAM Westport, and his non elitist upbringing was in clash with the privileged members of that committee, and lastly, he felt unwelcome. It seems to me that this is exactly what DEI tries to address: diversity, equity, and inclusion.
So I am confused as to why Mr. Gallo is angry that TEAM Westport did not follow DEI principles in his favor, and yet, he is angry that TEAM Westport is pushing DEI for everyone.
Reading this opinion piece as well as most of the the comments (with the exception of a few), I am surprised at the level the communication has broken down.