“No Kings” rallies in Westport — and weekly protests on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — have drawn plenty of people, and attention.
But there are questions too. Like: “What’s next?”
Flags flew at October’s “No Kings” rally. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Last month, a group of residents — including Congressman Jim Himes, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas and actor James Naughton — met at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport to discuss an answer.
The “What’s Next” organizers describe themselves as “a local pro-democracy community group that believes in free and fair elections for all citizens.” Members include Monique Bosch, Miggs Burroughs, Kenny Epstein, Linda Franciscovich, Dalma Heyn, Dan Levinson, Dede & Tony McDowell, Jonathan Steinberg and Stephanie Weiner.
Levinson said, “We left April ‘No Kings’ energized and wanting to take action. But we were lost as to how.
“In Westport, we feel we can do more than march, vote and donate. So our team came together to experiment around creative local projects and events that might have wider impact.
“Our goal is to do our part to help save our democracy, with the immediate focus on the November elections. The launch event last month was well attended, with great energy. Future events will follow.
“We are a grassroots, informal crew. Suggestions are always welcome.”
Their next event — “What’s Next? From Protests to Projects 2.0” — is June 18 (5 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). They’ll learn about several organizations working to increase voter turnout, and ensure fairness, in November.
Calling it “another upbeat, informal, fun and productive reception bringing together people who want to engage with friends and neighbors to make a difference,” they’ve invited Bryan Mattimore to help attendees “uncover unexpected creative ways to get involved.”
Co=founder of the Norwalk-based Growth Engine Company (www.growth-engine.com) innovation agency, he has facilitated over 1,000 brainstorming sessions. Mattimore managed over 200 innovation projects, leading to over $3 billion in new sales for Fortune 500 clients including Kraft, Unilever, Ford, BNY Mellon, LVMH, Merck, and Pepsi.
Questions? Email danlev314@gmail.com. Click here to register.
I have an idea! With the 250th anniversary of the USA and 25th remembrance of 9-11, lets do a pro-USA celebration! We can support and cheer on our Veterans and First Responders!
Looking forward to being a part of such a great positive and forward thinking group. See you on the 18th. 👍❤️💙🤍
Viva la revolución!
Improving voter turnout is always a worthy cause. More broadly, Connecticut should do more to lead by example in keeping our democracy strong. Notably, we should have open primaries and be using ranked-choice voting more broadly.
The real Kings of Connecticut is the Democratic Party. House of Representatives control since 1985, Senate control since 1996, Governor since 2011, making it a trifecta for 15 years.
A lot happens in Hartford that directly effects and usually hurts Westport.
Maybe use this group to create a Platform for Westport, and then promote and/or support candidates and legislators who uphold the values of the platform.
I agree with Senators Thune and Kennedy when it comes to rewarding millions of dollars to rioters who killed police officers! With that said, it wouldn’t surprise me if some in Westport supported those payouts to rioters.
1. What people claim — Conflicting public narratives that matter
A central claim circulating in public debate is that law enforcement officers were killed on January 6, 2021. This claim conflates immediate battlefield fatalities with later deaths tied to the event’s physical and psychological trauma. Contemporary reporting confirms no widely reported immediate on-scene law enforcement fatalities directly attributed to violence on Jan. 6, but it does document extensive injuries to officers and later classified deaths that federal programs have linked to the event [1] [2]. Different commentators emphasize immediate versus delayed outcomes, which fuels disagreement and competing agendas.
Bruce, Remember “HANG MIKE PENCE?” Those chanting that are guilty of attempting to murder a Vice President! Making threats against the Vice President is a federal crime!
That’s right Jack. If you attack the Capitol, assault police officers and defecate in the hallways, you get charged, tried, sentenced, pardoned and then get paid millions for it. What a country. But if you take a photo of some sea shells, then you get investigated and indicted.
Trump called Pence stupid and delusional and said he was a wimp!!!
And here’s 8647’s diagnosis:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Individuals with NPD use severe projection and externalization as a primary defense mechanism. Because their fragile egos cannot tolerate the shame or guilt of being flawed or criminal, they must project those exact traits onto others to maintain an illusion of moral superiority.
The shoe fits (at least until the swelling returns), so wear it, Donald.
The horse is out of the barn. If you think you live in a democracy I have a bridge to sell you.
Russ and Jack, the gifts that keep on giving.
Love some Friday afternoon humor boys. Keep it up.
Did we get something wrong? Do you have something to add to the discussion? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
But good to hear you like funny business. Did you hear the one about the DOJ saying today they could knock down the Statue of Liberty and nobody could stop them? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
1. You’re a natural Russ. Stand up is in your future
2. I did read in today’s WSJ that Columbus OH is putting Christopher back up and Robert E. Lee is is being returned in Charleston SC
3. How would ‘they’ take down the SoL? What methods do you believe would be the most efficient?
4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da Russ, life goes on