Westport is hardly a hotbed of hyper-partisanship (certain “06880” commenters notwithstanding).
Our civic discourse is usually civil; when it’s not, it’s less along Democratic or Republican lines than other, more personal issues.
Our RTM is non-partisan.
Our Congressional district has a history of electing good, hard-working, normal people — of both parties. And we’re proud of the job they do representing all of us.
But Westport is the site of an initial meeting of No Labels. That’s the grassroots organization working to end the toxic tone in Washington (and many states and districts).
The group’s “Declaration” explains:
We are not labels – we are people. We care deeply about our country. We are frustrated and concerned about the tone of politics. We are passionate about addressing America’s challenges.
We are Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
Most importantly, we are Americans.
We believe hyper-partisanship is destroying our politics and paralyzing our ability to govern.
We may disagree on issues, but we do so with civility and mutual respect.
We believe in the vital civil center — a place where ideas are judged on their merits.
We believe that together we can make the future better and brighter — and give us what we all deserve — a government and a political system that works — one driven by shared purpose and common sense.
We believe our politics can change, so that government will work again and produce better results.
The consequences of inaction have never been greater, because the issues we face have never been more serious, more complicated, or more dangerous….
We must put our labels aside, and put the issues and what’s best for the nation first. A promising future awaits us.
The 1st No Label organizational meeting for Connecticut is set for tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 7), from 6:30-8 p.m. on the 1st floor of the MetLife Building, 57 Green’s Farms Road.
The public is invited. No matter how you label yourself, you’re welcome to attend.
(For more information, click here.)
