When she purchased a new Tesla Model Y in November of 2023, the Westport woman was pleased.
She no longer had to buy gas. It was easy to maintain. The cost was only about $40,000.
“It was a no-brainer,” the woman — who asked that her name not be used — says.
Tesla Model Y
As he joined the Trump administration, the woman knew that Elon Musk — Tesla’s CEO — was “a potential danger as a human being.” But, she says, “I never thought he’d have as much power as he does.”
In the first days after the inauguration, she says, “I joked, ‘I gotta get rid of this car.’ But as he ramped up his slash-and-burn, I didn’t want to be attached to him in any way. He’s evil.”
Three weeks ago, she found a Hyundai Tucson hybrid. She sold her Tesla.
Hyundai Tucson
Worldwide, owners are talking about selling their Musk-related automobiles. This is one local woman who actually did.
“I don’t want to make a grand statement,” she insists. “I just wanted to feel better.”
No one ever said anything to her about her Tesla. No one flipped her off, or keyed her car.
Still, she says, “I didn’t want to become a target. I didn’t want controversy. There shouldn’t be controversy about the car you drive.”
But something else about her Tesla made her uneasy, beyond the company CEO’s actions she loathes.
Beginning in December, her Tesla’s menu of radio stations and podcasts suddenly changed.
There — sprinkled among her presets and favorites — were options like Ben Shapiro, Sean Hannity and “Fox & Friends.”
They’d probably been there before, she says, but much lower on the list. “I would have had to scroll way down to find them.”
She found the sudden appearance of right-wing shows “creepy. It can’t be a coincidence.”
The Westporter is happy with her Hyundai. It recharges itself. She can go 400 miles on a tank of gas.
Yet if she had a chance to meet Elon Musk, and talk face to face, what would she say?
“I just want him to stay in his lane,” she says.
“He’s a smart guy. He’s good with technology. But he’s been given so much power, because he gave Trump so much money.
“Why can’t he just stick with what he’s good at?”
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — politically, automotively, and in every other way. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Today’s International Women’s Day “Unite and Resist” rally drew over 200 people to the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Organizers said, “we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover. Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed — just show up, bring signs and friends!”
Plenty of women — and men — did. They filled both sides of the span.
Passing motorists honked in support. Some held their own signs.
Westport is a Democratic town (8,452 registered voters as of October 31, 2024). There are 7,875 unaffiliated voters, and 3,555 Republicans.
The chairs of all major boards are Democrats. But First Selectwoman Jen Tooker is a Republican.
For a while, some Westporters have asked where she stood on national issues.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at a recent Sunrise Rotary meeting.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, and afterward, they felt it was important to know if the town’s chief executive shared some or all of President Trump’s stands and values.
Others argued that national issues have no bearing on local affairs. They were not bothered by her silence.
But as Tooker steps onto the statewide stage — after announcing her candidacy for governor on Monday — questions about her national political views will intensify.
Westport resident Scott Smith wants to hear from Tooker. He writes:
Like many Westporters, I’m alarmed by the torrent of dubious policy decisions and dodgy governing practices being rushed into action by the new administration.
I know where I personally stand on these issues, and what my core values are. But what I don’t know is where we, as a community, stand as this national debate, if not crisis, unfolds.
I sent the letter below to First Selectwoman Tooker on February 26. She has not yet replied.
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First Selectwoman Tooker,
I’m proud that Westport is a community of engaged citizens able and willing to lend their diverse voices to contribute to the greater good. In this moment of national debate, if not outright crisis, your silence on political, ethical and moral issues that affect us all strikes me as a lack of transparency, at best.
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,” said Edmund Burke, speaking in the language of his time.
The second Trump administration has polarized the nation even more than before. (Photo/Spencer Platt)
I know where I and many other Westporters stand on these public matters, and it’s time for us to hear what specific views you, as our duly elected first selectwoman, hold regarding issues that are important to us all, regardless of political persuasion. Among them:
With Westport’s collective support of our Ukrainian sister city of Lyman in mind, what is your response to President Trump’s refusal to acknowledge that Russia invaded a neighboring sovereign country and has, in fact, committed atrocities against its innocent civilians?
If ICE agents come to Westport to detain suspected undocumented immigrants, how will you instruct Westport police officers to participate in those actions?
Would you allow a “special advisor” to your administration access to sensitive town databases of both public and private records? What is your opinion of Elon Musk’s infiltration of federal agencies and DOGE’s attempt to fire employees without due process?
What is your response to President Trump’s recent declaration, “I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza” and that the Palestinians should resettle “permanently” in “nice homes” somewhere else?
As the head of a municipality with many foreign-born residents, what is your view of President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship through an executive order and his recent claim at CPAC that this right, afforded by the 14th Amendment, was intended only for “children of slaves”?
Do you stand by Westport’s 2021 Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity? If so, how do you rebut the current Republican Administration’s wholesale efforts to end such established DEI practices and policies?
Simply put, silence is complicity. As citizens of a local representative democracy, Westporters deserve to know where our elected leaders stand on these troubling topics and other impactful issues.
Will you speak publicly to these matters and will you allow your constituents the opportunity to engage with you about them in an open public forum?
Thank you for your prompt reply to this letter from a concerned citizen.
Now, in light of Tooker’s announcement of her candidacy for governor, I think it’s even more important to know where our elected officials stand not just on local civic issues, but on ethical, moral and national political matters that affect us all — and for those leaders to be willing to engage with the community to figure out how we as Westporters can meet the world at this crucial moment.
Tooker’s announcement refers to her as “a champion for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and government accountability.” I would like to know how she would address the specific questions raised in the letter not only as Westport’s highest-ranking elected official, but now also in the context of her run for governor.
Duane Cohen is a native Westporter. He still lives here. He writes:
With the recent dismantling of government agencies by the Trump administration, I felt compelled to dig up a memory I would rather keep buried.
However, my story is important to recognize the progress we have made, understand how far we have come, and realize how scary it is to have Trump dismantling our protections.
In December 1970, at age 17, I enlisted in the US Navy. At age 18 while on active duty, I was injured when I fell 10 feet on my back during a storm that also caused our ammunition ship to lose its radar antenna, and crack the hull.
Duane Cohen, in the Navy.
When we returned to the States, I sought medical treatment. It was determined I had hearniated a disc in my lower back. I still have it, 50 years later.
The disability was determined to be 10% disabling. With therapy and exercises I gained and maintained work to support myself and my family.
In the early ’70s, returning veterans were able to take a Post Office entrance exam at any time, and were given a preference for hiring.
I took the entrance exam. I was hired in a probationary job, loading and unloading trucks at the Danbury Post office for 90 days.
At the end of the probationary period, I was offered a position as a mail carrier in Norwalk.
I accepted the position, and was hired by the Norwalk postmaster on a Friday afternoon. I was told begin work on Monday morning.
When I reported for work on Monday, I was told to leave. I did not have a job. The medical examiner (who never examined me) said I was “not a candidate” because of my disability.
I was told I had no recourse, because there were no laws against discriminating against a disabled person
Duane Cohen, then …
I had nowhere to go, no one to help. I wrote letters. I went to the VA, Disabled American Veterans, and many military and legal organizations. I was told every time, “If the PO won’t hire you, it’s for your own good. You can’t do the job. Find something else.”
But I knew they were wrong. That is when I found someone at legal services in Norwalk who took my case for free.
My doctor and I certified that I could do what was required, carrying up to 35 pounds of mail.
Somehow, the story was picked up by the New Canaan newspaper. After the article came out, people started helping.
Letters were sent to Rosalynn Carter, the president’s wife, who was advocating for disabled veterans.
I received a letter from Senator Ribicoff, who asked to meet with me in his office. He arranged for me to be examined by the Post Office medical dxaminer, for the first time. I passed the exam.
My case went before a judge. It was determined that the Norwalk Post Office had hired me, and was now discriminating against a disabled employee by not allowing me to do my job. It was determined the postmaster had hired me before the chief medical officer was able to determine his discrimination, which he would have gotten away with. If the postmaster had not hired me, in those days they could have discriminated against me for being a disabled person, let alone a Vietnam veteran.
I won the case with all my back pay, night differential, and all benefits from the day I was hired, including seniority.
… and now.
When I was asked where I would like to work, I wanted to be as far away from the Norwalk postmaster as I could be. I elected to work in Stamford.
Within a few months, the Norwalk postmaster was promoted. He became the Stamford postmaster, in charge of Darien, Westport and Greenwich.
He then unjustly fired me twice. He had to rehire me both times, with back pay. Fortunately, as a civil servant I was protected by the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Merit Systems Protection Board.
The EEOC and many other agencies in place to protect us from bullies like the postmaster are being eliminated by Trump.
That is why I dusted off this memory. We cannot go back!
(“06880″‘s “Opinion” pages provide local perspectives on a wide variety of issues. If you appreciate this — or any other feature — of Westport’s premier blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Westport was represented at yesterday’s historic arraignment at the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building.
Directly next to former President Trump at the proceedings was one of his key attorneys, Joseph Tacopina.
Attorney Joseph Tacopina sat at former President Trump’s left, during yesterday’s arraignment. (Photo/Curtis Means for EPA)
The Westporter — founder and lead trial attorney of Tacopina Seigel & Deoreo — is no stranger to big cases.
His firm’s website says:
Mr. Tacopina is one of the country’s most respected high-stakes trial attorneys, having successfully tried more than 100 cases in his distinguished career. He frequently represents clients in high-stakes civil, criminal and commercial litigation, zealously advancing their interests and often recovering substantial money damages.
In 2011, he was the featured speaker at Staples High School’s baccalaureate ceremony, the night before graduation.
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Last year, New York Times photojournalist Lynsey Addario captured an image that shook the world.
The 1991 Staples High School graduate was in Irpin, Ukraine, shortly after the Russians invaded. She was just a few yards away, when a mortar killed a woman, her 2 children and a friend.
The grim photo was published worldwide. It brought home the viciousness of the Russian attacks, and remains a defining image of the war.
Lynsey Addario’s photograph of the carnage in Irpin.
Addario — a previous Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Award winner — will no doubt earn many honors for that shot. She’s already won one: a George Polk Award for photojournalism.
Established in 1949 by Long Island University to commemorate a CBS correspondent murdered the previous year while covering the Greek civil war, they highlight “investigative and enterprising reporting that gains attention and achieves results.”
Polk Award winners will be honored April 14 at the New York Athletic Club, the day after a seminar on LIU’s Brooklyn campus. “When Covering War Gets Personal” will feature several winners, delving more deeply into their stories.
But Lynsey is not the only Addario woman in the news.
Her sister Lauren — a 1984 Staples grad — plays drums in a band called mineral Hill. They’ve jusd been nominated for an award for original music, by the New Mexico Music Awards.
ZZ Top will perform at the ceremony, next month in Albuquerque.
By day, Lauren teaches media arts and technology, and directs the Cultural Technology Internship Program at New Mexico Highlands University.
Congratulations, Lynsey and Lauren!
Lauren Addario
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April is Autism Acceptance Month. The Westport Police Department is using the event to promote education, and a greater understanding of autism.
They note: “Rates of autism have grown steadily in Westport and nationally, as early diagnosis has become more accessible. Autism touches most of our lives, and is a part of our community. Westport Police are committed to supporting those with autism and their family members, year-round.”
Many officers have bought Autism Acceptance Badges. They’ll wear them on their uniforms throughout April.
Autism Acceptance Month is a good time for a reminder about Westport’s Disability Registry, a combined effort of the Westport Disability Commission, Human Services and Police Department.
The confidential registry provides information to assist police and other emergency workers to address the needs of residents of all abilities. Click here for more information, and to sign up.
In 2021, Westport Police officers showed off their autism badges.
Last week’s “Evening of Africa” at Wakeman Town Farm was a smash.
Attendees raised $37,000, close to the $50,000 Unite needs for its food program in Tanzania this harvest season.
The funds will help purchase maize from over 300 small-scale farmers, providing them with fair prices as well as 2 hermetic bags each, so they can safely store some of their harvest pest-free to use throughout the year.
Money will also increase the fleet, to transport raw maize from remote villages to to United Food Program’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam. There it will be cleaned, processed and packaged as final maize flour products, for retailers, wholesalers and consumers.
Finally, Unite can purchase, retrofit and install and 40-foot container, to serve as extra storage for its grain inventory.
Click here, here and here for videos from the event. Click here to contribute. Click here to commission an oil painting by Unite’s partner artist Maliondo Amini.
By day, the 2nd floor at 11 Riverside Avenue is a normal art gallery (though one with exceptional work, and a great old-building vibe).
Every so often at night, it turns into a salon.
Owner Michael Chait invites very cool people, to lead informal conversations with in a warm, learn-from-each-other atmosphere.
His next one is even more intriguing than usual.
Tim Manners — a Westporter, and author of “Schoolboy: The Untold Journey of a Yankee Hero” will discuss his subject, legendary 1927 “Murderers’ Row” pitcher Waite Hoyt.
It’s an in-depth book, written with the help of Hoyt’s son.
An organist will play baseball-themed music. “Gates open” at 7 p.m. on April 27.
Tickets are $20. Seats are limited. Click here, or Venmo @Michael-Chait. Questions? Call 203-243-1995.
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Over the past year, Jazz at the Post has become a Westport institution.
Now a new musical event debuts at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: “First Folk Sunday.”
Starting May 7, and continuing the first Sunday of every month (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.), longtime and very talented Westport singer Suzanne Sheridan will offer music of the 1960s, ’70s, and “good songs from all time.”
Guest artists will join her. Next month, it’s keyboardist Bob Cooper.
There’s a $10 cover. Brunch and a cash bar are available too. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Suzanne Sheridan
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Five whiskeys from around the world will be featured at the Weston History & Culture Center’s April 29 fundraiser (7 p.m.).
Tasting will be led The Academy Drinks CEO Jessica Spector. Also on the menu: appetizers from Old Mill Grocery, specialty cocktails, beer, wine and a silent auction.
Tickets are $100 each. and can be purchased at: Click here to purchase, and for more information.
I know you’ve been waiting for an “06880” link to President Trump’s 2nd impeachment trial.
Here it is: defense attorney Michael van der Veen grew up on Lamplight Lane, off Hillspoint Road near Old Mill Beach.
Michael van der Veen, in the 1978 Long Lots Junior High School yearbook, “Lion’s Clause.”
After Long Lots Junior High, he — like his siblings — headed to Choate Rosemary Hall. He graduated from the private school in 1981, then went on to Ohio Wesleyan University, Quinnipiac School of Law and Temple University School of Law.
Our country is deeply divided. We’ll remain so for some time.
The Biden administration will move quickly to get things done. It only has a year to do so, before the mid-term elections move into high gear.
We’ll continue to reel from assaults on both truth and an array of institutions vital to the maintenance of a healthy democracy.
Those are not novel concepts. But they — and others, much more in depth and nuanced — have particular resonance, on this inauguration day.
They come from Marc Selverstone. The 1980 Staples High School graduate is an associate professor in presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s famed Miller Center of Public Affairs.
Marc Selverstone
With a doctorate in American history, he also chairs the center’s Presidential Recordings Program; teaches courses on foreign relations, and consults with filmmakers, authors and educators.
Over the last 4 years, Selverstone says, it’s been a challenge to figure out how to avoid using the word “unprecedented.”
Beyond trying to understand policy choices, he’s tried to understand President Trump’s appeal to “a durable segment of the population, and an extraordinary percentage of the Republican Party.”
“His most dramatic departures had less to do with policy than with his approach to norms and conventions, to personnel and institutions and, most consequentially, to truth and fact-based reality,” the scholar says.
Selverstone calls the Biden transition “one of the most professional in memory. That augurs well for a country reeling from intersecting health and economic crises, and against the backdrop of really seismic and fundamental challenges in our politics, in social and race relations, and with respect to the environment.
“Whether or not the Capitol insurrection functions as a modern-day Beer Hall Putsch remains to be seen,” he adds. “1923 is a far cry from 1933, let alone what came after. But reporting seems to indicate that the assault has galvanized groups of well-armed violent extremists who are fanatically loyal to the outgoing president and all he represents.”
Until January 6, the Confederate flag had never been paraded through the US Capitol.
Selverstone’s looks ahead are informed by his study of the past. The Recordings Program transcribes and analyzes White House tapes that 6 consecutive presidents of both parties — from Franklin Roosevelt in 1940 to Richard Nixon in 1973 — made in secret.
Most of the work focuses on the period between 1962 and ’73. Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon were the most active in taping aides, journalists, cabinet officials, legislators, family members and private individuals.
In 2005, Selverstone was part of a Brown University-led oral history research project, exploring the Kennedy/Johnson transition and its impact on Vietnam policy.
Intrigued, Selverstone began exploring Kennedy’s thoughts on withdrawal planning (“real and extensive”), and his Vietnam policy overall — cut short, of course, by his assassination.
President John F. Kennedy and the primary architect of his Vietnam policy, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara.
That led to a book, due to his publisher March 1: “The Kennedy Withdrawal: Camelot and the American Commitment to Vietnam.”
Selverstone has become impressed with how much the president was souring on the war. He had always been wary of deep involvement, the professor says, though he went to Dallas still committed to fighting it.
The question of withdrawal deadlines — at least, their public announcements – is relevant today. “Calendars factored into the Bush , Obama and Trump policies toward Iraq and Afghanistan,” Selverstone says.
Such deadlines “don’t have a very good track record,” he notes. “They rarely served the political or military objectives they were designed to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Selverstone, the Miller Center and the US prepare for a new administration.
He’ll continue to work on the presidential tapes, then undertake new projects beyond the election of 1964 and Vietnam.
“With the Kennedy book in the rear view mirror,” he says, “I’ll join my colleagues in thinking about what this turbulent era of American public life means for us, as well as what it means in the stream of time.”
Mark Mathias is many things. He’s the founder and president of Remarkable STEAM, a statewide organization promoting innovation and creativity in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. He founded Westport’s Maker Faire, has served on the Board of Education for 14 years, and volunteers with the Boy Scouts.
In that last capacity, he’s attending this week’s National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. He’s joined by 35,000 Scouts from around the world (120 from Connecticut, including Westporters), and 5,000 adult support staff. Mathias’ role is radio communications.
Mark Mathias and his son Nick, at the Boy Scout Jamboree.
Yesterday was a special one at the sprawling camp. Here’s his report:
This year, we were honored to have President Trump address the Jamboree.
Scheduled to speak at 6 p.m., preparations for his visit started well over a week ago. The venue opened at 2:30, and numerous restrictions were in place. It took nearly 2 hours from the time I got in line and snaked down the pathways until I reached one of 2 entrances.
Restrictions in place for President Trump’s visit to the Boy Scout Jamboree.
All day long, and particularly in line, lots of Scouts and adults wore red “Make America Great Again” hats.
Once inside the venue, box lunches were given to each person. Free bottles of water were handed out to every attendee, since it was very hot and muggy. Luckily there was some light cloud cover and a brief sprinkle of rain to keep people cool while we waited on the grass.
The scouting organization was good at keeping the crowd entertained, as the Scouts stayed in their troop areas. Many patches were traded, and ice cream vendors did a land office business.
By 6 p.m. the stage was set. A man placed the presidential seal on the podium.
Around 6:20 we saw the presidential motorcade arrive, winding down the hill to the rear of the stage. The crowd frequently chanted: “We want Trump!” and “U! S! A!”
Mark Mathias’ view of the presidential stage.
When Mr. Trump came on stage, he received a very warm welcome from the assembled Scouts. Thunderous applause and chanting of his name was a marvel to hear.
As he started his speech, Mr. Trump indicated he would set aside political differences for the evening, and instead talk about how to be successful. He mentioned that 10 of the members of his cabinet were Scouts, and brought on stage Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price.
Other than the time I went to Washington to see a presidential inauguration with my family, I have not attended a live event where the President of the United States has spoken. I believe that the opportunity to see and hear the president is something everyone in our country should have. I also believe in respecting the office of the president.
President Trump addresses the Boy Scouts.
Speaking to other scoutmasters in the audience as we waited for the president, I heard that some troops had talked seriously about not attending. Luckily, the scoutmasters I spoke to did not let this opportunity pass by. As I left the venue after the speech however, I saw a handful of troops that elected to not attend.
With a great start to President Trump’s speech, I had high hopes he would use it as an opportunity to inspire this largest collection of Scouts in the United States to do great things, and have scouting be a way to give them the skills they need.
Unfortunately, President Trump moved to subjects of repealing Obamacare, “fake news,” and how well the economy and stock market are doing since his election.
The crowd welcomed most of President Trump’s comments with great cheers, although there was the occasional boo — in particular when President Trump mentioned that President Obama did not address a Jamboree. (Click below for the entire speech.)
I stood in the audience, trying to absorb what was going on around me. Was the crowd responding to the fact that they had the President of the United States speaking to them? Were they truly supportive of the policies being presented to them? A combination of these and other reasons? Am I out of touch with America?
On the walk home and in talking with the people with whom I’m working, the conversations were muted. A few people said they thought Trump did a great job. Others were more critical of his speech. But adults on both sides of the subject were remarkably unenthusiastic. It was almost as though the speech didn’t happen. It surprised me that there was not a great desire to talk about what we had just witnessed.
Mark Mathias, at the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
The experience for me was somewhat surreal. Being in the audience as the president addressed us is a great honor. Feeling the energy of the crowd — but not the motivation — made me feel out of place. Then, after having experienced what for many is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the president in person not be ebullient about it, was downright odd.
I hope to have more opportunities to participate in events of this nature, and hear leaders in their own words. I hope to be able to share these experiences with my family and friends. Most of all, I hope that we all grow as a result of these experiences.
The women are putting their words into action: The vigil is set for this Sunday (June 4), 7:30 p.m. at the Compo Beach cannons.
“We need to show the world that we are with them when it comes to environmental protection, global prosperity, and world participation,” organizers say.
“And we need to show our children that we are on the front lines, fighting for their future. This will be a peaceful but powerful protest.”
There will be 200 votive candles available. Respiratory masks too.
Sunday’s weather is not predicted to be great.
But the forecast for the planet is worse.
Organizers of Sunday’s vigil at the Compo Beach cannons hope to ensure a bright future for their children and grandchildren.
They came from all over Westport, and Redding and Roxbury. There were, by some estimates, 800 of them. But crowd estimates, as we all know now, are less important than the message the crowd sends.
They were Democrats, Republicans and independents. They were moms, dads, tweens and teens, and folks who marched in the ’60s and are now beyond that age.
The English translation of this Russian sign is: “Treason leads to impeachment.”
All 3 selectmen were there, with town officials, state legislators, and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Julia Belaga. The first President Bush appointed her regional director of the EPA, an agency that President Trump wants to scrap.
Past and present town officials — Republicans and Democrats — at the march included (from left) Steve and Rosemary Halstead, 2nd selectman Avi Kaner, 1st selectman Jim Marpe, State Representative Gail Lavielle and 3rd selectman Helen Garten.
They were there for the environment, women’s rights, immigration and education. They were there against authoritarianism, murky Russian ties and the countless whack-a-mole controversies that have sprung up ever since January 20.
Westporter Susan Terry led the crowd in a rousing, singalong “Star Spangled Banner.” Car horns honked in solidarity. (One car passed by with a counter-protest. “Make America great again!” the driver shouted.)
Suzanne Sherman Propp wore her favorite hat.
The music included upbeat songs like the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun,” and protest anthems like Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”
And when today’s “Connecticut: One Small State, One Big Voice” march from Jesup Green to Veterans Green was over — after Senators Chris Murphy and Dick Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe had spoken — there was one last song.
“These boots are made for walkin’,” Nancy Sinatra sang. “And one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.”
Are you ready?
March organizers (from left) Darcy Hicks, Lauren Soloff and Lisa Bowman show off the message of the day.
Today’s march attracted demonstrators of all ages…
… including this future voter. (Photo/Cathy Siroka)
Congressman Jim Himes gets ready to speak.
Congressman Jim Himes said that President Trump has catered to “the worst elements of extremists.” But he hasn’t succeeded, because “all over America — in unlikely states like Oklahoma and Alabama — people came together. Reasonable Republicans heard from people like you.
“People have used fear to move decent Americans behind bad instincts,” Himes added. “But this is America. We don’t do fear well. Whatever your party, stand up.
“To all the Democrats and Republicans here: You are the best of America. Thanks to you, our shared values will prevail.”
The crowd responded with a heartfelt chant: “Thank you Jim!”
Senator Dick Blumenthal (Photo/Diane Lowman)
Senator Dick Blumenthal told the crowd at Veterans Green: “This is what democracy looks like!” It’s because of crowds like this, he said, that Trump’s “cartoonishly incompetent” healthcare plan went down to defeat.
The Judiciary Committee member pledged to push an independent investigation of the president.
He noted that his father fled Germany for the US in 1935. He was 17, and spoke no English. “This country gave him a chance to succeed. He would be so ashamed now, to see the Statue of Liberty’s lamp extinguished.”
Senator Chris Murphy (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
Senator Chris Murphy energized the crowd, saying: “There is no fear that can’t be cured by political activism.” And though he sometimes goes to bed fearing the movement will lose strength, he wakes up in the morning to find it bigger than ever.
He said that he, Blumenthal and Himes “are trying to raise our game to equal this moment. Democracy is inefficient, but no one has invented a better system yet.” However, he noted, “democracy is not inevitable. We have to keep fighting for it.”
Senator Murphy on Veterans Green. (Photo/Diane Lowman)
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They’d probably been there before, she says, but much lower on the list. “I would have had to scroll way down to find them.”
