Tag Archives: Ruth Steinkraus Cohen

[OPINION] UN Is Guided By Principles, Ideals

Posted on October 31, 2025 | 42 comments

Bill Hass is president of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.

Today, he responds to an “06880” Opinion piece posted last Friday by Bob Neumann, headlined “Why We Protested The UN Yesterday.”

Bill writes:

I sympathize with the deep concerns of our Jewish community and many others about rising antisemitism and the threat of neo-Nazism, and I condemn it unequivocally.

At the same time, I cannot agree with the assertion by Mr. Robert Neumann, who protested our event at the Westport Library celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations on October 23, claiming that “the United Nations is a deeply antisemitic organization.”

In evaluating UN performance, it is advisable to consider the statements of the current Secretary General regarding the UN’s actions, goals and policy recommendations. One must also carefully evaluate and verify the accuracy and sources of information relied upon, especially those received via social media.

Following World War II, the most destructive global conflict in human history, the UN was founded with the mission of promoting global cooperation to safeguard international peace and security, ensure basic human rights and promote economic and social progress for all people. The UN recognized the state of Israel in 1948, well ahead of many other nations.

Under the direction of the Secretary-General, the UN operates in accordance with the principles contained in the UN Charter. Among the most important principles and ideals guiding the work of the UN are the inadmissibility of acquisition of territory by use of force, and the right of people to self-determination.

As a forum for debate, the UN provides a unique platform for its 193 member nations who express a large variety of opinions and policy positions that are occasionally controversial and even counterproductive. Nonetheless, knowing another’s point of view, however disagreeable, is better than not knowing and can be a first step towards understanding.

Questions about motives or potential bias concerning UN voting behavior should be addressed to the governments concerned. Governments, not UN officials, determine the content of UN resolutions. Governments also choose the leadership of various intergovernmental bodies in the United Nations.

Less visible is the UN’s capacity for quiet diplomacy through the promotion of dialogue and communication between governments behind the scenes that can diffuse a crisis or promote progress towards a resolution of differences.

U Thant of Burma was the 3rd Secretary-General of the UN. His daughter Aye Aye is a longtime Westport resident.

There are numerous successful examples of these efforts, most notably during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, when Secretary-General U Thant helped secure an agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as the government of Cuba, that averted nuclear war and global catastrophe.

Since 1965, Westport has celebrated the United Nations through its annual jUNe Day event on the last Saturday of June, in observance of the signing of the UN Charter on June 26, 1945.

This initiative was established by our founder, the late Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, in cooperation with the town of Westport. Ruth had been Eleanor Roosevelt’s personal secretary, and was so moved by Eleanor’s commitment to peace and the UN that Ruth devoted her energies to promoting the UN’s mission.

In creating the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut, she sought to build international friendship and understanding. Following her example, Westport has been proud to organize hospitality for UN staff and delegates based in New York City. In addition, for many years our town has celebrated United Nations Day, October 24, the date the UN was founded in 1945.

These have been occasions to learn more about the complexity of the world and the possibilities for peaceful global cooperation. Let us never forget that we are all together sharing this one planet. Learning about one another and cooperating with one another is not a pipe dream but an urgent necessity to assure the flourishing of humanity.

I hope that some of my thoughts have promoted a better understanding of the United Nations and its work.

(“06880″‘s Opinion page is open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)

Flags of many nations fly every jUNe Day on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jeff Simon)

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jUNe Day Protest: UN Association Official Responds

Posted on July 10, 2024 | 20 comments

Every June since the 1950s — just a few years after the United Nations moved into its New York headquarters, and spurred by the work of UN advocate/ secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt/Westport resident Ruth Steinkraus Cohen — we have welcomed ambassadors, government officials and staff members to town.

On a (hopefully beautiful) early summer Saturday, we offer hospitality and friendship. There’s a breakfast and low-key greeting ceremony. Then our guests, their families and volunteer hosts spend the day in a variety of ways: at the beach, Earthplace or Wakeman Town Farm; playing golf, tennis or soccer; shopping, dining and relaxing.

Through the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the end of colonialism and the rise of new global powers, the tradition has endured.

It’s one of those things that makes our suburban community different from many others.

jUNe Day flags fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. It’s named for the founder of the annual Westport event.

This year, jUNe Day was different.

Over 100 people protested, on Jesup Green.

They were fully respectful. They were totally silent.

But their t-shirts, signs and flyers sent a message. They were angry about the UN’s “egregious bias against Israel, and the fact that our tax dollars are being used to host representatives of the United Nations, particularly this year, after the horrific events of October 7, and the consistently glaring antisemitic/anti-Israel efforts to delegitimize the only Jewish state.”

They cited many other reasons why they believe they UN has become “a highly politically divisive organization.” Inviting employees here, they said, “is simply no longer acceptable to us….We are all for international hospitality, but we should be hosting an organization that stands for universal equality for all.”

jUNe Day protestors, on Jesup Green. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Bill Hass disagrees.

As president of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut — the organizer, with Westport officials and volunteers, of jUNe Day — he firmly believes in the organization’s mission.

And he wants our town’s tradition to continue.

Hass told “06880”: “For nearly 60 years, Westport has supported jUNe Day as an opportunity for Westporters to offer hospitality and friendship to UN staff and delegates.

“This derives from a recognition that the United Nations is the only organization created to maintain global peace and security in which nearly all the countries of the world are represented. In a world of deeply divergent interests, it is essential that lines of communication be kept open concerning current conflicts and other global challenges. And, in this age of nuclear weapons, global peace is not only a lofty ideal, it is critical for the survival of the human race.

“Westport is a welcoming and diverse community with many residents also having lived and worked abroad. Many here realize that what affects those halfway around the world can also impact us.

Bill Hass speaks at this year’s jUNe Day welcoming ceremony. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker is seated at left. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“In 1962, the world came very close to experiencing the terror of nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis. At that time, the UN Security Council and Secretary-General U Thant provided a breathing space that made it possible for the Soviet Union and the United States to step back from the brink of disaster and allow back channel and other quiet diplomacy to resolve the crisis.”

(Thant’s daughter Aye-Aye is a longtime Westport resident.)

“We sometimes hear that the UN is doing nothing, but the Secretary-General’s use of quiet diplomacy is an essential tool for helping to resolve difficult situations and crises.

“Earlier in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Secretary-General quietly negotiated an agreement to permit the export of Ukrainian grain to countries in desperate need. Also, a multitude of UN agencies maintain peace in areas attempting to recover from conflict, provide disaster relief, and address key global issues such as climate change, immigration and the plight of refugees.

“Expenses for jUNe Day are borne by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut, the UN Staff Union and modest reservation fees. We are very grateful to the town for opening many of our recreational facilities to UN guests as well as the Wakeman Town Farm, and for the warm welcome extended by our First Selectwoman. Earthplace is also much appreciated as a favorite destination of our guests.

“Our jUNe volunteers observed that UN guests who represented so many member states deeply appreciated Westport’s hospitality, and noted the right of people to protest peacefully.

Enjoying jUNe Day at Jesup Green, not far from the protest. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“It is important to acknowledge the concerns of those who protested on jUNe Day. Some even may have relatives or friends who were killed or injured on October 7, or at other times in Israel’s history.

“On October 7, 2023, in response to the attack by Hamas on Israel, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned ‘in the strongest terms the attack by Hamas against Israeli towns.’ He also extended his ‘deepest condolences to the families of the victims” and called for “the immediate release of all the abducted persons.’ Finally, he stressed that ‘violence cannot provide a solution to the conflict, and that only through negotiations leading to a two-State solution can peace be achieved.'”

“Some Westport protestors alleged bias by the UN against Israel.  It is important to distinguish between the UN organization and the position of some of its member countries.

“The Secretary-General and the staff are required by the principles of the UN Charter to treat Israel and, indeed all UN member countries, with dignity and respect and without discrimination. There exists honest disagreement on many issues related to this conflict. It is a disservice to the UN to construe its disagreement with some of the policy choices of the government of Israel as antisemitic.”

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Roundup: Salad Winners, Staples Fencers, SpongeBob …

Posted on April 4, 2022 | 3 comments

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Over 1,000 salad-eaters cast votes in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s month-long Great Westport Salad Contest.

And the winners are …

  • Best Caesar Salad: Romanacci
  • Best Chef Salad: Joe’s Pizza
  • Best Cobb Salad: La Plage
  • Best Deli Salad: A&S Fine Foods
  • Best Greens Salad: The Porch
  • Best Make Your Own Salad: Parker Mansion
  • Best Mediterranean Salad: Manna Toast  
  • Best Unique Salad: Capuli.
  •  Honorable Mention (coming within 5 votes of the winner): Calise’s

Winners received plaques to hang. Each winner will also offer a free  salad to eight lucky voters who won the lottery in the category they voted for.

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Ruth Steinkraus Cohen was a remarkable woman.

A Juilliard-trained pianist and teacher; a singer, editor, radio host and activist; secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt at the World Federation of the United Nations Association; founder of the International Hospitality Committee of Fairfield County, and Westport’s jUNe Day celebration; publisher of the worldwide “United Nations Calendar for Peace”; music chair of the Friends of Music for almost 40 years; co-founder and/or noard member of the New York Chamber Soloists, Performers of Connecticut, the Opera Company of Boston, Opera New England, Young Audiences of Connecticut, and Westport’s Art Advisory Committee — it’s no wonder our town’s downtown bridge is named for her.

The Steinkraus name is in the news again — at least, the real estate news.

A trust owned by the Steinkraus family (including Ruth’s late brother Bill, a 1968 Olympic equestrian gold medalist) has listed their amazing “Grand Great Island” property — off the Darien coast — for sale.

Located on a 60-acre island, it includes a stable, riding rings and grand house (called a “villa”), plus a whiskey and wine cellar with contents dating back to Prohibition.

Called “the largest private island ever to be offered for sale on the East Coast,” it can be yours for just $100 million. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Wendy Crowther)

Great Island, now up for sale by the Steinkraus estate.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School fencing team — the state champion fencing team, that is.

What? You didn’t know Staples had a fencing team?!

That’s okay. This is their first year. Eight fencers, coached by Jim Roberts, competed against 9 schools in the state tournament last month, at North Haven High. The Wreckers edged Fairfield 5-4 for the title.

Congratulations to junior Gleb Syomichev, sophomores Max Piterbarg and PJ Loranger. Fencing club co-founder Anna Pan, a senior, helped out.

(From left): Gleb Syomichev, PJ Loranger, Anna Pan and Max Piterbarg,

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There’s lots of recycling in “The SpongeBob Musical.” When the curtain rises this weekend on Coleytown Company’s spring show, the middle schoolers will have incorporated it into their sets.

Working with art teacher Linda Kangro, students took Jordan Janota’s designs and built them all out of garbage and recycling donated by the community.

Kangro let the youngsters into the recycling and trash, and told them to use their imaginations. The result will be something to see. No word, though, on whether they’ll recycle the set to use in the next show.

(“The SpongeBob Musical” will be produced Friday, April 8 (7 p.m.); Saturday, April 9 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, April 10 (1 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

Eli Abrams (as Perch Perkins) with recycled “coral” on the proscenium.

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Play ball!

This year marks the 40th season for the Boss Boys’ Sunday morning softball game. They play at the field behind Town Hall, with stretching and batting practice from 9 to 9:30, and a game afterward.

They’re looking for new players. The cost is $30 for the season; it covers bats, balls, scoring books and “maybe a holiday barbecue.”

Interested? Email bryan.alix@gmail for details.

When this photo was taken in 1992, the Boss Boys’ softball game had already been going for 10 years. It’s lasted 30 more since.

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Former Westporter Jack Grogins — known for his quick wit and passion for tennis, jazz music and rare books — died last week. He was 91.

The Norwalk native and University of Connecticut graduate (undergraduate and law school) enlisted in the Navy in 1956. He went on to practice in the field of insurance defense at the Hartford Insurance Company in 1958.

Jack started his own law practice in 1961. He also served for many years as a part-time prosecutor for the Bridgeport Circuit Court.

As a young man, Jack taught tennis and competed in tournaments around Connecticut. He continued into his 60s, ranking among the top tennis players in the Connecticut Senior Olympics.

He realized his life-long dream with his appointment as a Superior Court judge in 1994. He remained in that position until 2001, when he became a judge trial Referee. Jack remained a highly respected jurist until his retirement in 2018.

Jack was predeceased by his wife Marilyn. He is survived by his daughter, Judge Auden Grogins (Ian), sister-in-law Arlene Glotzer, niece Helen Glotzer, and cousin Molly Passero and her 4 children.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5, 10 a.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). The family will receive visitors prior to the service, at 9 a.m. Shiva will be observed tomorrow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the family residence.

Jack Grogins

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We can never get enough osprey photos. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image was taken yesterday. Carolyn Doan writes: “The Fresh Market osprey is bringing nesting material, while she sits in the sun. It’s all part of the mating phase.”

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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And finally … on this date in 1964, the Beatles occupied the first 5 — five! — spots on Billboard’s Hot 100. They’re below, from #1 to #5.

But that’s not all. They Fab 4 had another 7 songs on the charts that week: “I Saw Her Standing There” (#31), “From Me to You” (#41), “Do You Want to Know a Secret” (#46), “All My Loving” (#58), “You Can’t Do That” (#65), “Roll Over Beethoven” #(68) and “Thank You Girl” (#79).

Yeah, Beatlemania was a thing.

PS: I don’t care how old — or young — you are. These songs put a smile on everyone’s face.

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Obituaries, Real estate, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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50 Years Of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen

Posted on May 24, 2021 | 11 comments

The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown honors a woman whose life was filled with music and service. She was dedicated to hospitality and the United Nations. Through jUNe Day and other events, she brought tens of thousands of international visitors to Westport.

Every jUNe Day, flags of many United Nations members fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Post Road bridge. Cohen established the annual event in 1965.

The basement of Steinkraus Cohen’s Darbrook Road home was filled with paperwork. She never discarded a program, agenda, or the minutes of one of her Wednesday meetings.

Over 60 boxes of Steinkraus Cohen’s papers have been stored at Adams Academy on Morningside Drive North. This month, the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut is tackling them — helped by 4 talented and hard-working Staples High School interns.

Kylie Race, Claire Redmer, Savannah Schaefer and Samuel Zuckerman started the cleanout last week. They wanted this internship to learn about international relations. Now they’re getting a crash course in how Steinkraus Cohen thought globally — and acted locally — for 50 years.

Claire Redmer, Kylie Race and Savannah Schaefer encounter an actual film reel.

The interns sorted through box after box. They found press clippings of Steinkraus Cohen with Eleanor Roosevelt, and letters from George Bush, Bill Clinton and Kofi Annan.

Savannah Schaefer with 50 years of correspondence.

There were hundreds of photographs of 50 years’ worth of jUNe Days, with international visitors enjoying Westport.

With the interns’ help, the UNA SW CT hopes to create a Ruth Steinkraus Collection of papers.

Sam and Savannah are learning about archiving, and will lead the process with Joan Hass. Kylie and Claire are designing and building a new website, with Michaela MacColl. All the interns are creating original content, reflecting their own interests under Marge Neuiwenhuis’ educator’s eye.

The tagline for “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” Sounds like a good one for Staples’ internship program too.

Sam Zuckerman knew this was the national flag of Comoros.

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Friday Flashback #198

Posted on June 26, 2020 | 5 comments

Had it not been for COVID-19, tomorrow would have been jUNe Day here. Dozens of United Nations guests would have enjoyed a day in Westport — including an impressive display of flags from their native countries on the Post Road bridge.

jUNe Day 2015, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jeff Simon)

That’s the same bridge where, earlier this month, hundreds of people massed in support of Black Lives Matter, and to protest the death of George Floyd. 

The 2 events are related. The Post Road bridge — with both its flags, and its role as the cherished spot for political demonstrations — is named in honor of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen. A remarkable Westporter (and former secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt), she dedicated her life to social justice, world peace — and music. 

The scene on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, several years ago.

With jUNe Day canceled, and political protests fresh in our minds, it’s time to learn a bit more about Ruth Steinkraus Cohen. Staples High School Class of 1981 graduate Laurie Cameron writes:

Back in the day I met a true Westport treasure: my piano teacher, Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen. She would have been 100 on June 8. She was also the grandmother of my friend and classmate Adam Weisman.

Ruth was a generous, warm person who made music and kindness. Learning piano from her was a great education; she made sure I knew Hadyn, Chopin, Brahms and Vivaldi in addition to Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. I learned about Vienna and the Music festival from her.

My brother Byl was the musician in our family. I had no gift for music, but I returned each week for almost 9 years. I was so fascinated by her travels, her art, her bookcase, her antique harpsichord, and hearing about the many jobs she had when she was not being a piano teacher.

My favorite time of the week was the hour that I waited for my brother Andy to finish his piano lesson, when I could stare at the paintings, books and sculptures in Mrs. Cohen’s living room.

Her colorful holiday parties were also our piano recitals. After each student performed, Ruth and her husband Herbert played a duet: she on the piano, he on violin. Their music was rich and melodious, but the joy on their faces was the true lesson for us.

Sometimes when Ruth could see me growing restless at the piano, she took me for a walk in her garden. It had a brick path that looked like the yellow brick road through the woods behind her house. It was so thrilling to me that I sometimes snuck out while waiting for Andy’s lesson to end, and ran down its wooden steps.

Ruth Steinkraus Cohen (center) joins famed singer Marian Anderson (2nd from left) at a concert by young Suzanne Sherman, at Bedford Elementary School.

During her time running the UN Hospitality Committee, Ruth placed over 50,000 people into American homes for cultural exchanges. My family learned about habits and traditions of people from other cultures from those we hosted, thanks to Ruth. She was a great humanitarian with a desire to bring the world together, and bridge gaps between cultures.

When I came back to Westport after being away for over 15 years, visiting Ruth was an important stop for me. Even in her late 70s she was warm, joyful and busy making the world better for those who needed it.

I feel privileged to have known Ruth and to have learned so much from her. Her knowledge, openness, love of music, energy and patience were great sources of inspiration to me. She would be so proud to know that a bridge bearing her name is used to support people fighting for peace, civil rights and equal justice.

(To learn more about Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, click here for her New York Times obituary.)

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Posted in Arts, Friday Flashback, People, Politics

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“Honk Against Hate” Fills Downtown Bridge

Posted on August 13, 2017 | 10 comments

For decades, the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — the Post Road span named for Westport’s tireless UN and peace advocate — has been the site of social justice protests.

This afternoon, several dozen folks of all ages thronged the bridge. In the aftermath of yesterday’s horrific anti-black, anti-Semitic, Nazi-infused demonstration and murder in Charlottesville, the group had a united message: Hate has no place here.

“Honk against hate!” they chanted.

Many drivers obliged.

As they did, the protesters cheered and smiled.

Then they chanted even louder.

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Posted in Downtown, Politics

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jUNe Day: When Westport Welcomes The World

Posted on June 22, 2017 | 6 comments

It’s one of the longest-running, most enjoyable, most visible — and yet least remarked upon and little noticed — events in Westport.

For more than half a century in early summer, our town has welcomed guests from the United Nations. It’s called jUNe Day — clever, no? — and the 2017 version takes place this coming Saturday (June 24).

Over 300 folks — ambassador types, embassy and headquarters workers, and their families — arrive at the train station. (Whether they come from a 1st or 3rd world nation, they’ve probably never seen anything quite like Metro-North.)

On jUNe Day, the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge brims with flags from around the world. Cohen originated jUNe Day in 1965. (Photo/Jeff Simon)

Having overcome that initial hurdle, they’re shuttled to Saugatuck Elementary School for a 10:30 a.m. welcome.

The UN is known for speechifying, but these are short. Then comes the real fun: a tennis tournament and golf at Longshore, tours of Earthplace, a visit to Wakeman Town Farm — you get the idea.

There’s a soccer match between a UN team and the Westport Knights men’s side. It’s not the World Cup, but some years tensions are nearly as high.

Many guests head straight to Compo, or the Longshore pool. They shop. They enjoy Westport.

Sometimes we forget what a day in “the country” can do. Many UN folks and their families don’t get many chances to leave New York.  jUNe Day is an opportunity for them to do just that — and for us to show off our town.

We may not be a “typical” American town. But this is our chance to offer typical American hospitality.

Volunteers are needed to serve breakfast and lunch, help out at Longshore, and clean up. “Tour guides” on buses are also needed. If interested, call 203-526-3275, or email andreasusa@yahoo.com.

Or just give a big hello on Saturday to anyone wearing jUNe Day hats, and an orange bracelet.

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Posted in Beach, Longshore, Organizations, Politics

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jUNe Day Busts Out

Posted on June 25, 2016 | 9 comments

For the 51st summer, Westport welcomed United Nations diplomats, staff members and their families. Our jUNe Day guests enjoyed soccer, swimming, tennis, and visits to spots like Earthplace and downtown.

Every year on jUNe Day, flags of visitors’ nations replace the American flags on the Post Road’s Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

So who was Ruth Steinkraus Cohen?

The founder and — for many years — guiding spirit behind the annual event.

There could be no better tribute — and no finer day for our guests.

(PhotoCharlie Colasurdo)

(PhotoCharlie Colasurdo)

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Posted in Downtown, Sports, Weather, Westport life

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jUNe Day Busted Out All Over

Posted on June 27, 2015 | 11 comments

The weather was cloudy and chilly. A number of potential guests were home celebrating Ramadan.

But Westport’s 50th annual jUNe Day drew nearly 200 United Nations workers and their families to Westport today.

Assistant Secretary-General Carole Wainaina of Kenya and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe traded welcomes at Saugatuck Elementary School. But this was nothing like a General Assembly meeting.

A  little music and a few munchies later, everyone was off: to downtown, Longshore, Compo, Earthplace, Wakeman Town Farm and all points in between.

No translation was needed — beyond the word “fun.”

Flags from around the world replace the Stars and Stripes on jUNe Day. Too bad there was no breeze to flutter them. (Photo/Jim Chillington)

Flags from around the world replace the Stars and Stripes on jUNe Day. Too bad there was no breeze to flutter them. (Photo/Jim Chillington)

No matter where you're from, if you're a little kid it's all about the food. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)

No matter where you’re from, if you’re a little kid it’s all about the food. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)

Visitors from Peru, Spain, Portugal, the Philippines and enljoyed a tour of Wakeman Town Farm, including an expanded chicken coop, productive beehive, and edible marigolds that protect the borders of the gardens from insects.

Visitors from Peru, Spain, Portugal, the Philippines and more enjoyed a tour of Wakeman Town Farm — including an expanded chicken coop, productive beehive, and edible marigolds that protect the gardens from insects. (Photo/Elizabeth Beller)

A pair of Olympians got into the spirit. William Steinkraus Cohen -- brother of jUNe Day founder Ruth Steinkraus Cohen --

A pair of Olympians got into the spirit. Bill Steinkraus — brother of jUNe Day founder Ruth Steinkraus Cohen — was an equestrian in 6 Olympics. He won 1 individual gold medal, and 2 silvers and a bronze as a team member. Ann Marie Flynn of Westport was a high jumper in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.  (Photo/Adam Stolpen)

For 50 years, Westport soccer teams have taken on their UN counterparts. This trophy is a recent addition to the rivalry. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)

For 50 years, Westport soccer teams have taken on their UN counterparts. This trophy is a recent addition to the rivalry. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Longshore, Organizations

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Having A Tea Party

Posted on October 30, 2010 | 57 comments

I despise the Tea Party movement.  I think it is negative, simplistic, and dangerous for our country.

But this is an all-purpose blog.  So I’ll pass along this information, and let my “06880” readers decide if they want to go:

Westport Tea is sponsoring a “Rally for America” today (11 a.m.-noon) in downtown Westport.

It’s billed as a “pre-election day gathering for all citizen-voters who believe in responsible government and true representation and accountability by those elected.  The rally will bring attention to the importance of voting by citizens concerned with restoring fiscal and political balance to the U.S. Congress and the CT General Assembly.”

The site of the rally is the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge.  For nearly 50 years, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen was a tireless advocate for the United Nations, and a volunteer for world peace.

The Tea Party movement verges close to nativism.  The irony of rallying on a bridge named for a woman who believed in globalism is spectacular.

Is this a great country or what?

The Tea Party -- and all Westporters -- enjoy watching American flags fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

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