To The Editor,

Newtown has always prided itself on our open and transparent government where all people can come to raise concerns and have their perspectives heard, or simply to listen and gather information. While we may disagree and at times grow frustrated, we strive to treat each other with honest consideration and neighborly respect.

No one is perfect but each of us gets involved for the same reasons, because we want to build on the good work of those who came before us and see our community become a better place.

Yet when overt partisans misrepresent and castigate volunteer officials it is difficult to explain away as anything other than coordinated bullying and intimidation. I believe a majority of Newtown residents do not agree with divisive tactics from people who openly celebrate silencing those who raise questions.

The people of Newtown are overwhelmingly kind and welcoming; they want to see all members of our community feel they have a place here. Concerns should be heard and all voices have a place.

However, if we truly want change, we should be seeking allies in that effort.

One is left asking if the goal is really change when the approach is to alienate a majority of elected officials (and the voters who elected them) who are otherwise sympathetic to the stated concerns. Straw manning fellow Newtowners who have listened patiently and sincerely as “far Right extremists” or other disparaging labels, as well as bullying, contacting residents’ employers, suggesting people are now “unsafe,” and threatening lists of businesses are McCarthyism tactics.

There is a broader national conversation about race going on and I am glad Newtown is part of that dialogue. Self-reflection is never a bad thing. I remain affirmed in my belief that working together to find outcome-driven changes begets far more buy-in in the community.

America is the first country that was not founded on a shared ethnicity, rather a shared idea — the notion that certain fundamental rights transcend government. America was and still is not perfect; rather, it is a shining city on a hill we should aspire to reach.

Patriotism is being proud of that ideal, celebrating how far we have come, and working together to move forward nationally as well as locally. Unity comes from the shared goal.

Diversity should extend to diversity of thought. Inclusion should include the perspectives of more than one group. We go further together.

My opinions are my own and not on behalf of the Legislative Council of which I am a member.

Respectfully,

Ryan W. Knapp

Sandy Hook