Discussing Edith Wharton

By SUE EVANUSKA

Published: Mar 28, 2000 12:00 am

RIDGEFIELD â Whether surrounded by the pomp and luxury of 19th Century New York or by her fellow expatriates in turn of the century France, Edith Wharton produced a body of work so stunning as to grace the literary world and make her one of Americaâs most beloved writers. Her favorite themes of social order among the New York aristocracy and the psychological and moral impact of the changing surroundings of her time continue to fascinate and enlighten readers to this day.

The Ridgefield Library Book Group will choose one of two Wharton biographies for its April discussion: either R.W.B. Lewisâ Edith Wharton, which was a 1975 Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, or No Gifts from Chance: A Biography of Edith Wharton, by Shari Benstock and Barbara Grossman published in 1994.

Readers are invited to join the group at the library at 10 am on Wednesday, April 19, to share their impressions of whichever biography they have selected.

The group is free and open to the public, and new participants are always welcome. For more information, call Susan Verilli, director of adult programs, at Ridgefield Library, at 203/438-2282.

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Perhaps I can provide some clarity here at least as far as Herbert Hoover's thoughts on Hitler. On pages 73-74 of Herbert Hoover's book entitled The Challenge to Liberty (published in 1934) he states that: "Despite its name, Herr Hitler's party is violently anti-socialistic. It is not only extremely nationalistic, but extends its vision beyond national borders to extreme racialism, from which arises the inhumane persecution of the Jews."

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Yikes, talk about not doing a basic level of research. As my kids would say, "bruh, aren't you embarrassed?" James Buchanan (its not spelled Bucannan, Steve), the guy who put a black family back into slavery was -- wait for it -- A DEMOCRAT. Abraham Lincoln, the fella that ended slavery, was A REPUBLICAN. Herbert Hoover, a Republican, did not unilaterally cause the Great Depression. The stock market crashed within the FIRST year of his presidency. The imposition of his tariffs sought to help American industry, when there was little work to be had. Yes, FDR, a Democrat, led us out of the Great Depression, but with a heavy assist from the war-based economy in the run-up and through World War 2. And yes, Herbert Hoover did meet with Adolph Hitler in 1938 - A FULL 5 YEARS AFTER HE WAS OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE. It was done as a diplomatic courtesy on the 20th anniversary of the end of World War I. Steve, if I were you, I'd ask the Bee to pull this Letter to the Editor.

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Jeff, thank you for setting the record straight and for focusing on facts over speculation. It’s clear you’re working collaboratively, in the open, and always with Newtown’s best interests at heart. As a First Selectman, you’ve shown that leadership is about results, not partisanship, political slogans, or bashing the other guy. That’s the kind of honorable, steady, experienced, and community-focused leadership this town needs — progress that actually works for everyone, not just a political agenda.

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Looks like someone is getting the politics 101 course and is leaning heavily on the “status quo” and “stagnation” talking points, the reality is that our current First Selectman is only completing his first term in office. Hardly the entrenched, decades-long politician Bruce suggests. In fact, in just this one term, the current selectman has delivered meaningful progress — addressing core infrastructure, keeping budgets responsible, and ensuring that Newtown remains a strong and vibrant community. That’s not “stagnation.” That’s steady, thoughtful leadership in action. If Bruce were truly ready for a challenge, he would have answered my July questions on how to would handle large-scale protests and rallies at the flagpole? Our current First Selectman put forward an option for positive change, and was met with shouting from the mob. What would Bruce do differently? And just how responsive and open to real change will he be when facing that same kind of pressure, or would it not matter when clearly Bruce wants to play the partisan line?

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Discussing Edith Wharton

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