Candidates Have A Place

In The Parade

To the Editor:

Once a week like clockwork I receive my e-Newtown Bee, very rarely do I dive into it with such ferocity as I did this last issue. Having lived only a short time in Sandy Hook, my memories are few, but not in the least faint. My e-Bee has illuminated many of them over these past few years as we moved west. Now those memories, shined up with words from various Bee articles, enjoy a wide-open place in my mind where I go for serious reflection.

While I continue to watch what will happen with the flagpole and the developments at my children’s high school alma mater, this week I was particularly interested to read your review of the Newtown Labor Day Parade. The Newtown parade is a unique, wonderful, worthy event and should be open to all persons who wish to walk in it. I applaud the work done in the past. I am happy with the events of this year’s parade. And I look forward to reading about it for years to come.

I do have a suggestion on how to deal with political candidates though. Newtown, more particular Connecticut, does have a central role to play in the current national political directions and, God willing, always will. I pray often that United States citizens seriously consider their responsibility regarding the ballot. I desperately hope that a sincere attempt is made this year to analyze and reflect on the direction our leaders have taken us and where we hope to go in the next four years. I have hope in what we do not currently see — peace.

I am wondering if a proposal for next year’s parade management team might be that political incumbents and challengers both be invited to take up the last position — not first, not central, but last. Father Bob at St Rose Church spoke once about leading from the back — like birds, like dads, like moms, like those who care more about where the parade is going rather than those who care simply about where they are going. 

Contrary to the negatives raised in the article, I am proud to think that the Newtown parade had a role to play in the upcoming elections. I ask Newtown (and Sandy Hook too) be the center, be alive, be involved, learn about Joe, learn about Ned. Hold your own debates. Vote. A true democracy sees the individual as central to the direction of the nation. May the Newtown Labor Day Parade always be open to all individuals. And, may you all embrace the fact that you are being watched, emulated and considered. May this knowledge help you to grow, to lead, to embrace nonviolence, and encourage debate and discussion. Good Luck Newtown, Godspeed.

Peggy Neff

8305 Calle Soquelle NE,

Albuquerque, New Mexico                                 September 8, 2006