To the Editor:

Rebekah Harriman-Stites doesn’t just like Newtown; she LOVES Newtown. And she loves Newtown as it is today, a wonderful community that is changing along with the world, while retaining our history and natural beauty.

Kersti Ferguson’s letter in The Newtown Bee [October 16, 2020, “Writer Speculates: ‘Does Rebekah Like Newtown”] is full of racist dog whistles. Published right after Congresswoman Jahana Hayes’s Newtown Town Hall meeting was Zoom-bombed by people spewing racist attacks, it reinforces how much work we have to do to make Newtown the warm and welcoming community we treasure.

Those of us who love Newtown love it because of its people, events, and character — all of its people, and because Newtown’s character is vibrant enough to embrace the growing diversity of our community and our nation.

We are so lucky that our Police Department in Newtown is ahead of the curve in instituting reforms. Accountability measures will keep the “bad apples” off our force, ensuring the safety of all Newtown residents. Those who fear police accountability are seeking to maintain a criminal justice system that disproportionately punishes people of color. Whether or not that is true in Newtown, it is a statewide and nationwide problem that must be addressed if we want a truly free and great community and country.

Raising the specter of “urban sprawl” is a common racist trope. Zoning change is crucial to helping our seniors afford to stay in the community they love, as well as allowing more families access to the beauty and fine schools we enjoy. It may be frightening to some people to think that Newtown might welcome more middle and lower income people (read: people of color), but this will help Newtown thrive.

History has always been taught from a perspective to achieve political ends, and good education systems reflect that education is not static. We now understand that for centuries, American history has been taught with the goal of justifying the sins of our past. Our founding fathers were brilliant but imperfect human beings, and we dishonor them if we refuse to acknowledge that. Teaching that we have made mistakes in the past that have caused harm to people of color and have prevented us from achieving the magnificent ambition of our Declaration of Independence will help our children make our community and our country better.

It dishonors and disrespects Newtown to pretend that our community can’t adjust to the realities of our present and future. Those who truly love Newtown, love and celebrate the real Newtown of today and tomorrow.

Edward Randall

86 Great Hill Road, Newtown October 19, 2020