Dear Editor,
The difference between the competing visions for how to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing was demonstrated over the July 4th weekend.
In Southbury, “America 250”, the Congressionally authorized approach was used in a respectful, well-organized ceremony that included the unveiling of a new monument to those brave citizens who stood up for human rights in the American Revolution. Thanks to the organizational skills and knowledge of many, including Mary Korsu, Shanna Bertram, Jim Tornatore, and John Dwyer, this was a heartfelt event that made me proud to be a Southburian.
In Washington, D.C., “Freedom 250”, the Trump administration’s competing approach, was a poorly planned, politically motivated, corrupt, and sparsely attended event. The Great American Fair was poorly executed. The massive fireworks event was held so late at night that it was known more for its disruptiveness to neighbors than its appeal to a weary crowd or those still awake to watch on TV.
President Trump’s speech that night was the most divisive political speech imaginable. Instead of reflecting on the meaning of 250 years of a democratic republic, he brought back our country’s worst nightmare – the Communist witch hunt of Senator Joe McCarthy. The president used those same techniques, including making false claims that there are communists and socialists trying to undo our country.
The irony is that he is the only president who has ever taken ownership (shares) of private companies, the only one to interfere in private corporate decision-making, the only one to direct FBI investigations without evidence against his political opponents, the only one to direct domestic police action against law-abiding citizens, the only one to act in violation of the Constitution as deemed by the Supreme Court, plus unprecedented personal corruption.
All Hallmarks of a Communist dictator!
— Ed Edelson,
Southbury, CT
The Southbury Record 