A clever Connecticut politician

WESTPORT — The Democratic Town Committee called on First Selectman Jim Marpe to speak out against hateful rhetoric perpetuated by President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign. Marpe obliged less than 24 hours after the request was made public.

In an open letter addressed to Marpe, the DTC asked the first selectman to take a stand against Trump’s words and “never accept the xenophobia, misogyny, and intolerance that characterized so much of his campaign.”

The DTC’s letter cites Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton winning 69 percent of the vote in Westport to Trump’s 27 percent as a signal the town does not stand for his values.

Marpe responded to the open letter, and one paragraph is worth quoting in full because it addresses the heart of what the DTC sought:

“The 2016 election has stirred us all to reconsider our core values and our rights as Americans; rights which many in Westport may have taken for granted because we thought we had the luxury of doing so. However, with recent events fresh in our minds, we must be cognizant that with the freedoms we cherish come certain personal obligations. Despite differences, Westporters must treat each other with mutual respect and civility. We are no strangers to making our world, country, and our community a better place. The Town’s municipal, civic, religious and volunteer institutions operate under the mantle of these values. Our laws and our values don’t change because of the most recent political winds. We encourage thoughtful and constructive means to embrace each other’s differences. We denounce hatred, divisiveness and manipulation by words and deeds. We remember that in Westport, we are grateful and thankful for and continue to be committed to, the values we hold so dear in our cherished Town. I can assure you that this Town will continue to embrace and protect all its citizens and will stand firmly against hate and intolerance, now and always.”

DTC Chairwoman Melissa Kane said she thought Marpe’s response was “beautiful” and was very satisfied with his handling of the matter.

SOURCE

Marpe is a clever guy.  They think he did what they wanted but what he said could equally be seen as a rebuke to them.  They wanted him to condemn Trump and his supporters but he in fact told them to be tolerant of different views.  Being thick Leftists, they did not see that, however. It apparently did not occur to them that the "others" in his advice to treat "others with mutual respect and civility" could be Trump and his supporters.