I read with great interest in last week’s Phoenix about a new organization called “Bristol County Concerned Citizens” and then paused in astonishment at the blatant …
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I read with great interest in last week’s Phoenix about a new organization called “Bristol County Concerned Citizens” and then paused in astonishment at the blatant misrepresentation of their own organization. So, just who are these “Concerned Citizens,” and what exactly is their mission?
In their words, they are not a political organization, yet they are overwhelmingly comprised of members of the Republican Town Committee and disgruntled former members of the Democratic Town Committee. In fact, one of the organization’s co-chairs is a declared candidate for Bristol Town Council.
The Concerned Citizens’ stated mission includes typical conservative talking points that are thinly veiled under the guise of “traditional family values.” They tried to hide their true message with careful phrasing, but I heard what they were saying loud and clear. Their stated values include:
Lastly, they claim they want to protect our “traditional American values,” which I can only believe means their own values — all of which are incredibly political and are at odds with our Constitutional declaration that “we all are created equal.” Americans are showing us over and over again just what American values really are. And they include welcoming people into our communities regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.
Transparency and accountability are paramount to a functioning community. The motives of the “Concerned Citizens” are shrouded in rhetoric, but their actions tell us the real story.
Make no mistake: this is a political organization with intentions of influencing decisions of local elected leaders and the outcomes of elections. I call on them to acknowledge that and to say it out loud. If you are proud of what you stand for: step into the sun — you can no longer hide in the shadows.
Erich Haslehurst
Bristol
Mr. Haslehurst is chairman of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee.