My turn to say thanks to Peter Hewett for alerting Bristol voters to know the candidate’s positions for the upcoming elections. I could not agree more with Mr. Hewett, though our directional compasses tend to go in vastly opposite directions.

Pete claims that the Bristol Democratic Town Committee has been overtaken by a new breed of progressive socialist democrats? Labels are meaningless without explanations. I will try to decipher some of these labels.

I suspect that Mr. Hewett and his fellow members of this group calling themselves Bristol County Concerned Citizens have issues with people talking change, dismissing traditional values that have been the cornerstone of white America. It would be a progressive move to erase those traditional values of white male domination — bias against women and people of color, and prejudice toward the gay community. It would be progressive to honor same sex marriage and the entitlement of happiness for ALL people. New and old laws actually guarantee these basic human rights.

What is this socialist mantra that Pete and the BCCC keep mentioning, failing to define what they are talking about? Does support for those who have less becomes a socialist plot? Donating to our local food bank, becomes a socialist agenda? Elected officials helping citizens is a socialist thing?

Pete blames Democrats for the disgraced Laufton Ascencao, who fooled the vast majority of voters. Democratic Rep. June Speakman called him out. She acted progressively, responsible for Ascencao never assuming office. These so-called progressive Democrats carry a high degree of ethics and clean their own houses when necessary. That must be progress, but what’s the socialist piece of it?

There are currently Democratic candidates for office who did support the Drag Queen, reading stories to our impressionable youngsters. Thank you, Mr. Hewett, for pointing out that example. It proved to be a great lesson about tolerance and acceptance of ALL people.

White tradition was busy in front of the library on that occasion, praying and warning everyone about the horror that was about to take place. It was beautifully “horrible” to watch the children laugh and learn that day along with their families. I was there too, learning and enjoying it.

Dangerous progressive Democrats are now called Marxists, because they have supported Black Lives Matter. Remember BLM, the group of white and black citizens who have dared say enough with the killing of unarmed black men, and stop discrimination that have hurt people of color for literally centuries? Caring about people makes us Marxists?

Beware of candidates who call themselves Independent while prescribing to a traditional white agenda, turning back the clocks to embrace a divided America. Support candidates who will act for ALL people, and not endorse white traditions separating and hurting people who are different.

I say thanks to Peter Hewett for pointing out the importance for choosing the right candidates in this year’s election. We must support candidates who care about ALL people, not just the white ones. I think maybe that is progress after all?

Stephan Brigidi
Bristol