To The Editor,

The time after an election should be for introspection, not blame. Americans voted as they did recently for a multitude of reasons, and there is no need for bigoted presumptions about fellow Newtowners’ motivations. Approaching the question with empathy and understanding would lead to obvious answers, not that any should be needed.

For example, while the economy may have been good for Wall Street and those with investments, many mom-and-pops have been struggling as goods cost more and customers have less discretionary spending. The National Federation of Independent Businesses rated small business uncertainty at “an all-time high” heading into the election. Imagine a restaurant which has seen their food costs rise over the last four years, while their customers must cut back. At the same time, they struggle to hire staff because they can’t afford to live in Newtown on working class wages anymore.

Yet the administration blamed “corporate greed,” as if corporations were never greedy prior, and boasted “we are very proud of Bidenomics.” When asked what they would do differently the response was “nothing comes to mind.”

If you are doing better, I’m happy for you, but for millions of Americans wage growth has not kept up with inflation. More and more families are living paycheck-to-paycheck, including many in Newtown. It is why Gallup ranked the economy as the “most important issue to the 2024 Presidential vote.”

Newtown Republicans are proud of our diverse slate, which included candidates of Asian, Black, Jewish and Latino backgrounds, as well as a US Navy Veteran. Record numbers of Black and Latino voters shifted Republican this cycle, because the issues we prioritized impact them. The NRTC did not focus on identity because the ultimate minority is the individual, and issues like affordability and opportunity transcend group identity.

Newtown is statistically an incredibly safe community, and we are all privileged to live here. It is something I reflect on when I talk with the mothers and widowed spouses in our Survivors of Homicide support group. These folks (many people of color) want the safe streets we take for granted, policies that are tough on crime and actual justice. I doubt they are fretting over how their neighbors voted.

Punitive retaliation has a chilling effect on free speech. It does not win people over but drives them away. We should choose to take the high road and not call for action in kind. As President Biden said, “you can’t love your country only when you win” and “you can’t love your neighbor only when you agree,” a very inclusive message which I respect.

This holiday season, please join me in supporting all our local small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Gift cards make a great stocking stuffer!

Ryan Knapp

Newtown