‘Be Vocal At All Times’

To the Editor:

In last week’s Bee, First Selectman Herb Rosenthal took to task “a handful of small people” who “are always upset about things town leaders do or don’t do.” He further went on to state that as far as he is concerned, “Your politics are not wanted here.”

It is extremely arrogant and insulting for Mr Rosenthal to refer to those voters who do not agree with him as “small,” i.e., “limited in importance or significance.” It is even more interesting that he takes exception with anyone who is upset with what he either does or does not do. I can only assume that the only thing that is acceptable to him from his constituents is their total silence.

David L. Lawrence, former Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, once stated, “You must be vocal at all times on political matters, pro or con, voicing your opinion so that it may be heard by those who govern.” It certainly appears as if Governor Lawrence had a deep understanding of the importance and necessity of freedom of speech and social discourse.

Can anyone of us truly make that same statement about our current first selectman?

Phil Dinielli

9 Copper Creek Circle, Newtown                                    July 30, 2007