Is this controversial?

I tend to appreciate the diversity of perspectives that we enjoy in our community, especially around election time. Our democracy is built upon a robust and earnest exchange of ideas, and political disagreement can often be an opportunity to learn, grow, and find new paths forward through compromise.

Or, at least, it used to be.

Ideas and concepts that we all once held true have suddenly become controversial.

Doing honest work should allow you to make a living and support your family — that’s not controversial, right? Yet when our Norwalk General Assembly Representatives Lucy Dathan, Chris Perone, and Travis Simms supported a gradual increase of the minimum wage here in Connecticut, their Republican counterparts acted as if it’s so controversial to pay fair wages. When Stephanie Thomas, running in the 143rd District this year, talks about paid family medical leave and the crisis of childcare in our state, is that controversial? Her Republican opponent seems to think so.

Keeping Connecticut residents safe and healthy during this pandemic, especially in the minority communities that are hardest hit, should not be controversial. That’s exactly what our Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff has been working to do, while Republicans criticize him for it. He has demonstrated consistent leadership, standing up for us even when it’s hard.

It should not be hard to stand up for American ideals against foreign threats. U.S. Congressman Jim Himes has been tirelessly pushing for more transparency and accountability when it comes to Russian attacks on U.S. troops. How can Republicans see this as controversial? Few leaders have done more to stop the current President from undercutting the pillars of our government.

It’s amazing that no Republican has tried to keep the President in check as he’s systematically made dishonesty and disorder the hallmark of his tenure. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. In Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, we have a choice to move our country back to a place of decency, always striving to be better.

I don’t think any of this is controversial. All I want is for our representatives and leaders to serve our community in a way that uplifts us individually, economically, and socially. I think that’s what most other people want, too. That’s why I’ll be supporting our Democratic candidates on Row A on Nov. 3, and I encourage you to, as well. Let’s be controversial together.