Fasano’s attack on inclusiveness has undertones of fear

In watching and trying to remain engaged in our democratic society and remaining mindful of the American dream of inclusion, I reel from the apparent return of former Masters of Plantations venting their discomfort and concerns with any change of their status.

Yes, a Republican state senator representing suburban towns has the audacity, as one of privilege, to attack with a underlying messaging that urban mayors cannot manage. Once again as some national leaders boldly insinuate that those in power in the past will continue to be overseers 200 years after servitude was abolished in Connecticut. Regardless of how extensive and how far minority leaders have succeeded especially in New Haven as the most progressive city in Connecticut, it appears there continues to be a element of privilege by some still locked into maintaining the status quo and seats of privilege.

For Len Fasano, not to subtly attempt to undermine an African-American mayor reminds me of Trumpism, attacking anything and anyone who appears to provide leadership not only locally, regionally and statewide inconsistent with his dream of nationalism as an end. In Mayor Harp who beautifully and intelligently represents the best of the future of the state of Connecticut, despite the resistance of those who have controlled this state exclusively since 1788 and the days and journey of Venture Smith as a citizen I am repulsed. Historically, as the former president of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP, I have had to visit many of these contiguous towns when issues of civil rights infringements remain apparent while still hidden.

The undertones of Fasano’s attack on inclusiveness, protecting those who have needs and are disenfranchised for far too long and her audacity further to provide sanctuary when “others” bus their challenges to New Haven and other urban centers sends a not so ambiguous message from those who fear change of leadership and true inclusion.

No, I will never be indifferent when I sense misaligned power and fear who will they come for next! James E Rawlings New Haven Former president Greater New Haven Branch NAACP