A Reflection upon the Celebration of Our 250th Independence Day

Reverend Sharon R. Holt of First Baptist Church PHOTO COURTESY OF SHARON HOLT

On July 4^th we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which established the United States of America. It was comprised of the first 13 colonies established along the Eastern Seaboard in chronological order of their founding: Virginia (1607), Massachusetts (1620), New Hampshire (1623), Maryland (1634), Connecticut (1635), Rhode Island (1636), Delaware (1638), North Carolina (1653), South Carolina (1653), New York (1664), New Jersey (1664), Pennsylvania (1681), and Georgia (1733).

Thirteen years after the Declaration, James Madison wrote the “Bill of Rights;” the first ten articles of the United States. The first, and to many, the most important was the first amendment which established the separation of church and state. While the words “separation of church and state” are not directly contained in the first amendment, two clauses clearly established the principles of this separation. The first clause prohibits the government from establishing any official state religion or endorsing any one religion over another. The second clause protects the right of individuals to practice their faith, or hold no faith at all, without government interference.

The First Amendment, while written by Madison, was largely the result of the work of two prominent Colonial Baptists; John Leland of Virginia and Isaac Backus of Massachusetts. Both men urged Madison to include religious freedom as a prominent tenant based on their own personal and religious history. Both men were familiar with the precedent set in Massachusetts in 1638 when the “State” church banished Roger Williams for espousing Baptist beliefs. Williams established the first state in the union based on the concept of religious freedom – Rhode Island.

For Baptists and all Americans, it is crucial that we hold tight to the first amendment lest the government, local or national, compromise our right to worship, or not worship, as we each choose. It is also imperative that we not try to impose our religious beliefs on any other individual or group.

The freedoms that were worth fighting and dying for 250 years ago are no less important today. Let us continue to insist that the church and state are both of immense value, but they should never become the entwined.

Rev. Sharon R. Holt

The First Baptist Church of Southington

LETTER: Why I Support John Larson in the Democratic Primary

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

Dear Editor,

On August 11, registered Democrats in Connecticut's 1st Congressional District will have the important responsibility of choosing our party's nominee for Congress. As Secretary of the Southington Democratic Town Committee, I've had the opportunity to work with elected officials at every level of government. That experience has reinforced my belief that elections should be decided not by campaign rhetoric, but by a proven record of results. I believe Congressman John Larson’s record deserves serious consideration by Democratic voters in the upcoming primary. I’m supporting John Larson for three reasons: his proven record of delivering for Southington, his ability to protect Connecticut’s voice in Congress, and the clear contrast between his record and his opponent’s campaign.

John Larson has a proven record. Recently here in Southington, Congressman Larson has delivered more than $34 million in federal investments to strengthen our community. That includes over $17 million through the American Rescue Plan for local priorities like road improvements, public safety, and new ladder trucks for our firefighters, as well as a $1.2 million SAFER grant that fully staffed a third fire station in Milldale.

Larson has also stood up for small businesses. During the pandemic, he helped secure $9.7 million in Restaurant Revitalization Funds for 25 local restaurants and venues, including $5 million for the Aqua Turf helping protect jobs and keep local businesses open. Democratic voters will soon decide whether to continue that representation by someone who can serve as a strong check and balance on the Trump administration during this critical moment.

If Congressman Larson returns to Congress, Connecticut would retain significant seniority in the House should Democrats regain the majority. Rosa DeLauro will chair the Appropriations Committee, John Larson will chair the Social Security Subcommittee while serving as a senior leader on the Ways and Means Committee, Jim Himes will lead the Intelligence Committee, and Joe Courtney will remain a leading voice on the Armed Services Committee. That level of seniority gives Connecticut and especially the 1st Congressional District an extraordinary seat at the table. Electing a new, inexperienced member would mean surrendering critical leadership on Social Security and the Ways and Means Committee at a time when our country can least afford it.

Lastly, I support John Larson because his record has remained consistent. His opponent, Luke Bronin, once publicly stated that Congressman Larson was “the best member of Congress this district could ask for.” He is now challenging Congressman Larson in the Democratic primary. When it comes to policy, the contrast between the two candidates is clear. During an appearance on WTIC’s Reese on the Radio, Bronin said that earning $250,000 a year is not considered “rich.” In Southington, $250,000 is nearly five times the median individual income.

Larson’s perspective comes from experience. He grew up in public housing, worked as a public school teacher, and has spent decades fighting for working families, seniors, and those too often overlooked. He has never forgotten where he came from. I believe his campaign reflects those values rather than the priorities of billionaire donors – and he certainly hasn’t forgotten that for most families, $250,000 is not pocket change.

In closing, as a 20-year-old voter, I am completely confident that John Larson is the right person to continue representing our district and my generation. On a personal note, I have had the privilege of getting to know Congressman Larson over the years. I’ve seen him up close, I’ve seen his sharp wit, determination, passion, and relentless commitment to serving others, usually with a Starbucks cup in one hand and a to-do list in the other. Beyond all of that, I have seen someone who understands how to get the job done and does it with purpose.

When my mother unexpectedly needed open-heart surgery, Congressman Larson went above and beyond. He sent a thoughtful card and an edible arrangement to my home, but what meant the most was the personal call I received from him while I was sitting in the hospital waiting room. He simply ended the call with, “Keep the faith.” Those words have stayed with me because they represent the kind of leader John Larson is, not just someone who fights for people in Washington, but someone who shows up for people when they need it most. That is why I am proud to say I have my full faith and confidence in John Larson.

Sincerely,

Jordan Mancuso-Cermola

Note: the opinions expressed in this letter do not necessarily reflect those of the Southington Outsider.

Letter: The Importance of Community

Recently, I was scrolling through my Facebook reels, and came across a video that made me pause. The young woman in the video said, “This is a day in the life of a  young professional who lives alone and has no friends.” My heart broke for her. While she was trying to highlight all the fun things she does on her own (i.e. getting coffee, going shopping) it was evident that she was lonely.

It’s hard to be alone. People need the support of friends and family to help them through difficult times, and share in the joy of good times. Places like school, work, clubs, community centers, and houses of worship can afford people the opportunity to come together and create something special and meaningful, but only if you seek them out.

A community is a group of individuals who all have something in common, whether it is their location, their interests, beliefs, etc. However, what truly makes a community is the way in which the people in it relate to each other. In a community, everyone feels like they belong. They support each other, and care for each other.

In Hebrew, the word for synagogue is Beit Knesset, which literally means, “a house of gathering.” It is a place for us to come together as a kehillah kedoshah, “a holy community.” In our “house of gathering,” we gather together to pray, to eat, and to study. But we do so much more than that; we support each other, we care about and take care of each other. If you are looking to be part of a Jewish community, I invite you to attend Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation’s annual picnic on Sunday, August 30 (for more details, visit our website at www.gsjc.org).

Rabbi Alana Wasserman

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation, Southington, CT