As a journalist, it is my job to tell the truth. In doing so, I must state the facts, inform, and in turn, educate. This week, I’ve struggled to find the words to write this letter, void of emotion, or opinion. But it is my job, after all.
I know how powerful our words are – they can cut deep, divide, unite, uplift, tear down, wash away, and so much more. In my personal life, I often say (and believe) that the words which come out of our mouths we manifest into reality. It may not be on the same day, the next or even the next, but one day, “it” will come to pass. This week, if we were so inclined to watch the national news cycle, we heard plenty of words from across the world about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a political activist, author, son, husband, and father.
It is also my job, in the unwritten part of my job description as both Editor-in-Chief and journalist, to offer various perspectives- whether it be my own, or that of other journalists within these pages. The fact is, we live in a country (and time) when we have the right of free speech, which you will find displayed in this very publication — the Stratford Crier.
And what we offer you, dear reader, is your right to agree or disagree. To offer your opinion in the comments, in your very own Opinion piece, or in a reported article. We encourage discourse, honesty, and civility. Take a look through the many responses to what we publish, and add your own.
We are in community with one another, and being in community does not mean we must agree with one another, always or ever. When we have discourse, when we speak to one another, whether it’s standing in line at the grocery store, responding to a social media post, or standing up and speaking out at a Town Hall meeting, we do so with respect, honesty, and dignity, as neighbors should.
In this week’s issue, we share many words with you. In every piece, whether it is in our Opinion column, from our Transportation columnist, or an announcement from Steven H. Michalovic, President of the Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF 998, the words are thoughtful, and beg for reflection.
Today, I hope you will head over to Paradise Green and celebrate with our Hispanic neighbors and friends at the Annual Latin Music Festival. Tomorrow, September 15th, kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, and what better time than right now to more deeply understand and celebrate the culture, history, and traditions of Hispanic Americans.
Join in, whether it be in song, in word, or in action. I encourage you to embrace your neighbor, with your open arms and spirit. We are a community after all, right?
