They hate America

“I’m ashamed of my country”

Yesterday, reader Cilisi reposted this from X:

CONNECTICUT: Petty Politics Over Patriotism: Connecticut Democrats Snub America’s 250th — and the Heroes, Innovators, and Traditions That Define Us

In a display of small-minded political spite, Connecticut’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Ned Lamont, refused to fund and then rejected a generous private offer to fully underwrite a proper Connecticut booth or pavilion at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. This 16-day event, running through mid-July 2026, is a centerpiece of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Officials cited “resources” and costs estimated at $100,000 or more for staffing a multi-week exhibition. When retired businessman RP Scelzo organized $100,000 in private donations from 10 anonymous donors to cover every penny, the administration’s response was blunt: “It’s a genuinely kind offer, but it’s too late.” Too late to celebrate what, exactly?

Connecticut, the once great Constitution State, has one of the richest and most diverse legacies in American history. We are the state that gave birth to the very idea of written constitutional government with the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut in 1639, a direct forerunner to our national founding documents. Connecticut delegates, including Roger Sherman of New Haven, were central to the creation of the U.S. Constitution itself, helping craft the Great Compromise that saved the Constitutional Convention and shaped the Senate we still have today.

We gave the Revolution one of its most iconic martyrs: Nathan Hale, born in Coventry, Connecticut. The young schoolteacher turned spy for George Washington famously declared before his execution by the British in 1776: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” His courage and sacrifice remain a symbol of selfless patriotism.

Connecticut also became the cradle of American innovation and industry. Eli Whitney, who studied at Yale in New Haven, pioneered the system of interchangeable parts at his armory in Hamden, Connecticut, laying the foundation for modern mass production that powered America’s industrial rise. Samuel Colt, born in Hartford, revolutionized firearms with his revolving-cylinder pistol and built one of the nation’s great industrial empires right here in Connecticut, employing thousands and helping define the American System of manufacturing.

In aviation, Igor Sikorsky established his company in Stratford and developed the world’s first practical helicopters in Connecticut. Technology that transformed both military power and civilian life.

…… A Connecticut booth at the Great American State Fair could have proudly showcased Nathan Hale’s story; Eli Whitney’s manufacturing revolution; Samuel Colt’s industrial legacy; Igor Sikorsky’s helicopters; the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Groton’s submarine heritage; Prudence Crandall’s courage; Martin Luther King Jr.’s formative experience in Simsbury; Ella Grasso’s historic governorship; New Haven’s pizza legacy; the Fundamental Orders; and so much more.

Instead, Lamont’s team chose to sit it out.

The official excuse was money. But when private citizens removed that obstacle entirely, the door was still slammed shut. This was never really about budgets. It was about politics. Democrats' reflexive refusal to participate in a national celebration associated with the current Republican president, even when it meant honoring Connecticut’s own heroes, innovators, pioneers, and cultural traditions. ….

Pennsylvania, too suffers from the presence of a partisan, hateful Democrat governor, yet things turned out differently there. Why? We have Murphy and Blumenthal, Pennsylvania has (D) Fetterman and (R) McCormick. We’ve chosen poorly.

SALENA ZITO: The spirit of ’76 lives on as Pennsylvania rallies for America’s birthday.

Two days ago, Beth Ann Bossio woke up to the news that Pennsylvania would not have a booth at the Great American State Fair, the Fourth of July celebration underway on the National Mall in Washington.

The decision was made by Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), who told the New Republic he would not send a delegation to the fair in honor of America 250 after his administration said it canvassed opinions among Pennsylvania businesses and told the reporter, “None of them were interested.”

Shapiro said their disinterest “reflects the sad state of affairs that we find ourselves in that the president politicized this to a degree that businesses don’t want to participate.”

Spoilsport.

More:

Her reaction wasn’t alone. Sens. David McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) were on the phone at the crack of dawn Saturday as soon as the New Republic Shapiro interview became public.

Within hours, McCormick and Fetterman were working the phones, reaching out to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, PennAg, and scores of businesses, urging them to step up. Most Pennsylvania businesses answered the call.

So far, Crayola, the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, Core Natural Resources, Quandel Construction, Schlouch Construction, Utz, Orvis Hill Country, GNC, MSA, The Safety Company, Vitro Glass, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank, and Camp Susque are all donating displays, manpower, carpentry expertise, or donations.

Volunteer firefighters from across the state offered to staff the booth. So did the owner of a pest control company in Montgomery County. They are just a few examples of the people, small-business owners, and large companies now clamoring to make Pennsylvania’s booth reflect the state’s cultural and economic influence, past and present.