By: Joe DeLong, CEO and Executive Director of CCM
Working in politics, I know the risks of being bold. Sometimes boldness sparks transformational change, and other times it just looks foolish. What I’m about to suggest probably leans toward the latter, but I feel compelled to share it.
The other day, after watching the horrific video of the Charlotte train stabbing and hearing the breaking news of Charlie Kirk’s murder, I felt sick, not only from the violence itself, but from watching the reactions or in some cases lack thereof of others. In that moment, strangely enough, I felt myself wanting the peace and comradery I get when I’m spending a day on my boat.
Those who know me know I’m not great at relaxing. Golf bores me after a few holes, and beach vacations make me restless. But years ago, when my father-in-law first took me out on his old fishing boat, I stumbled into a culture I had never experienced on land.
On the water, strangers’ wave, smile, and take pride in lending a hand. Politics and bumper stickers lead to conversations not hatred. Respect and generosity seize the day. You’re more likely to be invited to share food at a sandbar than to argue. And yet, the moment everyone’s back at the boat launch, that spirit simply vanishes. The same folks who graciously accepted you while on the water will be the first to cut you off in traffic 30 minutes later.
That contrast made me think about Connecticut’s housing debate. Republicans have already said they won’t support legislation they haven’t even seen. Democrats, instead of building consensus, urged towns to walk away from CCM for not backing their plan. These are classic “land culture” reactions.
But, what if for a moment we tried a “water culture” approach? Imagine Governor Lamont calling a special session, but holding it on the Long Island Sound. Leaders, advocates, and local officials donned their life vests to share some food and engage in some good old-fashioned consensus building dialogue. Promoting solutions with respect instead of hostility. And when it’s time to go home, boats leave one by one so the progress doesn’t get lost in traffic.
Maybe it sounds ridiculous. But anyone who’s spent a day on the water knows it has a way of bringing out the best in people. And maybe, just maybe, politics could learn something from that.