The Talbot County Democratic Forum held its annual meeting this past weekend at the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. This marked the second consecutive year the Forum contracted to use the venue space that CBMM routinely leases out for community events.
More than 60 people attended the gathering on Sunday, May 17, including independents, Republicans, and yes, mostly Democrats. Guests heard from Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and former Delegate Heather Mizeur, while enjoying fellowship and civic discussion in one of the Eastern Shore’s premier venues.
Unfortunately, the event was nearly derailed by a couple of malcontents who attempted to pressure CBMM into canceling the rental simply because the paying customer happened to be a political club. The critics argued that allowing a political group to rent space somehow meant CBMM was endorsing a party or candidate.
Thankfully, CBMM honored its signed contract and the event proceeded without incident. However, CBMM has stated that future rentals to political organizations will not be allowed. This new policy apparently stemmed from an unrelated incident in the past but should concern everyone nonetheless — regardless of party affiliation. This would be a loss not only for CBMM, but for the broader community. It would mean less revenue for organizations with venue space, and fewer opportunities for organizations (of all viewpoints) to find a place to gather in a respected public space.
Some people today seem determined to politicize absolutely everything. Increasingly, nonprofits, businesses, and community institutions are pressured with threats of donor backlash or customer boycotts, simply for allowing people with differing viewpoints to exist in the same room.
We need to stop turning ordinary interactions into a political battlefield.
CBMM renting a venue to the Democratic Forum no more constitutes an endorsement than a restaurant hosting a Republican pasta dinner fundraiser suddenly becomes a “Republican-only” restaurant. If Scossa hosts a GOP event, does that mean Democrats should stop dining there? Of course not.
We all benefit when communities remain open, welcoming, and capable of hosting a wide variety of civic, charitable, cultural, and even political gatherings. That is part of what makes a healthy democracy and a vibrant community.
There are plenty of things people disagree about politically. That is nothing new. But if we continue politicizing every institution, every business, and every public space simply to score points or punish opponents, we all lose.
Perhaps it is time to stop waging war over every difference and instead focus on the far greater number of things we still have in common. The future of our community — and maybe even of our country — may depend on it.
Jim Bruce, President
Talbot County Democratic Forum
Well said. Let’s at least allow ourselves some safe spaces to exchange ideas, whatever they may be?
You are 100 percent correct.
Does CBMM receive any contributions or funds, grants, from ANY Political Party or affiliated groups?? let’s clear the Air!
There is a real limit to the availability of venues for such events in Talbot County. This is especially true when cost is factored in. We support the CBMM and would wish that it would continue to offer its resources to organizations in our area. Any legitimate organization.
I would assume that the CBMM could use the rental income to help with its mission. They should be able to rent to all comers. This politicization of every aspect of life is insane. There are plenty of people I disagree with on politics, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.
I am not sure why we give so much power to the malcontents of society. We live in an amazing age of advancement and I guess that gives some people too much time to come up with ideas that are not helpful or mainstream. CBMM will always have my business and I hope in the future they turn this policy around and welcome all comers once again. Enough with the constant division.