Visiting Newport, Rhode Island

ROSECLIFF MANSION, NEWPORT, R.I.
(Used in filming the Great Gatsby)



NEWPORT















FOUNTAIN AT ROSECLIFF





TOURISTS IN NEWPORT










LOCAL COLOR

DID YOU KNOW?

In an age of religious persecution and conflict, Newport stood out as a haven of toleration. Its earliest settlers came from Massachussetts where they had run afoul of the rigid Puritanism that dominated other New England towns. Their new social order in Newport was based, instead, on religious toleration and democracy. Newport's reputation for tolerance spread, attracting other religious groups from both sides of thr Atlantic, who shaped much of the town's future.

These early settlers separated church and state for the first time in history.

WHY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE NANCY PELOSI WAS IN NEWPORT ON SATURDAY:

NEWPORT HAS BEEN LONG SUPPORTED BY THE WORKING CLASS


Excerpts from:
Pelosi sees two sides of Newport
Providence Journal
Sunday, July 29, 2007
By Nicole Dungca and Stu Woo
Journal Staff Writers

NEWPORT — The third most powerful politician in the country, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, visited a Bellevue Avenue mansion yesterday but first made a stop at a housing complex for homeless women and their children.

The San Francisco Democrat, the first woman speaker, heralded the achievements of women in politics at a women’s leadership reception held at Belcourt Castle and urged her audience to push for more influence.

She came at the invitation of U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who sponsored the address along with the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.
When Pelosi was first elected representative in 1986, there were fewer than 20 women in Congress.

“Now we’re in the 90s — Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate — and we still want more,” she said.

The crowd of about 150 at the ornately decorated castle included several female elected officials and business leaders, among them state Rep. Amy Rice, D-Portsmouth; state Sen. June N. Gibbs, R-Middletown; state Sen. Hannah M. Gallo, D-Cranston; and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts.

During her 15-minute speech, Pelosi championed the work of women in Congress.

“It’s not just about [women’s] issues, as important as they are. It’s about women having impact on national security in our country. It’s about women having impact on the economy and budget system in our country,” she said.

Newport City Councilwoman Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said, “I was really impressed with her for the short time that she spoke. She said more in 10 minutes than some people say in an hour.”

Earlier in the day, Pelosi met with representatives from Newport’s Child and Family Services. The group toured the Supportive Housing Program for Homeless Women and their Children on John H. Chafee Boulevard.

Kennedy and other leaders in Newport wanted Pelosi’s visit to spotlight the services provided to women in need.

Keith W. Stokes, executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, pointed out the contrast between the image of affluent, tourist-based Newport and the working-class community of the City by the Sea.

“[The working-class] part of Newport is as much a part of Newport’s history and heritage as any mansion or any yacht. Here’s an opportunity for the third most powerful person in America to see a very important image of not only Newport, but of America — the working families,” he said.
[my emphasis..]
[.....]

[..] Pelosi is no stranger to the state — she noted in her address that her grandparents met in Pawtucket.

Last year, Pelosi, before she was named speaker, attended a news conference with Kennedy in Woonsocket, in a show of support for the congressman after he acknowledged having a drug and alcohol addiction problem.

“It’s not just about [women’s] issues, as important as they are. It’s about women having impact on national security in our country. It’s about women having impact on the economy and budget system in our country.”