Hang Your Hat: August 24, 2023

Mr. Larry Casey recently contributed a letter to Hang Your Hat which I found confusing. He stated he wanted America to be great, with all voices heard and common sense reigning. (Isn’t that what we all want?) However, he also complained about progressive efforts to achieve just that.)

Let me give you an example. Mr. Casey bemoaned efforts towards what he calls “political correctness” He used this term negatively to label societal efforts to curb offensive comments or actions that harm individual or groups, often minorities. Many of us would call such efforts “speech with a conscience” and feel there is a need for all of us to monitor our speech in today’s climate of increasing divisiveness which is getting worse. (Proof – A new GAO (Government Accountability Office) report says hostile environments – including bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, hate speech, hate crimes and physical attacks – are increasing in public school systems.)

Recently reckless politicians eager for votes, have gathered attention by voicing racist and sexist comments what were previously unacceptable. When critics object, these politicians label any feedback unjustified and “politically incorrect.” My feeling is if a public comment made, designed to harm individuals or groups, then it is just incorrect – no politics involved.

Mr. Casey then complained about the phrase “Black Lives Matter” and parroted the phrase “all lives matter.” No one is denying that reality, but citing “all lives matter” ignores and belittles the reality that that’s now becoming obvious – way too many police encounters where clearly minority lives were not valued.

Finally, Mr. Casey lamented about school teachers and counselors who supposedly “recommend puberty blockers, change the gender identity or change the name of a student without notifying the parent and receiving permission.” I’d ask who is telling him education professionals do that? Such statements are guaranteed to get votes from fearful parents understandably concerned, yet statements like these are based on distorted allegations, not facts. They harm trust in our schools and cause unnecessary fears.

Because you say you value individuals speaking up and sharing views, I’ll appreciate your respect of my dissenting views on your comments.

Joan Davis
Huntley resident

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The Inaugural Huntley Historical Society Beer Mile was a huge success and was a great time thanks to the chuggers that took the Mile challenge and thanks to our community-minded sponsors: Sew Hop’d Brewery, Arctic Heating and Cooling, Alliance Contractors, Ornery Mule Racing, the Mallegni Family, Landmark Contractors, Jeff Goodmanson-Berkshire Hathaway Starck, Huntley Travel, Huntley FNBO, Huntley Floral, and Huntley Community Radio 101.5 FM. Funds raised by the Beer Mile support the Society’s future museum. The Huntley Historical Society looks forward to next year’s Chug-Run-Repeat!

Lonni Oldham
Huntley Historical Society

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In the August Lifestyle, Management Report, page 12., “There was unfavorable variance of $92.000 based on increase payroll.”

Think of the positive actions for our community with this $92,000.

I contacted the Administration on this issue, and the response is:

1…”during COVID and proceeding, candidates were very limited…during/after the COVID the COVID, now have them

2…what productive difference between the candidates during/after the COVID? No RESPONSE…

3…”The First Service Residential is responsible for staffing levels and individual requirements necessary to be hired by the corporation”

4…”There was no increase in the payroll budget from 2022 to 2023.”

5…”The variance at end of the year will close to budget.”

I’m hoping that in the fall, the budget will not reflect variance $92,000.

Ron Ghilardi
Sun City resident

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