While I typically focus on creating value for Winter Park in our spending, this post addresses appropriate issues subject to governance. What issues should our local government prioritize and which are best avoided?
The city commission will announce two proclamations on Wednesday, June 11th, one for Juneteenth and one for Pride Month.
Why do certain groups of people receive the official support of our government? There are hundreds of such groups but only a few are “officially” recognized. What governance standard is served by this selective coddling?
The commission addressed this kind of messaging back in 2023 when they unanimously agreed to stop supporting political speech by groups on city owned property. By these proclamations, the commission selectively promotes political speech for the benefit of specific groups, to the determent of other groups.
The wise course is for our government to stand unified against selective political recognition and promotion of any group.
Let the commission know what you think: mayorandcommissioners@cityofwinterpark.org.
For the curious, here is a list of over 310 “special” months and days we could officially recognize (I particularly like “National Financial Literacy Month“).
This is how you use your platform?
Which communities are being coddled? Say it, name them. The LGBT community? Is it the Black community? Are those the ones you’re angry that the city is recognizing? As you mentioned, the city no longer displays pride flags. So, I’m not sure how you think they are “selectively coddling” the LGBT community. Rejecting pride flags doesn’t seem like coddling.
And let’s not get started on our city’s history of under-representation of the Black community. Again, coddling? Nice try.
The city has made at least 16 other proclamations this year so far. Proclamations don’t cost the city anything. The guidelines for proclamations are posted on the city’s website, as I’m sure you are already aware. They also decorate for Christmas and light up a Christmas tree in Central Park (an event you attended during your one term in office). Does that event count as “official support” from the city? Doesn’t that promote a specific group or religion? Not everybody is Christian, and not everybody celebrates Christmas. Are you really advocating that we do away with that too? Or is it just the LGBT and black causes that should go away? The city also hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a whole parade! Where’s the outrage? They’ve issued proclamations for individuals and organizations too. But only the outrage from you now. I wonder why? I hope your readers see right through this fake grievance about “governance” and remember this the next time you endorse a position or a candidate. You don’t care about the governance or the process when it’s something you care about, or something that benefits you.
When voices like yours are so loud and powerful, it can be really discouraging for minorities. Good for the city commissioners for recognizing the value that these minority groups bring to our great city. But let’s not pretend like these proclamations are grand acts of offense or even favoritism, they’re quite literally the least the city could do.
And for you, it’s just an opportunity to reveal the distain that you have for these communities. You gain/lose absolutely nothing by these proclamations, yet you still find the need to make sure that people know that you don’t approve of their recognition. Even the bare minimum of effort by the city, the mere recognition of these communities is still too much for you. Do better.
A complete misunderstanding of the issue. I said nothing about the subject of the proclamations, only that they were unwise in my view. I don’t think use of the word coddle is inappropriate: “Coddle” means to treat someone with too much care, kindness, or indulgence. It implies a lack of allowing someone to face challenges or learn from mistakes. The term can have a negative connotation, as it suggests that the person being coddled may be becoming overly dependent or pampered. Examples include “coddling children when they’re sick” or “accusing the court of coddling criminals”.
I’m aware of the definition, but thank you for clarifying that you did not misspeak. I have not misunderstood anything here, you’re coming in loud and clear.
Your response speaks for itself. The idea that the LGBT community and the Black community haven’t been allowed to face challenges because they’ve been pampered and coddled is beyond ridiculous and just more revisionist history. What is it you think Juneteenth recognizes? and Pride?
Despite your web address, this blog is not the Perspective of Winter Park. You may pretend to, but thankfully, you do not speak for the people of Winter Park. That has been made evident time and again.
Any challenges we face are of our making and are our responsibility. No government proclamation or effort or law will improve our circumstances. Only we can do that. Proclamations, whether in support of Juneteenth or Pride Month or religious holidays, etc. are an effort by a political body to coddle. If you or people you know are in need of coddling I suggest you look elsewhere.
I’m sorry, that’s not the correct answer. The correct answer to my question about what Juneteenth recognizes: the final liberation of thousands of enslaved people when news finally reached Texas about the end of the Civil War. Slavery was a challenge (to say the least). And no, it was not of the slaves own making. And the proclamation that DID, in fact, improve the circumstances of their lives is known as the Emancipation Proclamation, perhaps the greatest of all proclamations.
I agree about the emancipation proclamation. Note that we already have MLK day and Black History Month, and Lincoln’s birthday (arguable the most important President) was pooled into “Presidents Day” to my dismay.
We are victims of virtue-signaling Leftists. 4 Democrats and a RINO = No Common Sense.
Thank you for pointing out that Proclamations are used as personal political agendas. Today the Winter Park Mayor put forward her political agenda in the name of Winter Park. Proclamations made by the Mayor should be representative of Winter Park Residents. Elections matter!