There has been a bit of a ruckus over some recent comments made on social media, a lousy debate forum as it offers space for quick one-sentence responses; such responses often just a curse word or two and the suggestion the commenter go to hell, or someplace just as unpleasantly suitable. Sometimes these disagreements spill out into communities and for a short spell are something we just ride out until the next social media news cycle, which is anywhere from 20 minutes to 20 hours but not much longer.
In this case, the comments were about Charlie Kirk and it just so happens that name has popped up here in South County; most prominently at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. On Nov. 15 there will be a barrel race in honor of Mr. Kirk with proceeds going to the organization he founded, Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Now, given my previous comments regarding what Mr. Kirk said and stood for, it is easy to realize I did not agree with him on many issues, but I am able to look back on a lifetime of decisions made that were either established or overturned based on just living longer, of increasing in education and experiences. Today’s young people who are adherents to the messages of TPUSA will mature, will experience more, and will make decisions along their individual paths; some decisions stick for life, others change. That is life.
My concern, or at least my opinion, is since I see no local chapter of TPUSA, not at Hartnell or any of the local high schools, and if that is so then where do the proceeds of this upcoming event go? I have a long-standing mistrust of large nonprofit organizations that do not have to disclose much of their financial status, so the public is often in the dark about where the money goes. And often, very often, these organizations have administrative costs that take up a large chunk of revenues.
In the case of this upcoming event, TPUSA, presumably, must pay Rowdy Rose, the production company, and SVF fees; unless both donated to the event, which I doubt is the case. Not knowing all the particulars, but surely there is prize money and/or buckles or other equine related gear as awards; then what? I would like to see Carli and Grace get a shot at some of those proceeds. I know these two young ladies, they are barrel racers. I know many of their family members (I know Grace’s grandmother; not sure what she is called, but I’m pretty sure if I called her Grandma Kate the next time I saw her I’d get my head taken off).
So, I would recommend the establishing of a local chapter of TPUSA then the chances would be, I should hope, that Carli and Grace and other local riders would see the benefits of that in the form of grants and especially scholarships. A couple of scholarships could keep some local youth in the saddle right the way through whatever higher education they choose.
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I am holding off sending this column for publication, waiting a few more hours in hopes I get an email from a reader or am informed the Rustler got a communication from a reader. Don’t you want to know why? Let me tell you why. In last week’s column, I offered up some facts that were, and I loathe to use the term but it fits, “fake news.” And, not one of you called me on it. If whatever I opine about is saturated with statistics, numbers, names, dates, etc., readers should expect accuracy, and when an inaccuracy occurs, as did last week, then a correction is in order; but no one reacted. And the thing about that gross error is that it offered a false narrative easily construed as a left-leaning jab at our sitting president, a biased opinion using false numbers. And that would be an accusation aimed not only at me, but at the publishers that ran the column. And that really ain’t good at all. So where do we go from here?
The situation broaches the question, “Why should any credible newspaper give up valuable space for slanted, unchecked rants no matter the subject?” The answer, my answer, is that it should not. So, from henceforth I shall double check my stuff before sending it off and you folks need to speak up when you read something not true. (Note: the managing editor did inform me of the error, but I got the notice too late for correction.) Now, I understand a fellow graduate of mine, KCHS Class of 1970 (Go, Mustangs!) is quite able to point out all the grammatical errors found in my writings; but he only points them out to his wife. A practice I hope he continues; especially the “only” part.
And now for the correction. I could offer up a reason of how I believe, and mind you it’s not a strong belief, I made such a glaring error as I did regarding the two elections of Donald J. Trump; but a reason is not an excuse. There really is no excuse. I stated that statistically Mr. Trump lost the popular vote in both the 2016 election and the 2024 election; having gained office via the Electoral College. I then ended with the jab that twice he had lost to women in the popular vote. Not true. Mr. Trump defeated Ms. Harris by 2.4 million votes in their race for the Oval Office. And I frankly find it hard to believe not one reader picked up on that. Nonetheless, I will do better and I urge everyone to do the same.
Take care. Peace.
