We have recently been receiving a new local publication in our mailboxes called The Village Patriot. After reading the first two issues, I must question the concept of “patriot” when used by this publication, which seems bent on creating divisiveness in our community.
In the current issue’s front page article, “Wellington Without Equestrians,” the publisher snubs the “common folk” of Wellington in favor of the “elitist” equestrians who, by the fact that they are financially well-heeled, are somehow responsible for all of the disposable income within the Village of Wellington’s borders.
I suppose I am one of the commoners, but until this was so eloquently revealed, I happily co-existed with the seasonal crowd of elitists. Now, I’ve learned that my money and my “type” are not welcome in Wellington businesses because my participation in this economy really does nothing to sustain it. Thankfully, all of the struggling Wellington businesses need only hang on for seven short months each year, and they will be rescued by the real economic powerhouses gallantly arriving on horseback.
I would imagine that most businesses would not subscribe to the Patriot’s narrow-minded focus on this apparent fountain of spending dollars, but rather are thankful for the dribble imparted on them by the thousands of hardworking, taxpaying, year-round residents.
So, please, those few of you Wellington business people who think that I can’t shop in Publix, dine in a quality restaurant, appreciate Whole Foods or support the schools where my children were educated, please stand up and reveal yourselves so that we all can leave you in the hands of your equestrian philanthropists. We will happily direct our limited disposable dollars where they are welcome.
Ken Sehres, Wellington
As an “equestrian” I am embarrassed by what Jack van dell writes although I shouldn’t be because I cannot control what he writes. He has always tried to fashion himself as part of an elite group.
Advice to Jack. Stick to jewelry. We don’t need your ridiculous social commentary.
the other 60,000 residents will survive without the 2500 so called horse people. In fact we would do better without them.Why? They all have tax breaks,it costs the village big $$ to keep them here. Our legal budget goes for defending law suits they bring on. If houses were to replace the so called horse farm our tax base will sore.
Yes, they think of us as common people or less.What do you think of that?