jasonhutchinson.com » Family

Am I The Only One?

jason — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:17:30 +0000

Am I the only one not upset about the new security procedures in place at airports? Or is the media only focused on the people raising a big stink? I have personally experienced the “full body scan” machine at O’Hare airport. I walked into the machine, raised my hands into the air as shown in the picture and allowed the TSA to take a “nude” x-ray of myself. It didn’t bother me one bit. I didn’t worry about the sole TSA agent sitting in a room who got to see that “nude” x-ray image. I didn’t even worry about the TSA agent who had to check the pockets of my cargo shorts I was wearing when something suspicious showed up on the x-ray image.

We live in a different world since 9/11. Everything changed on that day. I want the TSA to do everything they feel they need to do to keep the “bad people” and any type of substance or device that can cause harm off the planes. The terrorists continue to try to use aircraft in their attempts to cause harm and destruction. I’m glad our government is focused on this effort. I’m grateful the recent “toner cartridge” bombs were discovered before they caused any harm and/or destruction.

The procedures that take place when going through security at an airport should not come as a surprise to anyone. It is widely published information. If you don’t like the procedures or don’t agree with them, then don’t fly in an airplane. When I get into my car and drive to work, I may not like the law that states I have to wear my seatbelt, but I put it on anyway. I understand that I’m safer in my car when I’m wearing it. When I go to Six Flags, I may not like the delay that comes from every person having to go through a metal detector to get into the park, but I’m very glad this procedure is in place. It keeps me and my family safe.

Yes, it’s annoying to take off my shoes, take off my belt, take out my laptop, put my liquids into little containers, put the little containers into a clear bag and wait in long security lines. But I realize there are people in this world who want to kill as many Americans as they can. I hope our government doesn’t back down during this so-called time of “public backlash” of airport security procedures. I hope the government continues to ensure the safety of me and my family as much as possible when we fly.

Taste of Wisconsin

jason — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:00:28 +0000

I found out about the Taste of Wisconsin in Kenosha from a random person on FourSquare. We went on Friday night and Sunday for lunch and had a great time. Good food, crowds weren’t too bad, the beach at the harbor was very clean and big–lots of fun! This was the 2nd annual Taste of Wisconsin. We already can’t wait to go back next year!

Pictures can be found here.

Millburn Referendum

jason — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:07:35 +0000

We moved into our current house in the Deerpath subdivision in 2007. One of the major reasons we chose this area was the Millburn school district. Known for its high test scores, low ratios and reputation for a quality education, we really felt like we were making the right decision. It turns out that the Millburn school district is now in serious financial trouble, ranked last in the state financially. The Board of Education has decided to run a referendum to try and get the schools back on the right track. The State of Illinois is already 2 payments behind to all schools in Illinois, so the board decided to try for a tax rate increase amount equal to the shortfall from the state which equates to a 73 cent rate hike ($744 additional tax for every $300k in home value).

As disappointed as I am with the decisions made by the board that led to this financial crisis and as unhappy as I will be with paying higher taxes (even though we already pay some of the highest taxes in the midwest), I have chosen to support the referendum because I fear what a future at Millburn looks like without it.

I am a member of the Millburn Referendum Committee and have created a website to inform the public about the referendum (http://citizensformillburndistrict24.com). I think it’s going to be a tough sell to the citizens of the district to pay higher taxes during this difficult economic climate, but I’ll do what I can to help support it.