Lone Tree Voice 13
October 10, 2019
LETTERS FROM PAGE 12
teachers defending their students. This is the new America we are facing. A diminished Bill of Rights, less free speech, a usurped Second Amendment, assaults on due process and people who are intolerant of anyone who sees things differently from their exalted opinion. Arthur Bentzen Castle Rock A crucial line of defense Why does this paper continue to publish letters from the gun rights crowd that are pure drivel? Let’s start with not letting another opinion even be published – that’s a good way to shut up debate. I’m going to try this again, going for less than pure drivel, with no straw man to shoot down. This time, I am the teacher, I have chosen to be armed, and I have all these students I’m responsible for. A lock-
NORTON FROM PAGE 12
Top performers aren’t driven by what time they come and go from work, top performers and those who exceed professional expectations are driven by results, not clocks. Top performers under-promise and overdeliver. These are the folks who don’t even know what “check the box” means, it’s not in their vocabulary. Inspiring others happens naturally for people who achieve personal excellence and exceed professional expectations. Just like positive people typically attract other positive people, winners often attract winners. Winners and people who want to get ahead tend to gravitate to those who are setting a positive example and delivering results. Top performers set the pace and usually do not like to be overtaken. And as they strive for even greater success, they are bringing others with them along the way. Some of us are motivated by the fear of loss or pain. We will not change, act, or react until we experience such great fear or potential loss. Others of us are inspired by pleasure
SMITH FROM PAGE 12
have killed him when it toppled. He was standing within the clearance of a single open window. Some have said Keaton was depressed at the time about his career and his failing marriage, and accepted the possibility he wouldn’t survive the stunt. I mentioned his career mistake. His early films were produced by his own production company, and it allowed him to create on the spot, and to take full advantage of his
down has been announced, I am behind my desk along with several students, others hiding wherever they can. This sounds pretty helpless, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, I am the teacher that chose to be armed and I know how to shoot. I am behind the desk, arms out in front of me on top the desk, gun resting on a couple books pointed at the classroom door. I could not be in a better firing position if I was at a gun range. Now the only rounds that go into the door will be the rounds that miss their target. And as before, I didn’t say I was shooting kids, but a gunman. Second point: Do you want that person protecting your loved ones to be using a gun with 10 rounds or 17? Keep in mind the active shooter is a bad guy and a coward, he knows 10-round clips are for the law-abiding folks. Common sense or pure drivel... C.H.McKie Jr. Castle Rock It doesn’t make sense I was struck by the phrase “awarding grant money remains unclear” in the
or gain. We get excited and fired up when we see that there is an opportunity in front of us. And here is the thing, I have met incredibly successful people in my life who come from both camps. Either way, the fear of loss or pleasure of gain, when we are truly motivated, we never just check the box. Think about what it is you want the most in life. Take a moment and reflect on what you would like to do or have in life. Now, stop and take another moment and ask yourself if you are doing everything possible to realize your goals and dreams, if not maybe you are just checking the box. So how about you? Are you in top performance mode achieving personal excellence, exceeding professional expectations, and inspiring others? Do you need a little help or motivation getting yourself or your team there? Either way and as always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we can stop just checking the box, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Highlands Ranch, the chief revenue officer at Eventus Solutions Group, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.
own inspirations. Then he signed a contract with MGM, and MGM took the reins. In 1965, a year before Keaton died, the Venice Film Festival paid tribute to him, and the longest standing ovation in the festival’s history — over 10 minutes — moved Keaton to tears. It’s important to me to remember those who came first, and never forget. Silents, please. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.
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story about the DougCo commissioners’ $10 million dollar fund for school safety. This lack of transparency begs several questions. What special skills do the commissioners possess that would allow them to make decisions regarding mental and physical safety in a school setting? I acknowledge Ms. Thomas’ prior law enforcement experience, but that does not carry over to
the modern day security and mental health challenges. My other concern is how did the DougCo commissioners insert themselves in a school system where there are elected leaders? Holding the money bag does not an expert make, but it sure raises concerns about whom the commissioners may “favor” with coins. Katie Barrett Castle Rock
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