To the Editor:
When I moved to The Villages over 2 years ago, I was told that it was a conservative community. This was a community dedicated to Fox News and other such media. I heard the anecdotes of retaliatory actions from other residents because of differences in political views.  I heard of retributory actions for having stickers supporting progressive candidates, women’s issues, diversity and even equality issues. I was ‘warned’ about being an outsider if I voiced my non-conformist opinions.
What I wasn’t told is that there actually is a real community of Progressives and Liberals throughout The Villages. As evidence, I learned that of the permanent residents almost 18,000 are registered Democrats; (and, another) almost as large number have opted to be non-affiliated registered voters.  Looking around I found discussion groups that are willing to delve into issues that often had opposing opinions. So my simple message to you: we are American citizens and entitled to Speak Out:!
Billy Howard Penix
Village of Buttonwood
