Chris Collins’ remembrance of Jim Hutchinson in his April 8 column was a heartbreaking, yet all too familiar, example of societal bias and harsh judgment against those who do not fit into society’s definition of “normal.”
Chris often lacked any sense of compassion and at times expressed both ridicule and disdain in what he referred to as a tribute. Were some of the details necessary? If so, I wonder if Chris was aware (in his selectivity) that his words revealed much more about himself than the man that Jim was.
The Jim Hutchinson that I knew was kind and often thoughtful. He made it a daily practice to be informed of and knowledgeable about Greenfield’s government and its officials. He cared deeply about his town and spoke up when he perceived unfairness and hypocrisy — often and publicly. Though not always eloquent or as articulate as many would have preferred him to be, Jim, nonetheless, took risks that not many would.
I respected Jim. Few people who had a life similar to his would have continued to make himself as visible as he did — day after day. He showed enormous courage in the life that he lived. I will miss him.
Michelle Tetreault
Greenfield