‘Leave it alone’ post works both ways  

By Johnny Trlica

Commentary: A viral post attributed to country music singer Hank Williams Jr. portends to encourage people to live and let live. Reading between the lines, it also has a darker side that takes the right-wing mantra of being oppressed and being reduced to second-class citizenship. 

Williams’s Facebook post shares a long-winded quote that tells people to “leave it alone†if they are offended by something. The post mentions statues, Gone With The Wind, the Bible, police and military bases, among other things. It accuses others of using intimidation, blackmail and force to get their way. Projection much? 

The shared post begins with: “Hank Williams Jr. just climbed the charts with this post! Posted by Hank Williams Jr. “If you are offended by something then leave it alone. Cracker Barrel offends you, then eat somewhere else, but I like it so leave it alone. A statue offends you, then don’t go see it, but I like to see them as my history, so leave them alone.â€Â 

It continues with diatribe about vegetarians, then segues into Gone with the Wind, worshipping God, and the left wanting the Bible banned. (We don’t.)  “So don’t read it, but don’t say I can’t. Leave it alone,†the post adds.  

The post finishes with, “You don’t like the names of military bases, but I do, so leave them alone and stay away from them. You don’t like the police force, then don’t call them when you are in trouble, but leave them alone so I feel safer having them. 

“Why are the things you want so much more important than what I want? Are your demands greater than my likes? Is it because you use intimidation, blackmail, and force to get your way- that you do? Let’s make a deal. I will leave what you like alone, and you leave what I like alone, and the world will be a better place for everyone. 

“Copy And Paste if it so moves you to do so, but it’s exactly how I feel!! ENOUGH already people!!! WAKE UP AMERICA.â€Â 

While all of that may sound good but when it is put into practice, the hypocrisy becomes evident. Hank should have aimed his directions at conservatives since they are the ones attacking every group that does not agree with them. They are the ones that are going to school board and city hall meetings demanding books be banned. They are the ones enacting anti-trans laws and anti-drag laws.  

“Texas banned more books from school libraries this past year than any other state in the nation, targeting titles centering on race, racism, abortion and LGBTQ representation and issues, according to a new analysis by PEN America, a nonprofit organization advocating for free speech,†writes Texas Tribune. 

Book banning enthusiasts argue that some books, many exploring queer identity and LGBTQ+ themes, include sexually explicit content inappropriate for students. In addition to LGBTQ+ books, classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Of Mice and Men, and The Diary of Anne Frank have been targets. In the name of protecting students, conservatives are doing harm to them by denying them the education and information they desire. 

School librarians and school board members opposing such book bans have been attacked and harassed. 

Earlier this year, Fox26 reported, “The League City council voted 5-3 for an ordinance that will ban the use of tax dollars to purchase, or stock selected books in the League City Library.â€Â 

So much for “I will leave what you like alone, and you leave what I like alone.â€Â Â 

Katy ISD removed from elementary schools’ titles that include, “Eric Carle’s illustrated classic Draw Me a Star, Judy Blume’s coming of age novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Dr. Seuss’ Wacky Wednesday and Robert Munsch’s The Paper Bag Princess, all of which have been in circulation for more than 40 years,†reported Click2Houston. 

What happened to, “So don’t read it, but don’t say I can’t� If you don’t like Dr. Seuss books, leave them alone.  

Banned Books Week is being held October 1 through 7, 2023. The theme of this year’s event is “Let Freedom Read!â€Â 

Books aren’t the only thing right-wingers have their panties in a wad about. The Texas legislature passed, and Governor Greg Abbott signed, a law that effectively bans being in drag in public.  

“Are your demands greater than my likes?†No! If you don’t like drag queens, don’t be one, but leave them alone.   

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction against Senate Bill 12, keeping it from going into effect. 

Now comes the real kicker. That viral post by Hank Williams Jr. being spread across the internet, is fake. There is no evidence Williams ever posted such a statement and Williams’ manager confirmed the claim is false, says Reuters News services. 

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the Montrose Star. Johnny Trlica is the editor of Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page and has been published in several newspapers and magazines. He grew up in Rosenberg, Texas, lived for over 30 years in the Montrose and now resides in Galveston, Texas. He may be contacted at HRHeditor@gmail.com.