A mind is a very complicated organ. We live in a world where there is so many things going on that its very difficult to absorb it all. I believe that heredity and environment interact constantly. I was brought up in a home in which mother and father treated each other as equals. Both of my parents respected each other’s opinions. They believed that even though a good marriage works when both parents agree on many issues, they are entitled to their own views and will act accordingly. My parents were married for over 70 years, they struggled to make ends meet during the depression. In the post-WW II era they both worked in order to save money to buy a house. Life in the Richland family was a partnership in all things. My mother worked hard all her life. What I learned from being part of the Richland family was that women were a powerful force. They had brains and energy and most of all they were equal in all ways to men.
Fifty-two years ago, I was introduced to Phyllis by some of my high school colleagues. We went to the “Red Apples Rest” on old route 17, and spent half the night talking about ourselves and our family and what we wanted out of life. What impressed me most was the fact that Phyllis was then and still an independent person. Phyllis was not a person to confine her self to making puddings and knitting stockings. She was a person that always needed exercise for her faculties and a field for her efforts as much as men do. Phyllis is a feminist. Early on in our marriage she was very active in the women’s “conscience raising” group. She condemned those groups in our society that supported the idea that a women role is basically subservient to men.
I took great pride in the fact that when Phyllis joined the work force, in the construction industry which was dominated by men, her skills, ability and intellect provided her the opportunity to rise to a position as partner in a million dollar enterprise.
When we moved to Century Village 22 years ago, Phyllis was asked to take over the presidency of our association. She has held this position ever since. It did not take Phyllis long to realize that she could make a contribution to life here in the Village. She became a volunteer at UCO and then ran for V.P. and won. Her record as a VP was outstanding. Very few people could ever come close to all of the great things she contributed to our way of life here in the Village.
After a brief respite from Village activity, Phyllis decided to it was now time to toss her hat in the ring and run for UCO office. After her formal announcement, some people voiced their displeasure about her decision to run because I was a sitting VP. They said that this was morally wrong. I disagree. At a meeting I challenged this view and said that those people who feel this way really did not know Phyllis. Independent is her middle name along with character, honesty and integrity.
People who cast their vote for Phyllis, will do so because they feel that she is the most qualified person to hold that office, and those who choose someone else will do so, and not because of this bogus moral argument offered by some disgruntled villagers.
I was aghast at the comments that President Dave Israel made on his blog this afternoon. Here is a man that has never been married making observations about married couples. As I observed at the beginning of my article that a mind is a complicated organ and that many of our conclusions about the human condition is tempered by our life’s experience and environment . His remarks clearly illustrate that he lacks any understanding of how most married couples interact.
His blog comments are not only naive but lacks any understanding that two people could be married and not have differing views and still be civil to each other. Does he think that if Phyllis and I disagree on an issue that we would conduct ourselves in anything less then “good form?”
Then what is the real reason why Israel made those comments in his blog. He is afraid of strong women who have their own ideas and will disagree and challenge him. This is exactly the type of person Dave fears, a person just like Phyllis Richland. She will not be intimidated by Israel and his antics and fight solely for what is good for the village. This explains why so many women have been forced off committees at UCO. Israel cannot deal with any women that his a mind of her own and will not allow themselves to bullied. This is what Israel is really afraid of.
Phyllis Richland is a strong, tough person who has shown over and over that she a perfect fit for UCO. Her past achievements as a UCO officer should be her best recommend+3ation for our voting delegates.
Dave Israel’s comments is just a sad commentary about his lack of understanding of women, marriage and independent persons. His attempt to denigrate Phyllis as a candidate is pathetic. All those who know Phyllis will easily read between the lines of Israel’s blog and realize that this is a man that is truly afraid of an intelligent and outspoken women.
I urge all to vote for Phyllis Richland for UCO Vice President. In a Village which is going through so many changes we need quality persons in UCO. Phyllis Richland is the only choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment