"YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID"

  An adage of long life, it has never been more appropriate than now. The term 'stupid' here is not a judgement call on those with a lesser level of cognitive ability. What it does refer to is when someone has the capability, but certainly does not exhibit the ability to use it. That is 'stupid'. The term is used in this month's Reporter by a VP who has rightfully lost patience with those who refuse to obey the laws, endanger the structural integrity of the building in which they reside, place fellow residents in literal existential danger, risk the financial integrity of their association and pull down the reputation of our piece of heaven on earth.

However, it does not help the situation any when meeting after meeting of committees are canceled.  events and meetings. This leaves the community in darkness and confusion as rumors abound re the issues facing us. This certainly does not help matters at all. Nor should we place the entire burden on the shoulders of one man who works from predawn hours into the night, availability unquestioned, at events of concern to the Village at large, on top of it all.

 Perhaps good things are going on in the office of UCO, but how do we know that? Speak up. Tell us what is happening via facts, not rumors. Let the refusal to kowtow to the power of the new owners of the golf course be celebrated. Just what is going on re the Medical Building? Be specific. What is happening with Anshei Shalom, another area of concern? How can we truly clamp down on illegal, dangerous renovators of units without care and concern for others? The more facts we know the more secure we are in our lives and planning. In other words, do not expect us to fix that 'stupid' conduct of UCO unless we get aid from within, unless we get new blood, unless we get the majority of the Village to buy into what must be done. To do otherwise, well, "you can't fix stupid". Nor can one avoid the pitfalls along this 'stupid' road.

The Village has much brain power and experience to draw upon. Reach out, actively, to the possessors of what we need. Do not just whine, but be proactive, call them, invite them in for a get to know you chat, guilt or flatter the person into helping us to run a great place to live. As it used to be, as it can be once again. And remember, no personal feelings here, no making 'sure' that this, person, will be a "yes, sir" ally rather than one who questions, who challenges, forcing debate and revision as needed. This exclusionary policy, unspoken, but there, has been in use for far too long in UCO.

Certainly, anther manifestly stupid thing going on here is the hostility, clearly apparent, between WPRF and UCO. Instead of recognizing the mutuality of needs, they focus on their 100% demands. No compromise, only antagonism, a sure case of lose-lose. Keep the Village financially solvent and lessen some of the negative behavior and unreasonable demands of WPRF and Benenson, and all will benefit. Financial catastrophe will not serve either side. 

Stupid is what is taking place outside our gates on every level of government. We must ensure that we do not emulate them, destroying ourselves in the process. 'Stupid' are those who refuse to listen, refuse to think, refuse to compromise, refuse to move forward in a positive manner, on a good path to tread. Without a change, well, it will be bad for all. The sooner understood, the quicker we will restore sanity and balance here in a state besieged by its own 'stupid' powers that be.

Perhaps, maybe perhaps, we can prove the title incorrect. Perhaps 'stupid' can be fixed. Why not be a role model for that thought and the behavior needed to achieve that. Let us just be clever, smart, brilliant even. For once? Why not? Let us all stop kicking ourselves in our own posteriors.