FRESH AIR IN THE VILLAGE

     Yesterday a fresh and refreshing breeze was felt flowing through the Village. It began at the meeting in the medical building, a meeting where all were welcome and no question was barred. Speaking was the announced candidate for President of UCO, Phyllis Richland.
     Facing the audience of alert and concerned residents, Phyllis spoke of her dreams for the Village, her plans and her welcoming of all into a new UCO, a better UCO and questions followed. It was interesting to see that while there were sometimes differing opinions held by members of the audience, while the candidate and the host group did not always agree, there was always a united front - the front based on the knowledge that we must oust David Israel from office if the Village is to move forward. The CV Messenger sponsored the meeting and all candidates were welcome though of course, no one showed up, afraid to announce, afraid to face honest questions. Olga Wolkenstein, a candidate for VP was there and available for questions and chats. Marilyn Pomerantz, candidate for Corresponding Secretary is on a cruise so she has a legit reason for not being there.
     Phyllis Richland has maintained and averred her independent run for office and welcomed support from all groups and individuals, with the knowledge that there are no promises made other than to improve the Village, bring it back to where it should be and take realistic looks and evaluations of the state of the Village and what needs to be done. Appointments to UCO positions, to any position, will be done thru and via merit, knowledge and transparency, not via likes and dislikes and ridiculous personal feelings and biases. Wonder how 200 million people reading the world wide web will feel about that.
     There were people at that meeting that I have never seen before, many delegates and all this bodes well for the future election. Information regarding future dates of these open meetings will be announced here as well as on other blogs and on the free and open paper, The CV Messenger. Jan. 28 at 10 there will be a bagel meet and greet held by Phyllis as well as on Feb. 25, same time, same station, different bagels! There will be other meetings as well. Write the dates down and be sure to come. Bring your friends.
     Now, why are these meetings, these meet and greets being held in the medical building? Simple. They are blocked from anywhere else which could serve as a possible mass venue, anywhere, that is, that is controlled by WPRF via the orders of Eva and the behind the curtain orders of David Israel and Ed Black. Why, you ask? Simple. There is a strong streak of fear that is running through David Israel at present and an even greater streak of dictatorial fascistic affinities.
     Read the papers and be horrified at the rise of this political stream again in the countries of Europe. France beat it back this time but the future..... There are echoes of fascism in Poland, where an effigy of a Hasidic Jew was burned at a rally. Three million Jews burned out of Poland's pre war population were not enough, evidently. The Jobbik Party of Hungary is just as scary and has growing power and presence. And what are some of their first actions when in power? Quash freedom of the press. Ban meetings of the opposition. Close the media to them. Deem them the enemy and demonize them, delegitimize them, break the world down into us vs. them and leave no room for dissent.
     Does this sound familiar? It should, for these are the actions taken by David Israel and these are emphatically practices that will not be within the administration of Phyllis. That was clearly seen as differing opinions were welcomed and thanked, the way a democracy should run. So join us all, the growing opposition to David Israel and the wrong way to run a town. Let us look toward a better future, an honest and transparent UCO, staffed with people who believe in serving the people and thus serving themselves, a UCO where debate is welcome, indeed, all are welcome, and no one is tainted because they belong to one group or another or talk with members of a group. That has no place within our gates. There is enough hate and garbage going on out there so let us make an oasis of peace and prosperity, of welcome and democracy right here in CV.

And in the ongoing viciousness in Israel, where Israel is being blamed for killing the attacker - as we did in California - here are the latest statistics and please remember that attacks are being thwarted every day, multiple times a day.

Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 248 wounded, too many to count in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even  Palestinians are  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars, walking in the streets of Israel, going about their business. And the attacks continue and we wait, knowing that more are to come even as the world blames the Israelis, the victims. Were we not there before? Has the world learned anything from its past? And the count rises and our babies are being killed but does anyone hear a word about that? Dead silence.

WHAT IN THE WORLD.....

     Just finished looking at the headlines of the world and some other stories and I think to myself, "What in the world is going on here?" Is there any hope for us or are we going to devolve into a parody, a true to life parody, of the apocalyptic movies so popular from the 1950's and on into today's television and movie industry with the book industry contributing its own thoughts on the matter. Truth of the matter, it's a tossup.
     So yesterday a mother takes a child out for a bus ride to wherever, and the day ends with that 18 month old losing his leg, nearly amputated at the scene by the car that drove right into him and 14 other people. Turkey compounds the otherworldly affect of the day by making nice nice to Israel, previously its apparently worst enemy according to Erdogan, but I guess what with Iran on the rise, its ongoing disagreement and spitting contest between Erdogan and Putin, each team playing chicken with each other, the mess on its border with Syria, and the apparent lose/lose situation of Turkey at present, Erdogan feels things have to change. Uh huh. We'll see. Personally, I do not trust him as far as I can throw him and that ain't too far!
     Then we have a so called public advocate  of NYC whose idealism just shines all through her every action and reaction and these days I do not trust these people at all. All these do-gooder wanna be's end up cursing Israel, joining BDS and weeping for the poor slain attacker rather than the wounded or dead innocent Israeli or the victims of mass shootings here and in other countries round the world. These are the people who conveniently ignore reality and think that we all can live in a dream world and the black hatters will follow right along. Well, wake up and smell the coffee. So this particular one is after Smith & Wesson and has convinced the people who run the NYC Retirement System to divest of Walmart and Dick's stock because they sell guns and is now after Smith & Wesson.
     Yes, they sell guns and yes, I own a pistol, and yes, I am NOT a member of NRA or  for the right to own assault rifles and for Heaven's sake I am for making a law barring terrorist list people from buying guns and rifles! NRA, wake up and smell the coffee! BUT, as a person whose husband benefits from this pension, I want the best stock which pays the best dividends in the portfolio and I want realism used, not pie in the sky thoughts.
     At present and into the foreseeable future, countries need guns to protect themselves. There is no lovefest out there and to be the first to unilaterally disarm from all weapons, well, that will be the first country eaten up by all the others!
      At least we have an agreement regarding climate change. Whether people will abide by it - time will tell. But certainly even the Republicans who have denied and ignored climate change, like the baby who thinks that peek-a-boo is a magical game of disappearing and reappearing people, have to accept the truth of life. Mid December and no real snowstorms anywhere although one is predicted. We'll see. Freakishly abnormally high temperatures, so much to the point that yesterday my daughter says to me, "The Earth is confused. Spring flowers are coming up and there are buds on trees." And here in Florida, I know that at least I am eagerly awaiting some days in the 70's rather than these steamy 80's days. At least a few.
     So do we have aliens amongst us? Well, I know quite a few..... but really, who knows. Personally, I think we are not alone in the universe and one day we will know the yes or no truth of that. Are we facing destruction, man made or by nature's wrath? Could very well be and anyone out there not worried about the state of the world for their grandchildren is fooling themselves. It may be fun watching a Mad Max movie or movies of some freak of nature event, but they have occurred already, have they not, and the Marshall Islands are disappearing as we speak or speak to Palau or in fact, anyone who has property along the beach.
     So what is going on? Who the hell knows or understands. I will try to do my part and be responsible in my actions, in my voting and you know what? I will focus some more effort here to get involved in our daily life in CV and at least improve our life here. No more disasters here, manmade or not. Preparation, proper financial thinking, pro active behavior and ideas, inclusiveness, transparency, the practice of democracy, etc. etc. the list goes on. First step - support Phyllis Richland for President and let us choose carefully as the names of candidates for other positions comes out. Remember the disasters we have here, the ones caused by selfish and careless decisions by members of David Israel's UCO and for sure it is his because it sure ain't ours!
     Let us weep for our world, large and small. Let us cry for those killed and beaten and starved and abused and robbed of all chance of a future, let alone a life. Let us weep at what has become of our Village and then let us roll our sleeves up and do better, volunteer and get rid of the trash.

And in the ongoing viciousness in Israel, where Israel is being blamed for killing the attacker - as we did in California - here are the latest statistics and please remember that attacks are being thwarted every day, multiple time a day.
Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 245 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue and we wait to hear of the life and death situation of the latest victim.

THE RIOT ACT

     Did you ever wonder where that phrase or term came from? We all know that it means - a severe warning or scolding but its source? Well, I just found out and since it is so relevant to us here in the Village, I am going to share.
     Long ago, in 1714, King George I, King of England and from Hanover, was worried sick, totally paranoid that someone in England was going to kill him, probably from the Stuarts, the deposed line of royalty. So paranoid was he that Parliament passed a law to soothe him wherein if 12 or more people were together in "tumultuous assembly" a magistrate could stand up and demand their dispersal, simply by reading it out loud. An hour later they could be arrested if they had not broken up, sentenced to prison and hard labor.
     Well, sound familiar from another paranoid ruler who deems himself David I of the Village? He, too, is so paranoid that he cannot abide any meeting of those opposed to him, forgetting that he is not in Merrie Olde England but in CVWPB. He, too, is so paranoid that he believes that all who speak against his tyranny are out to get him. Well, in the name of full disclosure - he is right. We are out to get him gone from UCO, but being that this is a democracy in the largest and most important democracy in the world, the USA, meetings and opposition are allowed, so perhaps he needs to go take a rest for his tired mind and fantasies or find a time machine to take him back to where perhaps he could become a despot! This is how silly he and his paranoid actions are.
     So today, yesterday, and every day to come, until you are out of office, away from the possibility of ruining us even more, we read you the Riot Act. Know that Phyllis will be victorious and CV will finally have a chance to right itself, to return to fiscal sanity, to pleasant relationships and atmosphere.  Yesterday I wrote a Latin phrase "non sibi" - not for myself. That is what we wish to have here - a unity government consisting of people who want not what power or prestige or vanity they can achieve for themselves, but who want what is best for the Village and for that we are coming together from all ends of the Village, from all ways of thought. Whether we all agree on everything or not, we all agree on one thing - David Israel must go. So perhaps the other old saying is true too. Just because one is paranoid does not mean someone is not out to get you - because we are!
     And now I am going to share something a good friend shared with me - funny, yet sad and then wonder - where has our common sense gone that we allowed all this, all this damage to ourselves here in the Village to take place. Enjoy!

An Obituary printed in the LondonTimes.....Absolutely Dead Brilliant!!

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death,
-by his parents, Truth and Trust,
-by his wife, Discretion,
-by his daughter, Responsibility,
-and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers;
- I Know My Rights
- I Want It Now
- Someone Else Is To Blame
- I'm A Victim
- Pay me for Doing Nothing
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone


And in the ongoing viciousness in Israel, where Israel is being blamed for killing the attacker - as we did in California - here are the latest statistics and please remember that attacks are being thwarted every day, multiple time a day.
Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 245 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue and we wait to hear of the life and death situation of the latest victim.

A LETTER FROM PHYLLIS RICHLAND

Dear Readers,
you have much to read today, from Olga and Phyllis and me. Just scroll the most recent three articles and you will see hope for our Village.  Esther

DEAR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS,

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE ONE OVERRIDING ISSUE THAT UNITES MOST GROUPS IN CENTURY VILLAGE IS TO BRING AN END TO THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.

I WAS RECENTLY APPROACHED BY MEMBERS OF THE C.V. MESSENGER CLUB. THEY ASKED ME IF I WOULD CONSIDER RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT OF UCO IN MARCH OF 2016. I REALIZED THAT THERE WAS NO WAY FORWARD TO DEFEAT THE INCUMBENT WITHOUT THE HELP AND SUPPORT OF ALL THE GROUPS IN CENTURY VILLAGE. I DID EXPLAIN TO THE MESSENGER CLUB MEMBERS THAT I HAD STRONG FEELINGS AS TO WHAT TYPE OF ADMINISTRATION I WOULD PUT TOGETHER IF I WON AND THAT THEIR SUPPORT AND INPUT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BUT I MUST MAINTAIN MY POSITION AS A TRULY INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE.

UPON REFLECTION OF THIS DECISION, I REALIZED THAT THE MESSENGER CLUB’S GOAL IS TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE TO OUR VILLAGE. CALLING THIS GROUP MALCONTENTS A    PEJORATIVE WHICH WAS THOUGHT TO SHRINK THEM INTO OBLIVION DID NOT AND WILL NOT WORK. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THIS ORGANIZATION PROVIDES A VOICE FOR THOSE THAT HAVE NO VOICE IN CENTURY VILLAGE.

SO, I NEED THE HELP OF ALL ORGANIZATIONS IN ORDER TO WIN THIS ELECTION AND BRING ABOUT THE CHANGES THAT ARE NEEDED.

WE MUST RETURN TO THE PRINCIPLES WE ALL BELIEVE IN. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, TRANSPARENCY, OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF THE MAJORITY AND FINALLY RETURN TO AN ERA OF LEADERSHIP IN WHICH EACH AND EVERY RESIDENT IS TREATED WITH THE RESPECT THAT IS DUE THEM.

WE NEED THE VILLAGERS TO STAY INVOLVED AND HOLD THEIR LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DECISIONS THEY MAKE.

AS COO OF A LARGE COMPANY, I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT A GOOD MANAGER IS ONLY AS GOOD AS HER SUPPORT STAFF. THAT IS WHY I WILL REACH OUT TO ANY RESIDENT WHO WOULD BE WILLING TO BE PART OF THE TEAM TO MOVE CENTURY VILLAGE FORWARD.

I WANT TO BE THE LEADER THAT WILL BRING HARMONY AND A UNIFIED UCO DEDICATED TO OUR RESIDENTS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME,RESPECTFULLY,

PHYLLIS RICHLAND, CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF UCO.

THERE IS HOPE YET FOR THE VILLAGE

This was posted this morning on Gary's blog and is a great step forward for the Village, two groups coming together for the betterment of the Village. There is a saying in Latin "non sibi" - not for myself. That is the leader Phyllis will be and endorsements are coming in as all realize that and recognize the truth of what we need here in the Village.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

PHYLLIS RICHLAND, THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF UCO

Phyllis Richland is running as an independent candidate who welcomes all support. She wants your vote but does not want to pay for it by being obligated to return a favor. As president of UCO, she is planning to surround herself with the most qualified people and welcomes volunteers from both sides of the political spectrum. When problems arise, she expects input from both sides in order to find the best solution. This is exactly what the framers of our constitution did; they argued fiercely until they came to a decision; The U.S.  Constitution - not too bad.   I believe Phyllis Richland is the best candidate to give the village the needed boost to forge ahead.  She has the proven experience and the knowledge of UCO laws to more than qualify her to be the next president of UCO.

GO FOR IT GIRL.

FLAPPING MOUTHS COME BACK TO BITE

     There are no secrets in this world. Sooner or later, sometimes way sooner than one wishes, secrets are outed. What was deemed to be tightly held, unknown, suddenly is out there for all to see. Sometimes it is good, as when one gives charity, helps others, is a secret author of wonderful novels, etc. And sometimes it goes the other way.
     Certainly the oh so wise statement maker who complained that I could never be a part of UCO is because and I quote, "called me a fascist on the world wide web and 200 million people read it" should have known how quickly that dumb as hell statement would go viral. Today I had 88 readers from Russia. Guess you'll have to give up succeeding Putin, huh David? Statements made before thought often lead back to not so good consequences.
     We have statements of the not so distant past wherein David is caught saying that he backs Phyllis for office, where his lemming supporters also come out for her. He writes how term limits are of great importance, for those who wish them removed wish to be autocrats. Ahem!! Just clearing my throat there, David, that's all. Oh, is that your guilt feelings showing, you who vehemently wish to "disappear" all those who wish to reinstate term limits?
     And then, of course, we have your brilliant IT guy, you know, the one who pulls your strings, who talks with all rather than letting them talk to you since then your anti social personality would be open to the world. Yes, that would be Ed Black, he who needs no elections to be appointed to six or so committees, including as chair, he who basically is the unwritten president of UCO, much to our detriment.

     Let us chat a bit about Ed Black. He is an unelected czar of UCO. He is the designated Crown Prince who will never need to be elected so even if he runs, so what if he loses because no one can really abide that guy. And why? Well, here is a recent statement made by him in his not so deep disguise.

Miserable yentaDecember 11, 2015 at 3:09 PM

Gary: Some people in the Village are morons and idiots. Your paper gives them a voice.

Then we have this which follows quickly upon its heels.

AnonymousDecember 12, 2015 at 10:03 AM

Miserable Yenta is ED BLACK. This is the person who speaks for David Israel.

  So let us take Ed Black out the closet of UCO.Oh ho, oh ho, nice to see you again my not such a good friend. How well I recall all your lovely messages and comments sent to my blog under Miserable Yenta even though you knew I would never post them. Your goal was to hurt, to insult and in that case you were a loser. BUT, your anti Semitism and nasty nature is showing here. Just using the term of "miserable yenta" indicates your attitude towards women and especially Jewish women in particular. Your constant references on my blog which had to do with my shul or synagogue had nothing to do with UCO and the Village, only with your nasty, perverted, bigoted mind. And obviously you do not think  highly of residents here in the Village either.There is no picture of Ed Black for you to hide the devolution of your soul, Ed Black, so just try to keep it under control. You are slipping of late. Not good for you. And by the by, was it one of yours who stole, yes, stole property off the fence of the shul, trying to shut down your opponent who asked to post a banner there?

     And why do so many people dislike this man? Simple. He has harmed the Village tremendously, what with his statement that "robbing Peter to pay Paul" is good financial principle of action. He moves money without permission but will NEVER sign anything, trying to play Mr. Clean. He was the prime motivator behind that disastrous contract, that farce of a contract, with M&M Paving, they who did the crumbling roadway that did not even last a year before beginning to fall apart, that same roadway that now has holes in it, not just the heaps of sand and pebbles. Mr. Black here moved all of our "Peters" to pay this "Paul" as he emptied out all our accounts and left us with the grand total of $11,000 to run the Village. And there is more, but why keep talking about a non elected official who really runs the roost there.

     Get rid of David Israel and we get rid of all the junk, all the plaque that has clogged UCO's arteries, that has allowed motel associations - and yes - there are more than Shefield O - that has ignored the associations crying out for help and ignored them - unless , of course, it was good for WPRF to intercede and never mind the others. It is the group of bloodsuckers who have raised the bar for approval needed for fund expenditure. That is like giving the kids the key to the allowance bank and so we have done. Is there any question as to why we do not have the money saved up for what needs to be done?

     Our Treasurer appears to be a good guy but the question is - can he, is he, doing the job - and the answer is emphatically  NO!! His appearances are few, his budgets are great fantasies, but I have never in my life seen budget after budget come out to the penny and always a round number ending with 00. Such prescient knowledge of the spending of the year ahead! I think we should send him to D.C. and help the people there with the budget and quickly too as we are on the verge of another threatened and looming shutdown of the government.

     The VPs are basically useless as well. I keep hearing that the bus stops will be done, are being done and yet the bus stop near me is still unfixed and a danger to those who use it. I do not as yet use the bus so it matters to me only in that I worry about our residents getting hurt, having a safe place to sit and wait without hurting themselves trying to sit!! We have another VP who gets obsessed with one or two issues at a time for it seems that is all he can function with. It used to be the lightning that would strike our entry system and now it is AMR ad infinitum ad nauseum. Joy Vestal is worse than useless. She is a disgrace and a danger to the Village and its democratic history and background. She is a journalist who has gone astray, way, way astray and is simply not capable of doing two big positions at the same time. She needs to resign at least one or be thrown out - whichever comes sooner. And then we have Barbara Cornish. She actually will, at times, speak up and oppose David Israel at meetings and is firm on the importance of the bid committee, a functioning one and here I agree with her. And in the meanwhile, where are our VPs when it comes to meeting their quadrant people? Why do they not reach out and set up meetings? Why? Because for the most part  - THEY DO NOT CARE AND/OR ARE NOT CAPABLE!!!

    And for the next level of UCO people? Ha! What a waste. The same people roll around to all the committees so that one could name them all without a problem and the token new face, if there is one, matters not at all, especially if the newbie gets the message that it is David's way or the highway! The Executive Board, for the most part, forms a group of yesmen who vote as David does. If he says yes, why then they all say yes and if he says no, there ya go again!
     Nice dictatorship we have going here, dontcha' think? Just sayin"
     People, the time has come to stand up and open eyes and see the truth. It is time for new people in office. It is time for the old to be retired and let Phyllis and any other good and knowledgeable people who will be running to get in there and roll up their sleeves and get to work. It is not if you like someone, or are uncomfortable with them because they tell the truth, or annoy you that determines or that should determine your vote. It is whether they can and will do the job, a better job, a transparent and honest job, a job that will bring us back to financial health, that will work with associations to avoid disaster and the list goes on and on. Listen, hear, go to meetings and think. There will be many meetings at the medical building over the next few months, most with food! So come and hear from the candidates and from any other person willing to stand up and state the truth. Come and hear and chew quietly and have the truth revealed, the answer to our problems. I will post the dates when I know them for sure.

HOW DO WE KNOW?

   
     Pick up any paper from anywhere round the world and read the differing stories. Read two versions of the same incident and then wonder, well, how do we know who is telling the truth? How do we know the right course to choose based on these versions? It is not easy, but it is a choice that is being made all over the world, in big countries and small, in states and villages, here in the USA and here in the Village.
     Is Russia the aggressor in the Crimea and Ukraine or are they justified in reuniting a piece of lost land? Are the Ukrainians right or wrong for after all, these are man made borders outlining countries that never actually were before, certainly not in the Tsarist Russia or the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So who is right or wrong?
     Is the labelling of certain items that come out of Israel an anti - Semitic act or is it someone seeking justice? If so, then why are products coming out of occupied Cyprus or Morocco's held territories or even the Native American reservations not necessarily labeled or shunned?
     What is the matter with all the Republican candidates. I, and many others, were hungry for a choice amongst them, yet look around and seek in vain. We cannot choose Trump and his hate mongering for remember, pick on one group and sure as shootin' another group of victims will follow right along, a vicious choo choo train! The demeaning of women, the attacks on social programs, the special treatment for the wealthy - what is the real deal here? And yet when we turn to the Democrats we also shudder. Clinton? Uh, what about all the issues with Benghazi or perhaps she was unfairly blamed for lacks in the head of government and other people. Perhaps she does have the strength to be President of the United States and will have the ability to stand tall and tough and at least she supports the social programs that are of such necessity in a country where more and more are falling into hunger and homelessness, despair rampant in many areas of our country.
     And what about right here in the Village? There are currently two purported papers being published and distributed here. One is supposedly the official paper of the Village UCO, supposed to be giving information current and of importance to the residents, swearing in every issue to report on both sides of an  issue. Yet this paper has turned into a commercial rag, using its former reputation to sell ads, the seemingly stated goal of the editors and for sure they do not allow both sides or neutral reporting and of late have cut out even letters to the editor.
     On the other hand, we have the CV Messenger which welcomes articles and letters and prints the truth, that being hidden or ignored by many in UCO and certainly by the RAG. yet there are people who do not like this paper for they feel it encourages dissent and disharmony and they wish to have that in their declining years. Well, excuse me!
     Who to believe? David Israel sits there in his backroom and shouts out about the awfulness of his opponents, lumping them all together in one big target, and the target of all his lies. Yet there is dissent and disagreement amongst his opponents - as there  should be - for that is America! And if one goes back a bit in time one can pull up the statements of David Israel and Ed Black supporting term limits, even one where David Israel criticizes what he has now become - an autocrat and G-d knows how little we need one of those, be it here, in the country at large or in the world at large. Or we can go back in time to find the support he and others of his camp gave to Phyllis as a VP. "Hi all,The following is forwarded by Phyllis Richland. Your BLOGMEISTER supports Phyllis for VP 100%.

Dave Israel

 Aha!!! Hoist by his own petard! Or how about this one? "Phyllis You are definitely the one for the job" from Barbara Cornish. Or more. "Phyllis you have my vote" and that is from Gracie. Ha! Couldn't resist that one! 
     You see, it is hard to separate truth from lies when one twists it all up, yet the truth is there and can be found - hence the quotes from "the enemy".
Phyllis is asking why cannot we all work together for the sake of the Village, and is running for office, for the Village and for the residents rather than against, for the previous harmful nonsense  once in office will all be gone, its enablers gone as well and all that will be left will be those who support the Village and want the best for it, those who look to the future and see the truth and not what they can get out of it for themselves. There will be other good people announcing runs for positions so be alert to them and understand why the need for change from what we now have.
     So read everything - for in reading there is knowledge and truth and also the recognition of the Big Lie and those fascists who use that tool in order to push their agenda, be it a country or a Village. There are so many more important issues in the world today be it climate changes and what awaits us now and in the near future or peace in an ever ongoing seemingly hopeless quest or fighting the hatred that seems to inundate the world or the wars that seem never to stop and indeed grow every day with news of more conflict. Let us settle the issues here properly, with decency and fairness right here in our home and then we can go on to help others and to vote for the right people, those who offer hope for the future. Who are they? Aside from Phyllis here in the Village you got me stumped! Am looking for answers the same as you.
   And in the ongoing viciousness in Israel, where Israel is being blamed for killing the attacker - as we did in California - here are the latest statistics and please remember that attacks are being thwarted every day, multiple time a day.
Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 229 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue and we wait to hear of the life and death situation of the latest victim.

THOSE GOLDEN YEARS....UH, RUSTY YEARS?

    
     I remember looking forward to those golden years, you know, the years in which we would reap our reward for decades of hard work, skimping along, smiling at the boss and raising those kids of ours who gave us moments of aggravation but who turned out pretty damn good. Yup, those years. Well, wha' happened?!
     Seems that gold can tarnish a bit and even become part of oxidation with specks and spots of rust. Shoulda' known! Hmmm, what was that ache? Better check out which doctor takes care of that. Oy, just took a flop - better check out why that happened. Now what the hell is the matter with that foot? Can't anything go right with any part? And what now?
     Festooned with electronic equipment, I am now a TSA officer's nightmare, what with the watch, the Fitbit, and this dang Holter monitor which needs to be worn for a month! OY! I believe I beep and buzz more than any person should.
     Last night at 1:30, just when I finally was sleeping a good sleep, a phone beeped and buzzed. Whose phone did that? Aha! Gerry's phone wants to verify his Apple ID. Now? In the middle of the night? Why? So some night duty person stays awake? OK, shut it down and back to bed. UhOh - what was that. Gerry, of course, hears nothing, so I go on the hunt as that small buzzing is driving me nuts.
     Found it. It is the recharging monitor that is telling me the sensor signal is low and dying as we speak. So, either I am dying and there is nothing more to report or perhaps the connections are off - or even maybe the monitor is off its path. So, seems I am connected alright, cannot find anything wrong and here we go - 2 AM and we are reading the manual for FAQs. Moved the monitor closer and aha, better numbers and no more buzzing or flashing lights. The miracles of modern medicine.
     So, I just lay there in bed of course, sleep lost for the night, and began to wonder, comparing human golden years to that of the Village. While it has not reached that point yet, I wonder if it will. Certainly not if we let it continue down the path it is on right now. Because of Fitbit we are now walking more and seeing more of the byways of the Village. Not a pretty picture in many ways.
     Along the perimeter walkway the sewer grates are heaped high with leaves so where does the water go? Not down the grates, that's for sure. More areas are marked off with orange paint and I wonder why they just don't mark the whole thing as one orange paint designated area as the cracks and rises are manifest everywhere.
     Then, of course, one has to walk on some of the roads and yuck. Here is another mudhole developing. And there another. Yet again over here we have the accumulating breakdown of the material of the roadway, plenty of sand and pebbles to slip on. Not so golden for the golden agers is it?
     Okay, so off to Hastings but I wonder if the lift is in yet. I doubt it and anyway, it truly needs an elevator but that would mean that Levy pays for it as it is a capital improvement though they deny it. Only by them. Weird. And suddenly from a lift of $130,000 the cost goes to under $30,000? Wha' happened? Who is lying and which time and why? What was the game here?
     So, off to the Clubhouse. You know, the one for which we pay a pretty penny in leasing and fixing and yes, the same one we are barred from unless it agrees with the warped demands of David Israel and the oh so agreeable Eva of WPRF. Nice gig that, managing and spending with a free hand - all with OPM - other people's money. Important principle of finance you know.
     But there is good news. I must admit that the lake side coming down the road into the Clubhouse area looks really nice BUT did it have to be done? Were there not other things more important? Why beautify and spruce up the lakeside when the lake itself is putrid and if, as they claim, they are fixing the water in the lakes, coulda' fooled me. On one walk the other day it was truly gross. Looking into the water on the lakesides of the bridges there was a disgusting green slime growing quite nicely. Nauseating! And when I asked Eva about it I got a shrug of the shoulders and some short sentences. When I asked Don, our "acting" CAM, I did get an impassioned and long discourse, but the upshot is that we just will have to wait. It takes time I am told, and there are improving areas of water. Well, not in my neighborhood! Ahhh, the approaching golden years of the Village appear to be somewhat troubling and I wonder just how long it can hold up under ridiculous Millennium agreements and a new one coming right along with our UCO sitting on their thumbs and rotating rather than doing something real and please, talking to the attorney on a leash, Rod Tennyson, is useless, worse than useless. Talk about rusty.
     We need an administration that will be proactive and know priorities. We need a UCO that does not worry about its own mouth and needs, but does worry about the needs of the Village and its residents and not just small groups of residents. We need honesty. We need process and procedure. We need a true and responsible system of accounting and financial planning. We need designated funds to keep it all in line and with no room for the games that are currently played. We need reform in the political arena. And we need David Israel and Ed Black and the usual suspects - gone, gone, gone.
     While we try to enjoy the golden part of our years and use some Rustoleum to take care of those areas and stock up on human WD-40, let us remember to pay attention to the rust developing on UCO and in the Village. We need a new administration, led by Phyllis, one who states that she is fighting FOR the Village and not for oneself. Those days need to be gone. And then maybe we need to take a more serious and longer look into professional management and how it would mesh with the residents. Just thinkin'. Just sayin'.

Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 229 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue and we wait to hear of the life and death situation of the latest victim. Not too golden here, is it?

  

OF LOVE AND LOSS

     Ten years. Ten years since you left us, the loss of a huge light of our lives even as we celebrated the Festival of Lights, as we lit the menorahs. Ten years since I could get  a hug from you or call you for advice or listen as you read me one of your letters. Ten years. And still the ache is just as deep and the hole in the heart just as empty.
     Hey, Pop. I always knew you were special, not just to me but to others. I watched as a little girl how people would greet you, would talk with you. I listened to the tones of their voices and saw the easing of worry lines on their faces and I thought to myself how lucky I was that you were my daddy.
     I remember how Gerry was so frightened of you in the beginning and how funny I thought that was for I knew that if one did the right thing, respected others and always looked to do better, to help others, to be a good person - if one did that, then my Pop was the best.
     How lucky we all were that we were able to share you with the generation of grandchildren and even great- grandchildren and how often someone is always visiting you at the cemetery, the stones piled high on your footstone and that of Mommy's.
     So today I write of not the world, not the Village, even though you and your ideas and beliefs guide me there in my thoughts. Instead I write of the man I so terribly miss ten years later. I miss the goodness in him and we saw how much of that goodness was shared with the world when we had an overflow crowd at the funeral, from Arab to Bobover Chassid, at the constant stream of people who came to pay a shiva call, so many with a personal story, at the calls we would get years later as someone heard about your passing and had to tell us how missed you were and how you had helped in an hour of need. You were not rich but how wealthy a man you truly were.
     So Pop, I know you are taking care of Mommy, as you did since you were 16, and I know you are driving G-d nuts with demands to fix the world, to right the wrongs, to protect His people but make sure you give Him a break sometimes!
     And always remember that we continue to need you so please, keep your spirit and soul always among us, watch over us and know how much you are still loved and missed, especially by me, Pop. So today I will cry a little and laugh a lot as I remember you and share the stories we all recall as we all call each other today and reminisce.
    Love you, Pop.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

     Chanukah, which began Sunday night, is also called the Festival of Lights. As such, the light of the candles are symbolic in how they remind us of the victory of right over wrong, of freedom over tyranny, and the lights remind the rest of the world that this fight, this struggle, is always with us, no matter the form it takes or the  venue. It reminds us that the light shines down on all, also a reminder, one that tells us that if we all join together we can vanquish the darkness that is also in this world. When the lights of the total holiday season are joined together, when the streets are strung with both the Jewish star and the five pointed star, we see the beauty of the combining of lights.
     Would that it were so easy to do in other areas of life. We ask why there must be those who wish only harm to others, who seek power, control and wealth for themselves. We wonder why today  "American universities were once a safe space not only for maturation but also for a certain regressive, or even transgressive, experience; increasingly, it seems, they have become places of censure and prohibition." Just like us.

 We wonder why today the light of true learning and education has left us bereft as it continues to dim.  We wonder why “The constant drumbeat of anti-Israel demonization in Europe is widely reflected in anti-Semitism and even terror attacks targeting against Jews. False allegations such as ‘war crimes’ and ‘apartheid’ become fodder for hate, not only against Israelis, but also against Jews in Europe. “    We wonder why the hatreds of the past are still so strong today and why demonization of one country over all others is seen as proper and even preferable.
     And then we understand that this same nastiness, this same hatred of others, this same desire, this insane desire, to rule over others and to ignore the basic elements of human rights, is contagious, and people who should know better, indeed, who DO know better, are caught up in this mad whirling wave of darkness and hate.
     That is essentially what we have here. We have an ostensible leader who basically is obsessed with retention of power, of control over 8 million dollars of a budget - and growing - of browbeating a Treasurer who then conveniently speaks in obfuscatory language and somehow always comes up with nice round whole numbers for our spending and somehow it always comes to that at the end of the year. IMPOSSIBLE! Just look to your own budget and see real life accounting.
     We have a coterie of people who are the usual parasites who hang on to the perceived strongman, just as there are parasitical fish who hang on to the shark or the hyenas and jackals who depend on the leavings of the lion for food for themselves. This is what we now have here in CV. WPRF and UCO are in cahoots, and are now beginning to feel some stirrings of panic. Could their reign be over? With the passing of the amendment by law, the delegates woke up to the fact that David Israel's plan was to totally strip them of any and all authority, of say so in this Village. Now it must continue. Sign the ballots for a vote on term limits. Sign a ballot for the resident owner vote wherein we will be  a true democracy, rather than a  false one where so few control so much.
     Slippery slopes? Oh, yes. We are on them right now, but the tow rope is coming to rescue us, the tow rope that consists of our being strong and united, of using our ability to see through the fog of lies and tricks, and see that truly, the Emperor is naked, totally bare. He has no new clothes- only those that we allow him so let us allow him none.
     See past his troll grin and recognize the nastiness of his mouth and words. See the grasping of his hands. See the uselessness of Bob Marshall, the vindictiveness and control of Ed Black, the grasping hands of the little fief holders who think they owe all loyalty to their lord. Well, this is not medieval Europe and there is no manor system any longer. Democracy of our country extends down into the little towns and villages, even unto us - as long as we are vigilant and work to regain the lights of the season and hold them for all year, regain our rights and our pride and lose our nastiness and vitriolic hate that comes top down. It is up to us and we can do it - if only we care enough, work enough, unite enough.
     Vote for those who would bring back the Village of the light, the Village of friendship and cohesiveness, of inclusion, of the sharing of ideas, of control over our own destiny. And then let us work together quickly, as post Millennium agreement time is nigh upon us and we must prepare to vanquish the regiments of lawyers that will be sent upon us by WPRF and the Levys and their Benenson business. It can be done - if we wish to make it so. Light one candle....

Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 220 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue and we wait to hear of the life and death situation of the latest victim.

THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF LEADERSHIP

     Democracy. Accountability. Transparency. Obedience to the law. These, my friends, are the four horsemen of good government or administration. The good leader, the proper leader, will insure that these four principles are strictly adhered to at all times, no excuses, no "emergencies".
     Compare that to what we now have here in CV. I believe it is the perfect opposite. Democracy? Uh uh! That would mean free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom to work in UCO and positions around the Village. Sadly lacking, is it not, and remember, this was all here, guaranteed and actively working until guess who came into office and was so desperate to remain in office that he struck democracy off the list. You guess!
     Accountability and transparency go hand in hand. Without having to face up to the electorate, without having to justify one's actions in the name of the residents and their welfare, one must have transparency. That means that all is conducted in the open, no secret meetings or deals, no contracts signed off in the dark someplace, no UCO dealings going on when the doors are closed and no one allowed in. And one must be able to justify one's actions. Why was that done? Why was that vote taken and why did the people vote that way and indeed, why are the same people voting again and again on the same issue? Where is the democracy? Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability? Not there at all!
     Finally we have obeying the law, abiding by the rules and regulations of , in this case, UCO. Well, that is so flagrantly violated that it appears to be a joke to them. If a rule gets in the way, why just ignore it, trample right over it. Robert's Rules? Hell, no! Too bothersome. Let us just pretend when it works for us and when it does not, just ignore it. Good of the order? Hell no again. Let us run a campaign to shut it down. Too much information going out to the residents. It will confuse them. Appointments to vacant seats? Okay if it works for us and if not, why, just cancel it. And we can go on all day and all night with the wrongs and errors of this UCO administration led by the liar himself, David Israel and his puppetmaster, Ed Black.
     To add to it all, they have now resorted to the sudden and one sided closed door decision to raise the bar on money approval. Now it is $5,000 and they are looking for $25,000 limits. Are they out of their mind? Sadly, no for they know they can manipulate anything for this is their UCO, not ours at all. And not ever again unless we get them gone.
     Discussions with good CEOs are always enlightening. The NY Times has such interviews every Sunday in the business section. To a one, all these executives stress the need for diversity, for brainstorming, for recognizing the value of opposition and its push and impetus forward that it gives to the company. These leaders emphasize respect for co workers, the avoidance of factions wherein one group gets preference - and indeed  gets monopolies within the company - hello, UCO!! It is to insure that the decisions made are best for the company, or the residents in our case, rather than good only for the maintenance of power of the individual.
     The leader is to set an example for the others and unfortunately we do have that here. This "leader" lights the way with black Satan candles. Always the selfish way, always the way guaranteed to hurt the residents, always the wrong way. Always we are on that "slippery slope" about which he insists on babbling, even as he goes by on his rear end on that same slope.
     Process and procedure in a sane and balanced manner are nowhere in sight or in use. The maligning of others, the determination to shut down all others - witness his face when he heard that the CV Messenger Club is holding meetings in the medical building. Why? Because they are very limited within the Clubhouse so here is another arena to add to the mix. Well, David Israel plans to go after that. David, watch the show via ROKU about the Man in the High Castle and the struggle of Americans under the thumb of Fascists and how so many Americans adapted so quickly to the rules and to their new masters. Must of had you and yours in mind as the comparison is quite clear. The only thing missing is the physical torture! I know you do not like this comparison as the world wide web and 200 million people read of it, but again, shoes and feet and proper fitting? Remember that wise old saying?
      Take a look around you. See the chaos you have wrought. See the dictatorship you have created? Proud of oneself? You talk of legacies? Well, dear Davey, hate to tell you, but your legacy will be one of incompetence, of hatred, of repression, of ruinous financial practices, of nearly destroying the whole CVWPB. It will be the lesson as to how to NOT do things, how to leave behind only shame and weeds, rather than flowers and kind words of remembrance. People will dance when we are thru with you, David Israel, and your childish but harmful behavior, your inane hatred of others who oppose you, your attempts to keep them out and shut them down - all will prove useless in the final bottom line of life. Deal with that. Live with it as your legacy. Not so pretty is it?
Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 221 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue

FAITH AND RELIGION, BLOOD, HATE, AND THE NAME OF G-D

     A boom. The popping of guns. A sudden silence and then the screams and shouts. The echoes of Allahu Akbar, or G-d commands. The body parts and the blood, so much blood and the sirens. And why? Because people have confused faith and religion and based their behavior on this misconception.
     A good friend and I discuss religion often. We are of differing religions, but of the same faith in many cases. She maintains and I have come to agree that faith is the innate belief in a powerful being, one that has ultimate say over us, who has placed us here on this earth to live the righteous life, more helpful to and of others than anything else, and to honor that Being. Religion, on the other hand, is the trappings that have been accrued around that faith, trappings that yes, can add warmth and joy, structure and aid, yet that can also add an element of hate, of entitlement, and of a violence that grows from this "religion".
     This is what I believe we have today. We have extremists of all religions, Moslem, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and the list can go on and on, who believe that their version of G-d demands violence, demands blood, demands sacrifice, though that sacrifice seems mainly to fall on others who lose their lives and limbs in the name of the god of another. These extremists hate one and all and are liars to the nth degree.
     They are losers, people who know they are inferior and thus go on to kill others in an attempt to prove that they are not. So they debase women and children, deny them their rights as human beings entitled to live independently, infused with love, with opportunity. They demean those who are "others" to them and do what they will with them - shoot, kill, run over, behead, torture, knife, ram with cars, kill in mass attacks and bombings, all to prevent them from living and loving, from taking joy in life with friends and family and why- because they are different, because they do not call their Being by the same name.
     We talk today of honoring our servicemen and women, of thanking them for protecting us. They board first, they get free admission to theme parks, we buy them drinks - and then we send them out to get wounded, maimed or killed, to deal with PTSD, with lifelong wounds that are life altering both to them and to their loved ones and caretakers. What we need to do, besides increasing our help to them, is to find a way so that such things will not have to be. And the first step towards doing that is the acceptance and realization of the acts and facts as they are and not looking away from them. We cannot be PC about this, for then we are trying to fool ourselves.
     Yesterday's NY Times is a prime example of what is wrong and right with us. Big headline - the FBI finally seemed to realize that San Bernadino was a terror attack and somehow or other the whole vetting and visa process, of investigations went awry. Brilliant! Took them awhile, but they got there. The rest of us - we were there at the first scream, at the first wisp of smoke from a gun's overheated barrel. We were there with the same questions we ask all the time. How was this missed? How many more times are we going to make excuses? How many more times will the imams cry wolf instead of actually standing up at the podium and curse the killer, deny jihad, defy the terrorists? And how many more horrendous attacks of any kind will it take to accept that yes, we have the right to bear arms, yes a pistol, a rifle for hunting, for target practice, but not assault rifles, meant for one purpose - to kill, and only to kill. But the politicians are weak in the face of pressure and donations and so here we are.
     And here we are in the op-ed piece of Timothy Egan, "No More Thoughts and Prayers". These do nothing to stop this horror. Nor do the flowers and teddy bears and notes. Yes, they help, perhaps, but the only way to stop this is to wake up and do something, face reality and reach out to the good amongst ourselves, force people to realize that silence in the name of religion, in the name of protection, is abetting the murderers and the guilt will then fall on you as well. Hope that it won't happen again is useless and foolhardy. Only concrete steps will help. Let us see what Obama has to say tonight and so help me G-d, if he tells us not to judge, not to rush to judgement and trust in our security processes we now have.......
     So let us bow our heads as we plead with G-d, any G-d by any name, to help us become strong, do the right thing, to reach out with true brotherly feelings to others and understand the concept of unity and sameness, that we all share the same enemy - those who would kill us, destroy us - in the name of their Being, the same Being who evidently allows them to enjoy the riches of those they conquer, be they Taliban, ISIS, Hamas, PLO, Boko Haram, some Aryan group out there, or some over the top group of Jews out there who want their own messianic state. Terror is terror. Greed is greed, no matter how it is wrapped. Religion is religion and faith is faith.
     Please, Lord, help us to see the truth, to recognize it even as it passes us by. Help us to understand that we are all one, that the blood of one cries out to all of us. Help us to know, truly know, that we ARE our brothers' keepers and put an end to this carnage. Thank you. Amen.

"You may say he's (we, us, you and me) a dreamer,
   but he's not the only one."

Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 220 wounded, 83 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue.

Please note how the wounded keeps rising in number.

BRAVE NEW WORLD?

      I was going to write a different posting this morning and hopefully will write it later on today, but this alternate posting has been in and on my mind all of yesterday and indeed, for some time. I know my kids tell me the worry gene is at it again, but there is more to it than that. Even they are now worried though they admit it reluctantly.
     Yesterday I received an email from a dear friend who expressed despair and concern, even bewilderment, at the state of the world with its violence, its unpredictable violence and plain old nastiness among and between people. I tried to answer, but the thoughts ate at me all day and I must confess that they were not helped by watching the first two episodes of the Amazon series The Man in the High Castle. The author, Philip Dick, was a well known science fantasy and fiction author, not about monsters out of space but many times about the monsters within us. He had a readership cult, fell out of fashion, and I believe this series will bring him back. If you have ROKU you can watch it and if not, go to a friend but watch it. Basically the conjecture is what would have happened if we had lost WWII - very scary indeed and goes well along with the book If Israel  Lost the War, referring to the 6 Day War and the premise and consequences are horrific to say the least, and so uncomfortably close to today's situation and the state of the world and anti Semitism.
     Anyway, this morning I read an article from MSN News regarding the fears of Americans today, about their safety in everyday life and found that my friend and I and many others I have spoken with are vindicated in our concerns - we are not alone.
     I thought that I was over the top, jumped the shark, as they say now, because every time I enter a new place, a new theater, a restaurant, even a plane or stand in  a library or train station or walk in a mall, my head and eyes are engaged first with figuring out where to go should someone go postal on us. I eye the people around me constantly. Is that a nutjob over there? Is that a Moslem terrorist over there? Is that a guy who hates his wife and now wants to take it out on the world? And the list can go on and on.
     The MSN piece relates these same feelings and concerns. Someone with no children yet already knows she will homeschool and why? For fear for their safety, so that they will not be part of a mass school shooting. One states how she acts as I do, always thinking, checking, looking around. Teachers are worried about their students and every institution in America has now drawn up or is drawing up plans for these events. I know in my synagogue we are talking of issues and plans and the same in the schools in NY that I visited over last week when I was there and even schools elsewhere as they drill their students and faculty on new procedures, new ways of thinking. Even in the movies - who is that lone guy sitting there? Why is that one standing up now? What is that woman carrying? Is that a soldier or a wanna be, dangerous thoughts in the head? Do I duck or run?
     “Everybody is filled with what we sometimes refer to as anticipatory anxiety — worrying about something that is not currently happening in our lives but could happen,” said Alan Hilfer, the former chief psychologist at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn who is now in private practice. “And they are worrying that the randomness of it, which on one hand makes the odds of something happening to them very small, that randomness also makes it possible to happen to them.”
     Life for Americans and indeed for citizens of the world has become much more uncertain and we are talking of life uncertainty, the maintenance of that life in its very basic self. Be it here in America or in Israel or Mali or Paris or Toulouse or Nigeria or the Tubes of London, that uncertainty taints us all. You are not alone in your worry, in your despair, in your bewilderment. We are all there with each other in that and these events sometimes bring out the best in people as they run to aid others, to comfort them, but must it be this way? Why can we not be at our best without the impetus of violence? Indeed, why must these groups, every day another one with a new name or a breakaway from another terrorist group, why must they engage in this horror, in this carnage? Why do they think they have the right to destroy the lives of others, to maim them, and mainly in the name of religion and overblown fantasies of an Islamist state, or perhaps a separatist state, or to release the pressure of anger at a spouse, at a co - worker or boss, at oneself? Why, we ask. Why, we shout to the heavens. Why, we ask of G-d. Why, we ask of each other.
     And certainly this does not hold strictly to the outside world. We are affected right here in the Village, be it whether we worry about our family and friends in hotspots in the world, or simply going about their daily lives, never knowing if and when a lightning bolt will strike in the form of monsters in human form. We worry about our situation in here and what we can do about it, but more on that later. For our issues here pale in comparison to the issues of the world and it behooves us to think carefully when we pull the lever this year in the various primaries and final election. Judge carefully and think. Yes, we need a strong leader, almost really, a hero, and G-d knows we are certainly lacking that at present, but we do not need a leader who thinks that he/she knows it all and knows that the way to safety is to throw away liberty and American tradition.
     We need help, our poor little world. From whence will it come? Well, the Bible tells us to raise our eyes unto the hills and basically realize that it will come from G-d. Those who have a sane and deep faith, whatever the name of the religion, will choose life over death, hope over despair, and search for ways to improve life - even while still checking out the nearest exit and that suspicious looking dude over there and gathering about oneself all the possible things that can be used to beat down a would be hijacker on a plane - books, soda cans, belts, etc.
     And yes, we in America, are not immune. I was in NY, Manhattan actually, for the 1993 bombing of the Towers and remember its appearance as I was in my car going past, trying to get home, the shouted concerns of my kids over the phone - remember those early car phones? I watched as the Towers disappeared on 9/11 and from Queens then saw smoke for days, a new hole in the sky, and in Manhattan watched and wept as did all of us. And yesterday? And in between? We have not been immune from terrorism and must realize that being PC is not the answer. We all knew that yesterday was not over a miff at a party. There was more to it than that but look how people were afraid to call it as it was - an act of terrorism, Islamic extremism. Stockpiling 12 pipe bombs and 4,000 rounds of ammunition is not done over a miff nor suddenly either. This was planned ahead of time. Look how the Moslem organization cried out that we should not take it out on them. No, but why do they not disavow these people, these events, this disregard for all but themselves? Why? I do not know so perhaps you can go ask them.
     This is not the life we chose, not the life we wish to lead, particularly in more senior days when the body does not work as well as it used to and the mind is more fraught with worry, especially about our hostages to fortune - the kids and grandchildren. But this is the life we now have and the only things we can do are to live with it, know what is going on and then try to do one's best to perhaps change it even though it be a small thing or effort. We all know the story of the butterfly effect, with the flap of the wings of a butterfly on one side of the world having a chain of consequences until it all culminates in some big event on the other side. True? Not true? Who knows and who cares for the point is clear. We are all one and no one escapes life. So think about all this and then go call a family member, talk with a grandchild about the merits of magna tiles, or a book they just read, hug a friend, read a good book - and check out those exits, be aware of your surroundings. It can be done; it is just a shame that it has to be done.

Total in Israel for October, November, December:  24 dead, 217 wounded, 82 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue.

Please note how the wounded keeps rising in number.

BULLYBABY!!!

     In full disclosure, I must fess up that I did not coin this term. It is a term that has grown in popularity as it describes a certain type of student, politician, rabble rouser, etc., one who wishes to stifle free speech, open discussion and frank talk. It began with the explosion of these puzzling and often hate filled students who wish to have only their point of view heard and all others banned, who claim extreme sensitivity to possible hurt and thus need to be protected and on and on. When we were at college and university part of the experience was to open oneself up to the views of others, the opinions of others and yes, sometimes these opinions hurt, but then again, you were free to express your own.
     Today students protest all others except for themselves and unfortunately this has gone into the general population and most unfortunately is the violence that accompanies, the violence and the hate, the intolerance, and for me personally, the resurgence of anti Semitism and its political correctness, so much so that an expert on horses would not answer a little girl's questions to her because of Palestine and mind you this was a little Israeli girl. I guess at 11 or 13 she had more power over her government than anyone ever realized!
     What is personally concerning  to the residents of CV is the fact that named or not, this bullybaby philosophy has flourished here in the Village with the biggest bullybaby being our erstwhile president, David Israel. He cannot tolerate any criticism and blows himself up into a full sized tantrum when criticized and then does his best to disappear that critic any which way he can. In doing so, he leaves himself open to many claims of dastardly deeds and sadly so, for much is actually true and much quite possible.
     For example, Phyllis Richland had a sign up on a fence outside the Village. Someone in a Code Enforcement van came along and cut it off and took it away. Upon questioning Code Enforcement, they said there was no such order, no such violation by hanging the sign and they suggested that the opposition took it down. We have also filed a complaint and opened a file with PBSO for vandalism. The sign will be replaced and so, G-d willing, will the current president of CV!
     So let us take stock of what we have. We have a bullybaby who cries wolf and all sorts of complaints when he is called on the carpet for misdeeds and poor policy. We have  a president who dangles from the strings of the master puppeteer, Ed Black, and is just so happy to be allowed to play with his computer all day while Ed wreaks havoc upon us and by the way, I hear that Ed Black is running for VP. G-d help us should this come true. DO NOT VOTE FOR HIM.
   We also have a UCO that is now a joke, consisting of under twenty or even fifteen people who shuttle between committees and have two and three and four votes on the same issue so how anything is ever to move forward is beyond me. Any and all issues they vote on have  much to do with enhancing their control and with lessening the power of the people, especially via votes on committees and thru the DA.
     We have very little control now over the spending of our funds, we are banned from talking freely on much of the Village area - how is that for living in the USA!!!!. We are set up in impossible situations as to get to know people and get information out to them and what a joke when we are told we can speak to clubs. Really? When the clubs are threatened with loss of time, of room and Eva bans political talk in the Clubhouse and pool and please disregard the Republican and Democratic club meetings and David's propaganda meetings for evidently these are not political.
     We have a Rag, a purported paper which insults that very profession of journalism and two editors who should be run out of town on a rail. And do not forget the fact that our own Pennysaver again has half of it in ads and other such interesting articles about Lanny's incompetency with a GPS and a trip to Bali by someone. Truly, very important Village news!! These editors actually had the gall to write an editorial trying to limit free speech even more by cutting off good of the order, a major Robert's Rules no-no, all because they find it annoying. Why, because the truth comes out there. Because the residents can actually talk to other residents at that point. What a crock of ------ the two of you are. Shame on you! Go look in the mirror and after cleaning up your vomit, go examine your soul and see if you have any left after selling it to our resident devil for your little fiefdoms.
     We have a last chance here to right the Village again. Vote for Phyllis. She can undo and fix. She can and will run a UCO which responds to all, which includes all and do not listen to the garbage they are pushing. Yes, she retired. Think she had reason to do so after losing her beloved son? Is she to be punished for that and what about the resignations of other members of UCO. Ask Barbara Cornish about that!! And as far as helping our more senior residents, of whom one "lovely" person suggested yesterday, to go to their children. Really? What if there aren't any? What if they too are in a bad situation, elderly themselves and remember that thing called the milk of human kindness? Yes, that one, the one where we are supposed to help others and if we actually remember that we can keep our residents in a more balanced situation and keep out some of the riffraff that are coming in, no less due to the thanks to David et al who have brought ruinous practices to our Village, raided the Treasury, and ignored the needs and rights of the residents, so much so that yes, David, many on the world wide web know of it and buy elsewhere. Not quite sure if it is two hundred million, but people do read and read of your misdeeds, your allowing the Kelly situation to flourish while accepting his political support, all the while uncaring of the needs of other older and financially troubled associations. Such a gem you and yours are - Not!!
     Please, do us all a favor and put yourself out to pasture. Go be a bullybaby elsewhere. Go drive some other people nuts or better yet, sign yourself in for some needed help, help that will deal with your infantile tendencies and your paranoia. Just trying to help. Just sayin'.

Total in Israel for October, November:  24 dead, 214 wounded, 82 in shock. From the elderly to the young, Jew and even some Arabs  being killed in these attacks, stabbed, hacked, axed, shot, rammed by cars. And the attacks continue, thankfully avoiding more killing and wounding.

THE SANDS OF TIME

      The sands of time run quickly thru the hourglass. We turn around and when we turn back there is the last of the sand slipping thru that constriction into the other half , the half that represents time lost. Well, people, we are at present in that narrow constricted space. The time for us to gain a foothold, to quash the fascistic movement in our Village, the time to take back our rights rather than cede them thru a masquerade of disguised fascistic proposals - that time is running quickly.
     For fascism to succeed, someone must be demonized. For Hitler it was the Jews and then the Gypsies and then the Slavs and then anyone and anything that he deemed "other". For we who live in the Village it is the "malcontents", a term misapplied by an ignorant of history man, a man who loves to demean and destroy, a man who takes away one's very rights and convinces the robbed that they are being helped.
     If one wishes to engage in name calling then so be it. How are these terms: fascistic, malignant, evil, schizoid, paranoid, megalomania afflicted, in the throes of dementia, anti democracy, professional liar, advanced political liar, uncaring, lacking in human compassion and empathy, a "malcontent" of times and places wherein democracy ruled, a truly dangerous malcontent and deviant human being.
    You see, David, I am not afraid of you. I tell the truth the way it is and will answer you right back, sending your own words back into your throat and shout right back at you if necessary. And sending that masquerade of an appointed official who is actually not, Ed Black, he who handles it all in UCO while you sit there like a grinning troll, will not scare me and others off either. That is one major reason why you are afraid to debate and the only time you did debate with me I creamed you but good!
     Time and time again you have made a concerted effort to take total control over the entire Village, to set up your own dictatorship in the midst of the biggest democracy in the world. And what is worse is that you use the rules of democracy to do so, just like they do it in the outside world. So for sure, let us vote you in.
Let us choose our own method of execution as we invite the terrorist into our own homes, he who will take all power out of our hands, the little that remains, and grasp it all in his grubby little palms.
     When the first vote in the Executive Board came up trying to maintain the voting power and control of the people's representatives here in the Village, you used wordplay to stop it. Then when it came up again you voted for it and again, suddenly all 24 of the same people on the Executive Board and all your little groupies of the officers voted along with you for it means nought to them yes or no, only how YOU vote. Now that it is coming to the Delegate Assembly, suddenly you turn the page again, use the fascist tool of demonization - you fit real well with the anti Semites and anti Israeli movement there, do you not - and claim that this by law proposal will ruin it all for everyone.
     When the situation at Sheffield O was ripped open to the air, when the media was brought in and your actions shown to have enabled Kelly in his plans as you knew about it and did nothing - that was all bad, you said but now you put a story on it in the Post right on your blog. Now it is good? Talk about those who twist history and turn on a dime for political expediency. The expert is right here - he lies and people swear  and he does it again and again.
     The big lie! Another borrowed fascist tool. You get an A in that department do you not?
"bogging down of the Delegate Assembly with endless repetitive, frivolous Amendments."
Really? Having the DA retain the ability to vote on contracts, on changes needed to keep us in tune with the changing world, with the ability to keep an eye on our funds and their use - or rather misuse in your case - all this is frivolous?! Are you for real? And the sad thing is, you have many delegates of the zombie world convinced that you are right. Be the children of the god David, lose your rights, your self respect, all because David tells you so! This is the new religion.
     If this by law amendment is voted down we will have ceded any remaining control over any and all in the Village and UCO. Together with WPRF they will run rampant over us and here is a little foretaste of what we can expect. Lately the rule has been a $5,000 ceiling for spending without approval so guess what? Suddenly so many contracts are coming in under $5,000 and boy, do they add up. The palace of the dictator is being fixed up with so many small contracts that I hope they can keep track! They wish to raise the ceiling - hey, perhaps $5 million is a good number - enough to waste our funds again on a world class crappy job of the roads and walkways, both of which are being patched piecemeal at a cost of thousands and thousands of dollars. And what about the sign debacle? Another prime case of what I am thinking? Incompetence? Malfeasance? Both? RFPs? For what? The ripoffs just keep on coming.
     You wax rhapsodic over a future Village. What a crock of ^$#*(&!  Fiber optics are being installed all over, nothing new there, but there you go again pushing that Village wide Broadband crap that will only get us into more trouble what with slow speeds, easier ability for hackers to get at our info, a population left unguarded at the horrors these new things can generate and nowhere do I see any classes or plans to help our residents, particularly those who are truly uncomfortable with this new technology and what about those who do not have a computer and yes, there are many still in the Village, but you and your RAG do not care, do you? You talk of a "green" transportation system when we cannot even get our act together on what we now have! And who will have the final say - YOU, under your plan.
     Channel 63 is dead to any constructive use. You have seen to that what with your censorship. You have killed off any and all opposition , alienated all the photographers. Should we play where is Bob? Where is Howie? Where is Ken? You have an editor of the paper, a sad joke of one, who advocates censorship! She turns on her credentials - if she ever had any - as a journalist for who wants censorship there unless she, too, subscribes to your fascist policies and now she wishes to cut the Good and Welfare part of the DA so ALL free speech and other opinions are never heard here in the Village.
     This is long and I can go on and on but will save more for tomorrow. People, either we vote for the amendment  - YES, YES, YES or we cede control. Either it goes for us or WE WALK OUT and prevent a quorum. Watch for that happening if needs be and join in. Watch David sweat and try to rush things through so he has his quorum. Free speech. Uh uh. Remember, we are the generation that brought the world to a halt, that stopped a war, the inheritors of a world that our parents gave us - and even some of us - after the conflict of WWII. Do not become sudden wimps because you have grown old in time and years. Take pride, remember democracy, be strong in and for yourself. Instruct your delegates and in fact, demand new delegates who think and who will represent YOU and not David, the fascist. Gee, David, wonder how many more millions of people are reading all about this on the world wide web. Suck it up. Such is life. You made it so now you have to live it, like it or not. I am not going away and neither are many others and let us hope and pray, work for it - and Phyllis will kick your ass and we will have a president who works for the Village and its residents and not the other way around. See ya on Friday!
PS. If I sound angry in this posting, it is because I am. I am angry at this man and his crew who think nothing of giving up their rights and in doing so taking away the rights of others. This is un-American and I wonder, hey, Milton Cohen, the great patriot, is David Israel unpatriotic for doing this?