Before you read this and future articles on the blog, please understand that on this blog malcontents refers to David Israel, Ed Black et al. The people who oppose them are actually reformers.
The question is often asked as to how we found ourselves in this position, being in the forefront of the increasingly successful fight against the malcontents of Israel and Black. Well, the answer is simple, no matter where and of whom we ask. Remco Campert said, "Asking yourself a question, that's how resistance begins. And then ask that very question to someone else."
See? Simple. Right in front of your eyes. The questions abound once one opens the eyes and looks around with a new perspective. Why are things going wrong so often and so badly? What is wrong with the leadership or presumed leadership at the top? How do we stop this? How do we make our situation a better one? And the rest just follows. What is stunning the malcontents is that there is a strong followup and a strong following and they have faced defeat in the DA, especially when the whole contingent or more of them are here, not just the malcontent zombies who go along with their ruler on his every sayso.
So we publish a list of questions, but get tired of the dense silence, except for nastiness, that comes out of the malcontents' mouths. We get tired of hearing or reading the same puppets and shills of the malcontent leaders as they write nasty and irrelevant and inane comments - the same people all the time. We know they are from the two leaders because NOTHING gets on Israel's blog unless he agrees and he will only allow supportive statements.
But do these people stop? NO!!! They are like hamsters in a cage, running scared and frantically in a vain effort to get out, to get away from what they have done, and like all liars and miscreants, when caught with their pants down, they just keep pulling them down even more rather than pulling them up and confessing their misdeeds. So what we have now is an escalation of the repression tactics that Israel and Black are so good at. They seem to have Eva under their thumb for we all know that no matter what they try to put over by saying that the pictures are her idea, we all know the truth and just listen to their idiocy.
"Oh, it is for security and safety." REALLY? Then why is there a hole on Bingo night when people enter all entrances. Do all these people have good conduct passes? And truly, one can enter the Clubhouse on any day through another door. Just hang and wait and the door will open.
"There have been thefts." REALLY? At the entrance door? Because that is where the pictures are? OR......are there more cameras taking pictures of us all over the Clubhouse - a major invasion of privacy! Are they in the lavatories as well? Wouldn't that just give the malcontents a thrill!! So where is the safety? If a supposed thief walks in the door and steals something in the party room, how do you know? How does one check? The holes in these statements are wide enough to drive a truck through.
Why the secrecy? Why the hiding until someone slipped and blabbed? What are the true motives? Are the malcontents going to gin up some fake theft and then say that one of the reformists was in the building at the time so let's go break down their door? Is David Israel going to throw one of his tantrums and shout 911. 911.
Are these cameras part of the Kent security contract? In that case, it has nothing to do with Eva and WPRF. If it is, then why are we paying for it and why were we not told and why was it not listed in the open portrayal of the contract that was so hurriedly crammed down people's throats at the DA?
The questions can go on and on and all the while there will be no good answers, for they are caught and tripping on those lowered pants! We can do this type of questioning on any number of topics but the result is the same - no answer, the continued wasting of our funds and more repression. All you can see now on Channel 63 are old free movies in the public realm. Wow! I am so under impressed, especially when they had a really good thing going under the Greggs, but golly gee, my picture and my voice were seen and heard on there and the malcontents did not get their pants down on time and befouled themselves, so off it had to go and off went the Greggs, a principled couple, something Ed Black and David Israel do not understand at all - because they have no principles!
So that is how we got here, beginning with the lonely voice of one and then two and then three and then four and then eight and then more and more and then a paper and blogs and support in the DA and on it goes and on it grows and now David Israel has to answer to lawsuits and to legal letters and dang! there go the pants again!
My little girl during toilet training would have an accident and when asked why she did not say anything, she would say, "No answer makin' in the pants." Do you have one, David Israel? Do you have one, Ed Black? Do any of you have an answer?
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
NOTE TO ED WHO IS TOO MUCH A COWARD TO EVER SIGN HIS REAL NAME
Thank you so much for your advise and kind wishes, telling me to "drop dead''. I am ever so grateful.
However, as you call yourself a leader, I choose to follow you - so - YOU FIRST!
I guess this posting hit too close to home for you, huh!?
However, as you call yourself a leader, I choose to follow you - so - YOU FIRST!
I guess this posting hit too close to home for you, huh!?
A MEMORIAL OF LOVE
Sunday was the third yahrtzeit, or anniversary, of the passing of my mother, Blanche Mark, zichronah lvracha (may her memory be blessed). On Saturday, my daughter and son in law made a beautiful Kiddush, or meal, in her honor and there I spoke a bit about her.But what says even more, is what my daughter wrote on Facebook.
"Today is Tata's yaherzeit. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. The thoughts usually put a smile on my face or a little chuckle. We had a beautiful kiddush in her memory in Florida. My mother spoke very well and reminded us all to cherish and respect our parents while you can. Even though Tata was not here with us, she send us her favorite bird, the red cardinal to animal kingdom lodge in Disney. We love and miss you more than you can know."
My parents left a great big hole in the fabric of our lives when they left us. I live with that missing piece in the pattern of my life every day, as do my children and grandchildren, for most were lucky enough to have gotten to know them and have a relationship with them. However, as I stayed with my two daughters and their children over the holiday, as I spoke with my son and his family, and as I read the letter from the rabbi where grandson #1 spent the seders and heard the words of a member of our shul who met my son over the holiday, I knew my parents were still watching over us.
I know that our love is eternal and that they will be watching over us for years to come, sending us little messages along the way, with the cardinal couple that hang out by my daughter and the little memories that keep cropping up amongst us all. They will remain alive in the beauty of the actions and souls of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and G-d willing, in the generations to come.
I miss them more than any words I can write will ever express but I thank G-d for the memories and the anniversaries as it gives me a moment to slow down and purposely think of them. I love and miss you, Pop, Nellie. May you watch over us all and keep us on the good side of G-d! Gotta go - the tears are at it again.
Your Esty.
"Today is Tata's yaherzeit. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. The thoughts usually put a smile on my face or a little chuckle. We had a beautiful kiddush in her memory in Florida. My mother spoke very well and reminded us all to cherish and respect our parents while you can. Even though Tata was not here with us, she send us her favorite bird, the red cardinal to animal kingdom lodge in Disney. We love and miss you more than you can know."
My parents left a great big hole in the fabric of our lives when they left us. I live with that missing piece in the pattern of my life every day, as do my children and grandchildren, for most were lucky enough to have gotten to know them and have a relationship with them. However, as I stayed with my two daughters and their children over the holiday, as I spoke with my son and his family, and as I read the letter from the rabbi where grandson #1 spent the seders and heard the words of a member of our shul who met my son over the holiday, I knew my parents were still watching over us.
I know that our love is eternal and that they will be watching over us for years to come, sending us little messages along the way, with the cardinal couple that hang out by my daughter and the little memories that keep cropping up amongst us all. They will remain alive in the beauty of the actions and souls of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and G-d willing, in the generations to come.
I miss them more than any words I can write will ever express but I thank G-d for the memories and the anniversaries as it gives me a moment to slow down and purposely think of them. I love and miss you, Pop, Nellie. May you watch over us all and keep us on the good side of G-d! Gotta go - the tears are at it again.
Your Esty.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
DIVIDED WE STAND (MARK LEIBOVICH)
I have a love/hate relationship with the NY Times. At times I love that it has liberal social tendencies, yet hate its foreign viewpoints, particularly those towards Israel which I feel are slanted against it, asking from it the impossible. However, to be fair, at times it has a turn of phrase that just does it to a T. The title of this posting and a paraphrase from it work just so well that I stopped my unpacking and set down to writing (tough, Gracie).
Charles Krauthammer coined a particular phrase to describe anti George W. Bush fanatics and I am borrowing it for our new phrase - "Malcontent Derangement Syndrome" which is defined as "the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, ......nay - the very existence of the Malcontents." To put it in other words, this syndrome defines a group of people who might seem normal on the outside but who dislike this particular group of people so much that they are irrational and even perhaps unhinged, so can we ask, you malcontent haters - is there something seriously going on with you???
Now here is the joke of all this and be patient as I ramble on thru (is that the right word, Gracie?). After reading through some historical documents and perusing some classic novels, in particular those of Theodore Dreiser and Jane Austen as well as Solzhenitsyn, it appears that this unhinged group of people are actually self hating individuals for THEY are the true malcontents. Yes, that is so.
Reformers and reformists are those who try to improve society, make it a better, kinder society, a saner world, especially for those who need help. That is what WE are trying to do here with our blogs, our "shout out" to the Villagers about issues in the Village that must be addressed. It is the true malcontents who cause trouble.
So who are they? Why, they are the ones who see a working place where all are invited to volunteer and participate, contribute time and ideas, mental and physical efforts, who see a place where financial sanity is a most important topic and goal, who see a place where there are priorities and good money is not thrown after bad - and then try to wreck it all, destroy it. These are the true malcontents of CV. These are the people who try to squelch all opposition, who threaten to call the cops on anyone who disagrees (anyone hear Deutschland uber alles here?) These are the malcontents who hate a society wherein people strive to be fair, to be good, to be honest and caring, to be fiscally conservative with the money of others. These are the people who have issues with their own selves, with their own self importance and who cannot function unless they put others down.
Read the novels and authors I mentioned above and see who are the malcontents. They are the ones who at first seem to be nice, pleasant, contributing people, but my, oh my, they are not and slowly their true colors are revealed.
Well, people, the true colors of our actual malcontents are right out there, glaring and blaring in the sun. They scream. They throw tantrums. They spy. They take pictures and then say oh, no, it was not our idea. It was Eva's. It is for safety. Really? So if someone loses a phone in the Clubhouse and claims theft, are you then going to raid the apts. of all those who entered the building that day? Will you call in SEAT teams to break down doors? Or better yet -DO YOU HAVE OTHER SECRET CAMERAS IN THE BUILDING AND IF SO, WHERER ARE THEY? COME CLEAN BECAUSE WE CAN JUST AS EASILY CALL IN OUR OWN EXPERT TO FIND THEM.
YOU SEE, PEOPLE, TRUE MALCONTENTS DO NOT HAVE YOUR WELFARE AT HEART AND CANNOT HIDE THEIR TRUE CHARACTERS. THEY WILL OUT, LIKE IT OR NOT. So come join the reformists of the Village who are fighting valiantly for YOU, to save the Village from the harmful effects and consequences of the true malcontents - DAVID ISRAEL, ED BLACK, PETER CRUZ, MARC V, JOY VESTAL, MYRON SILVERMAN, GRACIE MACKLIN, ELAINE BROWN AND ALL OTHERS WHO AID AND ABET THEM.
Charles Krauthammer coined a particular phrase to describe anti George W. Bush fanatics and I am borrowing it for our new phrase - "Malcontent Derangement Syndrome" which is defined as "the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, ......nay - the very existence of the Malcontents." To put it in other words, this syndrome defines a group of people who might seem normal on the outside but who dislike this particular group of people so much that they are irrational and even perhaps unhinged, so can we ask, you malcontent haters - is there something seriously going on with you???
Now here is the joke of all this and be patient as I ramble on thru (is that the right word, Gracie?). After reading through some historical documents and perusing some classic novels, in particular those of Theodore Dreiser and Jane Austen as well as Solzhenitsyn, it appears that this unhinged group of people are actually self hating individuals for THEY are the true malcontents. Yes, that is so.
Reformers and reformists are those who try to improve society, make it a better, kinder society, a saner world, especially for those who need help. That is what WE are trying to do here with our blogs, our "shout out" to the Villagers about issues in the Village that must be addressed. It is the true malcontents who cause trouble.
So who are they? Why, they are the ones who see a working place where all are invited to volunteer and participate, contribute time and ideas, mental and physical efforts, who see a place where financial sanity is a most important topic and goal, who see a place where there are priorities and good money is not thrown after bad - and then try to wreck it all, destroy it. These are the true malcontents of CV. These are the people who try to squelch all opposition, who threaten to call the cops on anyone who disagrees (anyone hear Deutschland uber alles here?) These are the malcontents who hate a society wherein people strive to be fair, to be good, to be honest and caring, to be fiscally conservative with the money of others. These are the people who have issues with their own selves, with their own self importance and who cannot function unless they put others down.
Read the novels and authors I mentioned above and see who are the malcontents. They are the ones who at first seem to be nice, pleasant, contributing people, but my, oh my, they are not and slowly their true colors are revealed.
Well, people, the true colors of our actual malcontents are right out there, glaring and blaring in the sun. They scream. They throw tantrums. They spy. They take pictures and then say oh, no, it was not our idea. It was Eva's. It is for safety. Really? So if someone loses a phone in the Clubhouse and claims theft, are you then going to raid the apts. of all those who entered the building that day? Will you call in SEAT teams to break down doors? Or better yet -DO YOU HAVE OTHER SECRET CAMERAS IN THE BUILDING AND IF SO, WHERER ARE THEY? COME CLEAN BECAUSE WE CAN JUST AS EASILY CALL IN OUR OWN EXPERT TO FIND THEM.
YOU SEE, PEOPLE, TRUE MALCONTENTS DO NOT HAVE YOUR WELFARE AT HEART AND CANNOT HIDE THEIR TRUE CHARACTERS. THEY WILL OUT, LIKE IT OR NOT. So come join the reformists of the Village who are fighting valiantly for YOU, to save the Village from the harmful effects and consequences of the true malcontents - DAVID ISRAEL, ED BLACK, PETER CRUZ, MARC V, JOY VESTAL, MYRON SILVERMAN, GRACIE MACKLIN, ELAINE BROWN AND ALL OTHERS WHO AID AND ABET THEM.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
J'ACCUSE - CENTURY VILLGE STYLE
When I look round our village or think about it, I wonder if we will ever be free of its damages, of its bad leaders, ever be able to fix it back, the way it should be. I hear the nursery rhyme, "All the King's men and all the King's horses...."
There is no doubt that it will be a tough haul, but the deeds and actions of Israel and Black have led them to bury themselves. I have just finished reading Dead Wake, the book about the last crossing of the liner Lusitania and realized that all these people, including Churchill, Wilson and various officers and functionaries on both sides of the war had alternative motives and for one reason or another conspired by acts of omission and commission, to sink this ship with a loss of lives close to 1,200 people - men, women, and children, so many children.
Well, fellow residents, the actions of our present UCO, the officers and the henchmen, the stooges, the "irrelevants" who stand around and do nothing, say nothing when they are eyewitnesses to the dastardly deeds- these actions have all led us to one point - right where we are now.
Sir Edward Grey said about WWI, "The lights are going out all over Europe, ...We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime." Thankfully he was wrong, but millions died and for nothing but stupidity.
Well, folks, j'accuse us of doing the same thing, of standing by and letting others ruin our lives and homes.
J'ACCUSE Israel and Black of ulterior motives, of personal wishes driving their deeds as affects UCO and the Village.
J'accuse Israel and Black of behavior dangerously close to the line when they set up unlicensed, unpublished actions and setups to take photos of citizens of CV - without their knowledge.
J'accuse Israel and Black of planning financial harm to our Village with their plans for broadband.
Yes, my dear friends, thanks to a good friend I know what happened in that travesty of a meeting on broadband. Israel and Black wished to ram through the Wi Fi plans, this time putting all in the hands of one system with an untried company with no competitive bids, a company that was totally confused at the vehement opposition and the history that they knew nothing about. They were shocked at the dislike, intense dislike and mistrust, of Israel and Black, people walked out
and nothing was accomplished from Israel's point of view. Where does he get the right to do this. Here he states that UCO cannot order associations to do anything, so he cops out on helping them with advice, yet here he is ordering the associations to bow under to his program and plan.
J'accuse Israel and Black of attempting to control more of our lives by putting all our electronic and web needs in one place - where he can get at it. And for what nefarious purpose, I ask. How can we possibly trust this man and his partner.
J'accuse Israel and Black of non adherence to the Florida Sunshine Laws by having secret meetings, parts of contracts and plans of which the delegate were not informed and much to the purpose of spying on the residents. For what? You fill in that blank.
J'accuse Israel and Black of refusing to turn over papers that were requested and insisting on keeping UCO as an opaque institution, rather than a transparent one.
J'accuse Israel and Black of planning our financial downfall by planning to drop Comcast when we still owe them money, over a million dollars doorway fees. And how will we pay this? By stealing from the infrastructure reserve? By letting our roads continue to deteriorate until we are living a real country life with unpaved muddy roads?
J'accuse Israel and Black of perverting the media arenas of the Village which BELONG to the residents and using them to hound his opponents, to subvert them for his personal campaigns of persecution - yes, persecution.
J'accuse Israel and Black of taking on authority that they are not entitled to and Black has no official position nor right in the first place. No one elected him.
J'accuse all the people of the Village who allow this situation to continue, who need to go to the pool, are too tired or too afraid, or who have to go to the doctor or whatever excuse one makes. The pools and the courts and the shows and the clubs and the movies all will not be here if we are broke and broken.
Come stand up with us, a growing group, no longer a minority, but challenging the numbers. Come stand with us as we try to save our homes and get rid of this inept, no, worse, evilly planning duo and their stooges and hanger-ons.'Come stand with us and save your Village.
There is no doubt that it will be a tough haul, but the deeds and actions of Israel and Black have led them to bury themselves. I have just finished reading Dead Wake, the book about the last crossing of the liner Lusitania and realized that all these people, including Churchill, Wilson and various officers and functionaries on both sides of the war had alternative motives and for one reason or another conspired by acts of omission and commission, to sink this ship with a loss of lives close to 1,200 people - men, women, and children, so many children.
Well, fellow residents, the actions of our present UCO, the officers and the henchmen, the stooges, the "irrelevants" who stand around and do nothing, say nothing when they are eyewitnesses to the dastardly deeds- these actions have all led us to one point - right where we are now.
Sir Edward Grey said about WWI, "The lights are going out all over Europe, ...We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime." Thankfully he was wrong, but millions died and for nothing but stupidity.
Well, folks, j'accuse us of doing the same thing, of standing by and letting others ruin our lives and homes.
J'ACCUSE Israel and Black of ulterior motives, of personal wishes driving their deeds as affects UCO and the Village.
J'accuse Israel and Black of behavior dangerously close to the line when they set up unlicensed, unpublished actions and setups to take photos of citizens of CV - without their knowledge.
J'accuse Israel and Black of planning financial harm to our Village with their plans for broadband.
Yes, my dear friends, thanks to a good friend I know what happened in that travesty of a meeting on broadband. Israel and Black wished to ram through the Wi Fi plans, this time putting all in the hands of one system with an untried company with no competitive bids, a company that was totally confused at the vehement opposition and the history that they knew nothing about. They were shocked at the dislike, intense dislike and mistrust, of Israel and Black, people walked out
and nothing was accomplished from Israel's point of view. Where does he get the right to do this. Here he states that UCO cannot order associations to do anything, so he cops out on helping them with advice, yet here he is ordering the associations to bow under to his program and plan.
J'accuse Israel and Black of attempting to control more of our lives by putting all our electronic and web needs in one place - where he can get at it. And for what nefarious purpose, I ask. How can we possibly trust this man and his partner.
J'accuse Israel and Black of non adherence to the Florida Sunshine Laws by having secret meetings, parts of contracts and plans of which the delegate were not informed and much to the purpose of spying on the residents. For what? You fill in that blank.
J'accuse Israel and Black of refusing to turn over papers that were requested and insisting on keeping UCO as an opaque institution, rather than a transparent one.
J'accuse Israel and Black of planning our financial downfall by planning to drop Comcast when we still owe them money, over a million dollars doorway fees. And how will we pay this? By stealing from the infrastructure reserve? By letting our roads continue to deteriorate until we are living a real country life with unpaved muddy roads?
J'accuse Israel and Black of perverting the media arenas of the Village which BELONG to the residents and using them to hound his opponents, to subvert them for his personal campaigns of persecution - yes, persecution.
J'accuse Israel and Black of taking on authority that they are not entitled to and Black has no official position nor right in the first place. No one elected him.
J'accuse all the people of the Village who allow this situation to continue, who need to go to the pool, are too tired or too afraid, or who have to go to the doctor or whatever excuse one makes. The pools and the courts and the shows and the clubs and the movies all will not be here if we are broke and broken.
Come stand up with us, a growing group, no longer a minority, but challenging the numbers. Come stand with us as we try to save our homes and get rid of this inept, no, worse, evilly planning duo and their stooges and hanger-ons.'Come stand with us and save your Village.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
HAVE WE REACHED A NEW LOW?
This post is one from Dorothy and contains relevant comments, ones which we should take seriously and ask ourselves the same ones. This bad stuff coming out of UCO must come to an end.
The abusive comments posted on “David’s Blog” seem to me to be unnecessary. Is the pot calling the kettle black? Are we not adults? Then if the answer to that is yes, why are we behaving like children?
All one has to do is refer to the UCO By-Laws as available to all via “David’s Blog”
UCO’S PURPOSE
Section III specifically states the PURPOSE of UCO. Sub-sections B, C and F go into detail that relates to some of the issues faced by at least two associations; both of which have been asking/begging for help and/or guidance.
Section F specifically incorporates the words - “. . . may act as mediator . . . “. I would venture to state that to me this is clear as a bell. The present administra-tion is not responding and the various comments on “David’s Blog” are downright insulting and way off base if you read Section F.
ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER
Here we need to look at Section IX; sub-section E wherein this particular issue is specifically addressed and includes the words “. . . shall be followed . . . “
Surely our elected officers – who, by the way, apparently did a fantastic job of having a dumpster moved – can be expected to act as adults without prejudice.
DOROTHY TETRO
The abusive comments posted on “David’s Blog” seem to me to be unnecessary. Is the pot calling the kettle black? Are we not adults? Then if the answer to that is yes, why are we behaving like children?
All one has to do is refer to the UCO By-Laws as available to all via “David’s Blog”
UCO’S PURPOSE
Section III specifically states the PURPOSE of UCO. Sub-sections B, C and F go into detail that relates to some of the issues faced by at least two associations; both of which have been asking/begging for help and/or guidance.
Section F specifically incorporates the words - “. . . may act as mediator . . . “. I would venture to state that to me this is clear as a bell. The present administra-tion is not responding and the various comments on “David’s Blog” are downright insulting and way off base if you read Section F.
ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER
Here we need to look at Section IX; sub-section E wherein this particular issue is specifically addressed and includes the words “. . . shall be followed . . . “
Surely our elected officers – who, by the way, apparently did a fantastic job of having a dumpster moved – can be expected to act as adults without prejudice.
DOROTHY TETRO
I WARNED YOU, AGAIN AND AGAIN - REALITY?
Months and months ago I spoke of the increasing signs of Big Brother in CV. I spoke of the hooks and grips that David Israel had in too many aspects of Village life. And for that, I have been demonized, called a liar, told I am exaggerating, that I should move and much, much more. I am told that I do not deserve to live here - nice thought that since the desire to expel opponents is a Fascist tendency. In fact, inane Gracie dear, I love it here and have said so many times. However, not so amazing Grace, you and others like you are killing the Village by allowing people such as what we now have to get into power and remain there.
Tantrums in the assembly. Shouts at people, be it at the assembly or in the very halls of UCO, are one thing, and bad enough, but now, to hear what is going on - BIG BROTHER HAS TRULY HIT US HERE IN THE VILLAGE.
WE NOW HAVE PICTURE TAKING IN THE CLUBHOUSE.
I asked over and over again why there were so many cameras in the contract and where were they going? Answer? Not forthcoming. I asked why we needed cameras at the gates when obviously they were doing nothing about stopping illegal and unwanted entries so what the hell were they there for?
They were there to spy on you and me , on US, so the little man in the back room and his bosom buddy, He Who Shall Not Be Named - could see who was coming in to the Village, not to safeguard us, but to keep track of our comings and goings. Suddenly we have to walk up to the infirm and near blind and hold the pass directly in front of their eyes as well? Screw that! I will walk in the way I always do, flash my pass and hold a paper in front of my face, for it is against the law to do what they are doing.
I urge all of you to do as I will for this is a WPRF violation as well. Inundate Eva with phone calls for if she says no, it will stop, but if she says yes, then suits can be forthcoming against her and her parent organization, the Levys and I do not think they will be happy. DOES mARK LEVY EVEN KNOW ABOUT THESE CAMERAS. I WOULD BET NO.
I personally will inform my lawyer to add this to the litany of issues that I have with David Israel as president of UCO and the violations of the Florida Sunshine law in this as well. Where and when was the meeting for this and where is the vaunted tape of it? Non existent, for this is a crime under the law.
What is next? Implanted GPS trackers under our skins? Laugh if you wish, but this man is allegedly mad, delusional, paranoid, with tendencies towards criminal type behavior and thoughts.
It is time for him to go NOW, RIGHT NOW.
Demand your rights and refuse all violations of those rights.
Stand up to him and Ed Black.
Demand an open and transparent UCO.
Demand that the cameras be removed, that the contract with Kent be abrogated.
Demand that we witness the removal of those cameras and that the two of them swear in front of lawyers and sign a statement to the effect that they will never replace those or any other cameras for the purpose of spying on the residents and the residents will be the ones to decide that.
People, this is enough tampering with our reality, our sanity, our lives, our rights.
Get this man gone - NOW!!!!!!
Tantrums in the assembly. Shouts at people, be it at the assembly or in the very halls of UCO, are one thing, and bad enough, but now, to hear what is going on - BIG BROTHER HAS TRULY HIT US HERE IN THE VILLAGE.
WE NOW HAVE PICTURE TAKING IN THE CLUBHOUSE.
I asked over and over again why there were so many cameras in the contract and where were they going? Answer? Not forthcoming. I asked why we needed cameras at the gates when obviously they were doing nothing about stopping illegal and unwanted entries so what the hell were they there for?
They were there to spy on you and me , on US, so the little man in the back room and his bosom buddy, He Who Shall Not Be Named - could see who was coming in to the Village, not to safeguard us, but to keep track of our comings and goings. Suddenly we have to walk up to the infirm and near blind and hold the pass directly in front of their eyes as well? Screw that! I will walk in the way I always do, flash my pass and hold a paper in front of my face, for it is against the law to do what they are doing.
I urge all of you to do as I will for this is a WPRF violation as well. Inundate Eva with phone calls for if she says no, it will stop, but if she says yes, then suits can be forthcoming against her and her parent organization, the Levys and I do not think they will be happy. DOES mARK LEVY EVEN KNOW ABOUT THESE CAMERAS. I WOULD BET NO.
I personally will inform my lawyer to add this to the litany of issues that I have with David Israel as president of UCO and the violations of the Florida Sunshine law in this as well. Where and when was the meeting for this and where is the vaunted tape of it? Non existent, for this is a crime under the law.
What is next? Implanted GPS trackers under our skins? Laugh if you wish, but this man is allegedly mad, delusional, paranoid, with tendencies towards criminal type behavior and thoughts.
It is time for him to go NOW, RIGHT NOW.
Demand your rights and refuse all violations of those rights.
Stand up to him and Ed Black.
Demand an open and transparent UCO.
Demand that the cameras be removed, that the contract with Kent be abrogated.
Demand that we witness the removal of those cameras and that the two of them swear in front of lawyers and sign a statement to the effect that they will never replace those or any other cameras for the purpose of spying on the residents and the residents will be the ones to decide that.
People, this is enough tampering with our reality, our sanity, our lives, our rights.
Get this man gone - NOW!!!!!!
THE SUSPENSION OF REALITY
Sometimes reality needs to be suspended. It is when one is sitting holding on for dear life, waiting to go down a "drop" on a ride, mumbling frantically, This isn't real. This isn't real." It is when one calmly waits on line for an hour and a half, talks with strangers and the kids wonder just where that impatient woman who needs things done NOW went to.
On the other hand, when reality of a surprise overnight stay at The Boardwalk, a place I have been dying to go to but could not, and because of an error of a double booking or some such thing, turns into a stunning two room suite with a Jacuzzi and complete kitchen etc., well, reality is truly sweet. And when we text the kids, suddenly we have an impromptu family picnic as we watch the fireworks from the huge balcony and have a stunning view of the "golf ball" at nite, well, reality does not get better than that.
BUT, when reality is unbelievable, then we need to not only watch that it does not get suspended or turned into a fantasy world, but that indeed we fix that reality. When a supposed "leader" appears to have delusions of the rights of dictatorship, when he feels that HE, and HE alone, controls the reins of administration here in the Village, then reality must be fixed and someone's delusions of grandeur erased.
One cannot have it both ways either in a realistic reality. One day we are being told, no, scolded, as children, screamed at by one person who throws tantrums in public and does not have a parent to swat his behind, and the next we are being told that , "Oh, no, one cannot tell the associations what to do." Huh?
And besides, no one wants UCO to "tell" us what to do. That is exactly the point, but what we do want is for UCO to do its job. Help the associations and guide them, else what are you there for? To spend our money on wasteful or misguided projects? To bring in security firms that do not do their jobs? To see to it that we have strange waterways? To watch our CV go down the tubes because you will not heed the cry of a resident who is worried, frantic about the antics of her president? For sure, you can reach out to her, guide her as to what she can do to alleviate the situation, give her advice and even reach out to the president to talk with him. But YOU DO NOT and then send your shills to print insults with incorrect data by the way, saying, oh, no, UCO cannot do that.
Well, yes it can, and yes, it should, but that would require a hard and true reality while the current UCO wants only to do with its own sickly reality it has devised for itself. The problem is, dear people, that this "reality" is killing ours. It is presenting us with a reality that will destroy us as venial, trivial, and even nasty, mean spirited and worse, people will populate our UCO and we will be the victims. So many of you have finally spoken up; the time has come for action. Come to the DA. You are allowed to speak, delegate or not. You are allowed to voice your opinion and disapproval or approval over proposed projects and over the ridiculous infantile behavior of he chair.
By the way, sitting down with a person, presenting a summary of a conversation with someone, indicating the steps that can be taken, having a followup meeting or call, is a far better way of doing things, then just scolding one in public and telling them they should know what to do. The point is - they don't, and they are overwhelmed. This is how an executive or administrator does things and this is how situations improve. Life experience of working with people, supervising them, clearly says so, while a computer communing does not. Life is OUT HERE, Mr. Israel, et al, and not inside that building and your computers.
And, by the way, our troubled resident of Salisbury E, please contact my husband after the weekend and he will help you. We had our own issues with an abandoned apartment and we worked on it and did what we could. We have a super board and a great building and with a bit of help I am sure you can help turn your association around - despite all the abuse you have taken for posting on that other blog.
People, reality can be great. It does not have to be suspended. We do not need to allow Nero to keep fiddling. Term limits, incompetence impeached and/or thrown out, turned away in all its personifications, and a sweet reality is just around the corner with cooperation and some hard corrective working of a new and better reality.
On the other hand, when reality of a surprise overnight stay at The Boardwalk, a place I have been dying to go to but could not, and because of an error of a double booking or some such thing, turns into a stunning two room suite with a Jacuzzi and complete kitchen etc., well, reality is truly sweet. And when we text the kids, suddenly we have an impromptu family picnic as we watch the fireworks from the huge balcony and have a stunning view of the "golf ball" at nite, well, reality does not get better than that.
BUT, when reality is unbelievable, then we need to not only watch that it does not get suspended or turned into a fantasy world, but that indeed we fix that reality. When a supposed "leader" appears to have delusions of the rights of dictatorship, when he feels that HE, and HE alone, controls the reins of administration here in the Village, then reality must be fixed and someone's delusions of grandeur erased.
One cannot have it both ways either in a realistic reality. One day we are being told, no, scolded, as children, screamed at by one person who throws tantrums in public and does not have a parent to swat his behind, and the next we are being told that , "Oh, no, one cannot tell the associations what to do." Huh?
And besides, no one wants UCO to "tell" us what to do. That is exactly the point, but what we do want is for UCO to do its job. Help the associations and guide them, else what are you there for? To spend our money on wasteful or misguided projects? To bring in security firms that do not do their jobs? To see to it that we have strange waterways? To watch our CV go down the tubes because you will not heed the cry of a resident who is worried, frantic about the antics of her president? For sure, you can reach out to her, guide her as to what she can do to alleviate the situation, give her advice and even reach out to the president to talk with him. But YOU DO NOT and then send your shills to print insults with incorrect data by the way, saying, oh, no, UCO cannot do that.
Well, yes it can, and yes, it should, but that would require a hard and true reality while the current UCO wants only to do with its own sickly reality it has devised for itself. The problem is, dear people, that this "reality" is killing ours. It is presenting us with a reality that will destroy us as venial, trivial, and even nasty, mean spirited and worse, people will populate our UCO and we will be the victims. So many of you have finally spoken up; the time has come for action. Come to the DA. You are allowed to speak, delegate or not. You are allowed to voice your opinion and disapproval or approval over proposed projects and over the ridiculous infantile behavior of he chair.
By the way, sitting down with a person, presenting a summary of a conversation with someone, indicating the steps that can be taken, having a followup meeting or call, is a far better way of doing things, then just scolding one in public and telling them they should know what to do. The point is - they don't, and they are overwhelmed. This is how an executive or administrator does things and this is how situations improve. Life experience of working with people, supervising them, clearly says so, while a computer communing does not. Life is OUT HERE, Mr. Israel, et al, and not inside that building and your computers.
And, by the way, our troubled resident of Salisbury E, please contact my husband after the weekend and he will help you. We had our own issues with an abandoned apartment and we worked on it and did what we could. We have a super board and a great building and with a bit of help I am sure you can help turn your association around - despite all the abuse you have taken for posting on that other blog.
People, reality can be great. It does not have to be suspended. We do not need to allow Nero to keep fiddling. Term limits, incompetence impeached and/or thrown out, turned away in all its personifications, and a sweet reality is just around the corner with cooperation and some hard corrective working of a new and better reality.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
NERO FIDDLES AGAIN
Diogenes is visiting his friend's website or blog, hoping that the search for truth will be fulfilled here. Well, we search for the truth but we are just as frustrated as he is.
Nero fiddles while his city burned and our particular Nero fiddles while CV burns, figuratively. Instead of concentrating on the major issues that confront us, the existential threat to our very continued existence, our Nero whiles away his time with Wi Fi and broadband, with working to make sure his "enemies" disappear, with controlling all that is within his realm, never mind the laws of the larger empire wherein CV resides, that of the USA, and ignores the cries for help from associations that are being deluged with troubles, with enemy invasions, until the situation is almost beyond repair.
Our Nero knew way before anyone else did that Sheffield O was being overrun by the Huns in the form of a ruthless motel operator, out for profit and control. This was fine as long as the operator voted Nero's way and only when the Hun came out in public with a letter attesting to his plans, that Nero was forced to acknowledge what was going on. Diogenes asks if this will be a case of too little too late. Every association board needs to be called in to talk with UCO as to how to avoid this problem. Some do not read the paper and others need hands on help and guidance, but our Nero and his advisor - He Whose Name Shall Not Be Mentioned - fiddle on, worried about their power and the attacks on their ruthless reign and control.
Now Diogenes calls our attention to a new problem that has come out in public and this has been caused by an association president! Even the officers of the realm are becoming corrupt and careless, heedless of the needs of their civilians and constituents. Here we have an officer who is illegally allowing illegal residents to encamp within abandoned units of the realm and the question is raised as to how our vaunted security guards can be allowing them into our demesne when they should not be allowed to do so. How are they getting cards from UCO or are the functionaries of UCO too busy following the fiddling Nero's commands, too busy and too scared to watch out for invading troops and spies, for scouts testing the lay of the land, testing whether the Huns can enter in even larger numbers.
WHERE, OH WHERE, IS OUR NERO? TOO BUSY CREATING HIS "LEGACY"?
Diogenes asks whether anyone has ever heard of a statement by Hubbard, the man who wrote " A Message to Garcia". He asks, "Who is a friend?" He answers, "A friend is one who knows all about you and still loves you." Well, our dearly "beloved" Nero, we know all about you and we sincerely do not love you. We might like you a bit better if you resigned from your imperial office and let us get on with the business of saving our CV. Diogenes agrees and says that here is a definite bit of truth, a fine piece to insert into the legend of his search for the truth.
As an aside, yesterday we went to see the movie, "A Woman in Gold" and we recommend that all go to see it. The story is true and the acting superb. Helen Mirren outdoes herself. There is a telling line within the movie that described the motivations of the Nazis, the Fascists , in the unfolding story and that line was and I paraphrase as I cannot remember the exact wording, "They did not only want to steal our belongings, but wanted to make us disappear." Well, that is the feeling we get here, that our resident adherents to the theories and practices of Fascism also wish to make us disappear, to be non people and hence the total blacklisting and erasure from media and the heavy handed attempts, hysterical in nature, to disallow any contribution at the DA.
Diogenes asks how long with the citizens of this realm allow this situation to go on and here I gave him the sad truth - only time will tell. Diogenes sadly lifted his lantern on high and said goodbye as he continued on in his search for the truth, though he promised to return again soon.
Monday, April 6, 2015
SERIOUS THOUGHTS FOR WPB, D.C. AND THE USA
We live in a scary world, both macro and micro. We have forgotten some truths and as a consequence, have made many bad mistakes and decisions. So, some thinking.
People live and people die. That is a fact. What happens when we get closer to the end is that some grasp at a desperate try to "leave a legacy". Well, people do that all the time, be it as small footprints of love and warmth in a small circle, or larger than that, with inventions, thoughts or even evil deeds. It is when we get desperate that we get in trouble.
Transfer to D.C. Here we have a president whose term is almost up, thank the Lord, and he has failed in just about every attempt to make his mark in the way he wants. His last attempt, in his mind, is the treaty with Iran - big mistake that and some legacy for us here in America and for those in the Middle East. Desperation for a legacy is going to leave us one, all right, but not the one we want or need.
Fear of meaning nothing is what often drives one. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, a brilliant author and thinker, wrote , "It is....fear that makes hearing, reverie, and speech impossible: a defensive rigidity that narrows the channels and closes the apertures."
It is that rigidity, that fear, that appears to be driving our own small president on our own small world and what is worse, it is driving people here in the Village, people who now are openly admitting that they are afraid of being punished by Israel!!! Truly? This is absurd. I have been "punished" - a video pulled, blacklisted at UCO and the Reporter and SO WHAT!!!!!! I have my own blog, speak up where and when I want, write for a growing paper here in the Village, have made some wonderful new friends and am enjoying life, while "the Punisher" cowers in his back office, communing with his computer and Ed Black, and shouts and throws tantrums at the DA. So again, why be afraid. Speak up. Speak out. Do not let fear paralyze you, close all your openings to a good and even great life.
Was Olga's article a bit on the strong side? So what? This woman has been standing up for years with no one or very few beside her. That is courage. People who sit in the DA and boo and chant upon signal, who can actually say that Olga was ranting when it was David Israel who kept saying, sit down, out of order, who called hysterically for 911 - is he for real? I could not stop laughing and cheering Olga on as I watched it. He says he runs by Robert's Rules, yet does not allow point of order or for the rules when he opposes it. What a jerk! Olga has had it and so have many other people and that includes me. Why must I hire a lawyer to get him to release papers that we all have a right to see, that is required by law, to be open to all members of UCO.
Courage is defined as "to confront the reality of mortality, the courage to seek out the truth of what is to be feared and what is to be hoped.....to act on that truth we find." (Atul Gawande in Being Mortal). People, we all need to find that courage, to stand up for our rights, to be able to speak up when we wish and as allowed by law. We need to seek out our truth and act upon it. We are not to be threatened with 911, the sheriff or anybody else. Big Al cannot lay a hand on you and neither can any of the other security guards and neither can David Israel. Let him try and we can all visit him in County jail.
Perhaps David Israel once had good thoughts and aims, but they are certainly gone now. In next month's paper, run by his puppet, Joy Vestal, there is supposed to be an article by Hugh Green on the progress of broadband here in the Village. Again with the Wi Fi? It was voted down, down, down and yet here we are - again. OUT OF ORDER, MR. ISRAEL. Then there is to be an article about the Four Freedoms. Really? Talk about hypocrisy in the first degree!!!!!
There is an old Romany (Gypsy) proverb which says, "When the road bends, it's hard to walk straight." David Israel's road has bent and curved onto itself. It has trapped people within its loops, cruelly so, depriving them of their rights, proper usage of funds and proper roles in decision making. Threats abound - for arrest, for removal, for punishment, even vowing to use his computer skills upon people. C'mon! How much of this are we to take and sit still? Be above reproach? I don't think so. Sometimes the big stick is needed when soft speech does not work. Tough talk, plain talk is what has gotten people to wake up here, not nearly enough, but that tough and plain talk is our big stick and it is working. If one is too delicate to hear the reality of things, then go hide, but we will not. We need to straighten out the road and have our officials walk straight - with us and with their G-d.
To close, I borrow from a friend's prayer or litany - "Ora pro nobis. Pray for us." We are in the right, so come and join. Let us right our Village and leave our own legacy for the future generations of Villagers. If we do not - there will not be a CV. Think about that. Courage can conquer all.
People live and people die. That is a fact. What happens when we get closer to the end is that some grasp at a desperate try to "leave a legacy". Well, people do that all the time, be it as small footprints of love and warmth in a small circle, or larger than that, with inventions, thoughts or even evil deeds. It is when we get desperate that we get in trouble.
Transfer to D.C. Here we have a president whose term is almost up, thank the Lord, and he has failed in just about every attempt to make his mark in the way he wants. His last attempt, in his mind, is the treaty with Iran - big mistake that and some legacy for us here in America and for those in the Middle East. Desperation for a legacy is going to leave us one, all right, but not the one we want or need.
Fear of meaning nothing is what often drives one. Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, a brilliant author and thinker, wrote , "It is....fear that makes hearing, reverie, and speech impossible: a defensive rigidity that narrows the channels and closes the apertures."
It is that rigidity, that fear, that appears to be driving our own small president on our own small world and what is worse, it is driving people here in the Village, people who now are openly admitting that they are afraid of being punished by Israel!!! Truly? This is absurd. I have been "punished" - a video pulled, blacklisted at UCO and the Reporter and SO WHAT!!!!!! I have my own blog, speak up where and when I want, write for a growing paper here in the Village, have made some wonderful new friends and am enjoying life, while "the Punisher" cowers in his back office, communing with his computer and Ed Black, and shouts and throws tantrums at the DA. So again, why be afraid. Speak up. Speak out. Do not let fear paralyze you, close all your openings to a good and even great life.
Was Olga's article a bit on the strong side? So what? This woman has been standing up for years with no one or very few beside her. That is courage. People who sit in the DA and boo and chant upon signal, who can actually say that Olga was ranting when it was David Israel who kept saying, sit down, out of order, who called hysterically for 911 - is he for real? I could not stop laughing and cheering Olga on as I watched it. He says he runs by Robert's Rules, yet does not allow point of order or for the rules when he opposes it. What a jerk! Olga has had it and so have many other people and that includes me. Why must I hire a lawyer to get him to release papers that we all have a right to see, that is required by law, to be open to all members of UCO.
Courage is defined as "to confront the reality of mortality, the courage to seek out the truth of what is to be feared and what is to be hoped.....to act on that truth we find." (Atul Gawande in Being Mortal). People, we all need to find that courage, to stand up for our rights, to be able to speak up when we wish and as allowed by law. We need to seek out our truth and act upon it. We are not to be threatened with 911, the sheriff or anybody else. Big Al cannot lay a hand on you and neither can any of the other security guards and neither can David Israel. Let him try and we can all visit him in County jail.
Perhaps David Israel once had good thoughts and aims, but they are certainly gone now. In next month's paper, run by his puppet, Joy Vestal, there is supposed to be an article by Hugh Green on the progress of broadband here in the Village. Again with the Wi Fi? It was voted down, down, down and yet here we are - again. OUT OF ORDER, MR. ISRAEL. Then there is to be an article about the Four Freedoms. Really? Talk about hypocrisy in the first degree!!!!!
There is an old Romany (Gypsy) proverb which says, "When the road bends, it's hard to walk straight." David Israel's road has bent and curved onto itself. It has trapped people within its loops, cruelly so, depriving them of their rights, proper usage of funds and proper roles in decision making. Threats abound - for arrest, for removal, for punishment, even vowing to use his computer skills upon people. C'mon! How much of this are we to take and sit still? Be above reproach? I don't think so. Sometimes the big stick is needed when soft speech does not work. Tough talk, plain talk is what has gotten people to wake up here, not nearly enough, but that tough and plain talk is our big stick and it is working. If one is too delicate to hear the reality of things, then go hide, but we will not. We need to straighten out the road and have our officials walk straight - with us and with their G-d.
To close, I borrow from a friend's prayer or litany - "Ora pro nobis. Pray for us." We are in the right, so come and join. Let us right our Village and leave our own legacy for the future generations of Villagers. If we do not - there will not be a CV. Think about that. Courage can conquer all.
Friday, April 3, 2015
WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPENED?
Well, it seems I missed quite a bit today at the DA which never should have been held today anyway out of respect for those who observe the holidays. But this is only symbolic and representative of the disrespect that this administration shows or displays toward the residents of the Village.
In addition, the temper tantrum is also a great big sign that there is something seriously wrong with the man. No Channel 63, no meetings allowed, no debates, and now, one is not allowed to speak up, properly, at the correct time, with a relevant issue if that issue is one that he does not approve. I have written already that the CV Messenger paper is well distributed and is growing. You see, the truth will out no matter how hard one tries to hide it, bury it.
When one man cannot deal with criticism, cannot deal with opposition, does all he can to shut all opposition down and then throws a tantrum when he is not successful, when all do not bow down in obeisance to him, then how can we believe one word he says, one thought he puts down on paper. WHY DOES HE ALWAYS THREATEN THE USE OF FORCE. FASCISM AND ITS UGLY HEAD AFGAIN? Leaders, mature and sensitive, capable leaders, do not throw tantrums, do not feel the whole world is against him, does not subscribe to the formerly shouted theMe of The 60's - the whole world is watching.
So now perhaps it is understood why I requested the hard copy ballots of the election. And why he is so adamant in his refusal. Ask yourselves what is the big deAl - just allow the viewing and if not, what are you hiding?
For the next two days I will be observing holiday, not on the computer at all. Read some older postings and more recent ones you might have missed. Enjoy your holidays and take some time to reflect over the meaning of freedom, of responsibility, of true faith and justice.
In addition, the temper tantrum is also a great big sign that there is something seriously wrong with the man. No Channel 63, no meetings allowed, no debates, and now, one is not allowed to speak up, properly, at the correct time, with a relevant issue if that issue is one that he does not approve. I have written already that the CV Messenger paper is well distributed and is growing. You see, the truth will out no matter how hard one tries to hide it, bury it.
When one man cannot deal with criticism, cannot deal with opposition, does all he can to shut all opposition down and then throws a tantrum when he is not successful, when all do not bow down in obeisance to him, then how can we believe one word he says, one thought he puts down on paper. WHY DOES HE ALWAYS THREATEN THE USE OF FORCE. FASCISM AND ITS UGLY HEAD AFGAIN? Leaders, mature and sensitive, capable leaders, do not throw tantrums, do not feel the whole world is against him, does not subscribe to the formerly shouted theMe of The 60's - the whole world is watching.
So now perhaps it is understood why I requested the hard copy ballots of the election. And why he is so adamant in his refusal. Ask yourselves what is the big deAl - just allow the viewing and if not, what are you hiding?
For the next two days I will be observing holiday, not on the computer at all. Read some older postings and more recent ones you might have missed. Enjoy your holidays and take some time to reflect over the meaning of freedom, of responsibility, of true faith and justice.
THE WORLD FALLS OFF ITS AXIS
Connection difficult, so please excuse errors.
Yesterday the world went berserk. We have been getting bad news recently but always hoped that things would improve, but yesterday was a mess. And I must say that we. the United States, has a large role in making this mess!
The world has long ignored genocide when it was convenient to do so. Not our problem, they would say. An internal matter, they would say. Well, what about now? A followup to the Westgate mall slaughter, a college in Kenya is attacked with the absolute open motive of slaughtering Christians and were successful with 147 killed and the world? Nothing!
Al Quaeda goes berserk in Yemen and frees more of their murderous colleagues, including a major leader. The remaining Jews in Yemen, already in a precarious situation are expressing great dread and fear of the future and there are many children in that small remaining remnant. And the world - nothing. This population preceded the Moslems by hundreds of years.
So what else? And why are we responsible for any of this? Easy, because we have wimped out, refused follow thru, fought wars without fighting war, backed down and made red lines which turned all colors but the red it was supposed to be. And our final step? Well, suffice it to say that I now believe in possession as Obama was clearly possessed by the spirit of Neville Chamberlain as he gave away the store to Iran and then is so happy bout it. Never mind that Iran is the chief sponsor of terrorism in the world. Never mind that the State of Israel is now existentially threatened. We have fought wars against many nations before, but NEVER against a nation that openly declares its readiness and willingness to use nuclear bombs against us and since they will not have to give away any materials and have plutonium and have the centrifuges, hey, what the hell, they say. Who will stop us? And the world? Nothing. Half the nations of Europe are salivating at the thought of trade with Iran and the bucks to be made. Might be tainted and stained with blood, but hey, business is business, right?
Then we have the cherry on top with the arrest of three women yesterday threatening to do mass terrorism in our country. It is not difficult. Truly. Security is a joke at many soft targets. When was the last time your bag was inspected at a mall entrance or a college guard stopped you at the gate? We do not want to be bothered. too much shopping. So little time. We need to live our lives so go away.
Well, the world is different today and instead of trying to control all people - no gay rights, no rights for women as they obviously cannot or do not have the brights to make their own decisions about their own bodies, why not take a real look at the world and say something, do something.
But that tendency to ignore what is round us and concentrate on our own lives is endemic to the world. We do that right here in the Village. Ask people leading questions about the Village and what is going on and they will say Huh? Leave me alone; I'm going to the pool, tennis court, petanque or whatever. No one has to live without joy, but remember, without care, the joy will go. At least the messenger newspaper is helping to spread the awareness as are the blogs.
People, we are blessed in that we live here in CV. I love it here but will vote with my feet if we fall much further into the muck and mire of incompetence of the administration and so are and will many others. There is a limit. And what are we to do with our wayward country? Stand up for it. Demand leaders who will lead. Demand strength and pride, determination and no more empty threat and promises. And think very carefully as to whom you will support in the coming Presidential race. Personally, I am quite concerned.
Well, good thing I have the grandchildren here. They will cheer me up and as I look at them and see thinking young adults and caring and sweet children, I do have hope for the future. If only the world will cooperate.
Yesterday the world went berserk. We have been getting bad news recently but always hoped that things would improve, but yesterday was a mess. And I must say that we. the United States, has a large role in making this mess!
The world has long ignored genocide when it was convenient to do so. Not our problem, they would say. An internal matter, they would say. Well, what about now? A followup to the Westgate mall slaughter, a college in Kenya is attacked with the absolute open motive of slaughtering Christians and were successful with 147 killed and the world? Nothing!
Al Quaeda goes berserk in Yemen and frees more of their murderous colleagues, including a major leader. The remaining Jews in Yemen, already in a precarious situation are expressing great dread and fear of the future and there are many children in that small remaining remnant. And the world - nothing. This population preceded the Moslems by hundreds of years.
So what else? And why are we responsible for any of this? Easy, because we have wimped out, refused follow thru, fought wars without fighting war, backed down and made red lines which turned all colors but the red it was supposed to be. And our final step? Well, suffice it to say that I now believe in possession as Obama was clearly possessed by the spirit of Neville Chamberlain as he gave away the store to Iran and then is so happy bout it. Never mind that Iran is the chief sponsor of terrorism in the world. Never mind that the State of Israel is now existentially threatened. We have fought wars against many nations before, but NEVER against a nation that openly declares its readiness and willingness to use nuclear bombs against us and since they will not have to give away any materials and have plutonium and have the centrifuges, hey, what the hell, they say. Who will stop us? And the world? Nothing. Half the nations of Europe are salivating at the thought of trade with Iran and the bucks to be made. Might be tainted and stained with blood, but hey, business is business, right?
Then we have the cherry on top with the arrest of three women yesterday threatening to do mass terrorism in our country. It is not difficult. Truly. Security is a joke at many soft targets. When was the last time your bag was inspected at a mall entrance or a college guard stopped you at the gate? We do not want to be bothered. too much shopping. So little time. We need to live our lives so go away.
Well, the world is different today and instead of trying to control all people - no gay rights, no rights for women as they obviously cannot or do not have the brights to make their own decisions about their own bodies, why not take a real look at the world and say something, do something.
But that tendency to ignore what is round us and concentrate on our own lives is endemic to the world. We do that right here in the Village. Ask people leading questions about the Village and what is going on and they will say Huh? Leave me alone; I'm going to the pool, tennis court, petanque or whatever. No one has to live without joy, but remember, without care, the joy will go. At least the messenger newspaper is helping to spread the awareness as are the blogs.
People, we are blessed in that we live here in CV. I love it here but will vote with my feet if we fall much further into the muck and mire of incompetence of the administration and so are and will many others. There is a limit. And what are we to do with our wayward country? Stand up for it. Demand leaders who will lead. Demand strength and pride, determination and no more empty threat and promises. And think very carefully as to whom you will support in the coming Presidential race. Personally, I am quite concerned.
Well, good thing I have the grandchildren here. They will cheer me up and as I look at them and see thinking young adults and caring and sweet children, I do have hope for the future. If only the world will cooperate.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
WATCHING THE WORLD GO ROUND....
Trying to get this posting in even as I run around with last minute packing and getting on the way to Orlando and latest issue - Turnpike shut northbound after Fort Pierce. Pressure!
Still have food shopping up there!
Well, as I used to tell my students - just look at the world and choose four troublesome spots and then list our test and tell me the least important, so I guess I will take my own advice.
Let's see. The Russian government has shut down the radio stations of the Tatars in the Crimean peninsula and why? Because they want their own station, free to express their thoughts and idea, their own culture. So....no radio stations. Seems to me I have heard this tactic used before and even closer to home. Now what was that again? Hmm......Aha! Got it! Yes, our own Channel 63 shut down for political reasons - a very daring 5 minute book club interview. Oh, my gosh! Golly gee, what were you afraid of in that interview, Ed Black, David Israel? There was not even one mention of you both but aha, there was my image, was there not? Do you know how dumb people think this was? Grow up, fess up, apologize to the Greggs and show appreciation for all their hard work and hey, even put the interview back on for another week or so. Truly....
Then of course we have the madman, Putin, having his planes fly all over the place, playing chicken with NATO nations such as the three Baltic states, Norway, etc. Exactly what is the point here? Does he truly want to start a world war, what with his backing of terrorists in the Middle East and the challenges with his planes, the Crimean invasion, the nervousness of the former occupied countries that were behind the Iron Curtain? It seems that many of the current leaders, and I hesitate to use the term, have gone loco, simply bananas, in their actions and the consequences are horrific if this continues. Same here in CV.
Then of course we have our esteemed leader, Obama, he who shouted, yelled and scolded all involved with the Israeli - Palestinian negotiations, the deadline, the deadline and what did he say today about the negotiations with Iran? Oh, never mind the deadlines. Huh! Did I miss something here?
And of course we now have the ever widening split in the Republican Party as the extremists here who would deny the civil rights of many are coming up, finally, against a backlash of the more moderate Republicans, at least the ones still left. They are coming up against the wrath of companies, of simple people, and even those who postulated these nauseating laws and signed them into action, are now backing down somewhat. You see, the point is that one must think before acting.
Now thinking before acting. That is an interesting thought and idea. It behooves some here in the Village to internalize it and act upon it. You see, what with the blogs and now a possibly weekly paper coming out, carrying the truth with it and being made available at all sorts of areas both in and out of the Village, the truth will out, the people will read and think and ooohhh, maybe we will have our own revolution here in the Village. Power to the people! as we said years ago. As we all share in the joys of the holidays, think about the violence in the world, the existential threat to the Israelis, the existential threat to the Christians in the Moslem states, the violence wreaked upon children by Boko Haram. the violence against women all over the world - and I heartily recommend reading the OP Ed piece by Ron Prosor that can be found either in the Times on line or on Gary's blog. Think about this and then ask Mr. Israel why he cannot strive for peace here in the Village, why he cannot recognize that his time of dictatorship has reached its zenith in the past and is now on its way to its nadir. Why can he not read the writing on the wall and at least try to work well with others. Make believe there is a report card coming out with that category. Does he want a "u" for unsatisfactory or at least an "I" for improving. Time to grow up, man up, get rid of the trash that abounds there, toss out rotten advisers, and meet with the people and hear them, really hear them and not the clacking of your keyboard and the voices in your head. Heed the people. Hear them. Read them.
Still have food shopping up there!
Well, as I used to tell my students - just look at the world and choose four troublesome spots and then list our test and tell me the least important, so I guess I will take my own advice.
Let's see. The Russian government has shut down the radio stations of the Tatars in the Crimean peninsula and why? Because they want their own station, free to express their thoughts and idea, their own culture. So....no radio stations. Seems to me I have heard this tactic used before and even closer to home. Now what was that again? Hmm......Aha! Got it! Yes, our own Channel 63 shut down for political reasons - a very daring 5 minute book club interview. Oh, my gosh! Golly gee, what were you afraid of in that interview, Ed Black, David Israel? There was not even one mention of you both but aha, there was my image, was there not? Do you know how dumb people think this was? Grow up, fess up, apologize to the Greggs and show appreciation for all their hard work and hey, even put the interview back on for another week or so. Truly....
Then of course we have the madman, Putin, having his planes fly all over the place, playing chicken with NATO nations such as the three Baltic states, Norway, etc. Exactly what is the point here? Does he truly want to start a world war, what with his backing of terrorists in the Middle East and the challenges with his planes, the Crimean invasion, the nervousness of the former occupied countries that were behind the Iron Curtain? It seems that many of the current leaders, and I hesitate to use the term, have gone loco, simply bananas, in their actions and the consequences are horrific if this continues. Same here in CV.
Then of course we have our esteemed leader, Obama, he who shouted, yelled and scolded all involved with the Israeli - Palestinian negotiations, the deadline, the deadline and what did he say today about the negotiations with Iran? Oh, never mind the deadlines. Huh! Did I miss something here?
And of course we now have the ever widening split in the Republican Party as the extremists here who would deny the civil rights of many are coming up, finally, against a backlash of the more moderate Republicans, at least the ones still left. They are coming up against the wrath of companies, of simple people, and even those who postulated these nauseating laws and signed them into action, are now backing down somewhat. You see, the point is that one must think before acting.
Now thinking before acting. That is an interesting thought and idea. It behooves some here in the Village to internalize it and act upon it. You see, what with the blogs and now a possibly weekly paper coming out, carrying the truth with it and being made available at all sorts of areas both in and out of the Village, the truth will out, the people will read and think and ooohhh, maybe we will have our own revolution here in the Village. Power to the people! as we said years ago. As we all share in the joys of the holidays, think about the violence in the world, the existential threat to the Israelis, the existential threat to the Christians in the Moslem states, the violence wreaked upon children by Boko Haram. the violence against women all over the world - and I heartily recommend reading the OP Ed piece by Ron Prosor that can be found either in the Times on line or on Gary's blog. Think about this and then ask Mr. Israel why he cannot strive for peace here in the Village, why he cannot recognize that his time of dictatorship has reached its zenith in the past and is now on its way to its nadir. Why can he not read the writing on the wall and at least try to work well with others. Make believe there is a report card coming out with that category. Does he want a "u" for unsatisfactory or at least an "I" for improving. Time to grow up, man up, get rid of the trash that abounds there, toss out rotten advisers, and meet with the people and hear them, really hear them and not the clacking of your keyboard and the voices in your head. Heed the people. Hear them. Read them.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
THE HOLIDAY OF FREEDOM - AND RESPONSIBILITY
The joke goes around that most Jewish holidays can be explained away very simply - they tried to kill us; they did not succeed; let's eat!" This would not work well with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but there is an element of truth here, simplified though it is.
What is not so simple to explain away is the hate that has continued throughout history and time and why, even in countries where there are no Jews or very few, there is still that anti-Semitism , that virulent hatred that has pustules that burst all over the world.
And make no mistake about it. The hatred of anti- Semitism is the same hatred that abounds all over the world in other ways. The Sunni and the Shiites, the Houthis who hate everyone! The irrational hatred of those who are different in any way, real or perceived, the hatred of those whose orientations are other than what is considered the norms - and no matter how much rationality, logic and sense is applied to the problem, there appears to be no end in sight. What seems to have become better suddenly erupts from below the surface and it is ugly!
That is why the holiday of Passover is so meaningful this year. For hundreds of years the Children of Israel had lived in slavery in a land where their ancestor had once saved the country from ruin, where they had once lived in honor and prosperity. Yet they still managed to hang on to at least some of their heritage and some of their courage as they stepped off into the night on their way to the land of their ancestors, promised to them forever. They have never forgotten that promise and fight to keep it still, to this day.
Courage, humanity, decency, hope, all can be crushed, stomped on, until it is almost unrecognizable and yet, and yet,......there it is and will remain. In the depths of the horror of the genocide of WWII, possible survivors, the youngest and the strongest, were urged to survive, to tell the story. Even in that horror where the end goal was a stated mad desire to wipe out all Jewry, all over the world, where the goals and needs of the war were subjugated to this horrific goal, even then there was still that grain of hope , that knowledge that yes, some would survive and we would live once more, to fulfill our destiny and our assignment - to be a light unto the nations.
That light, that assignment, is what has kept us going, kept our faith with our G-d, ourselves and with the world. Tikkun Olam, the fixing of the world, is a commandment, a theme, that runs through our lives and will continue to do so for all eternity.
So when we see the hate that abounds today, the anger, the illogical laws that are passed trying to control all and condemn some to a lower, lesser place within society or even outside of society, we will join in the fray and fight for what is right. Today we have Arkansas trying to pass an even worse bill than Indiana, despite the boycotting and the shame that has hit Indiana. Walmart warns off the state of Arkansas but such is the hatred, the foaming, frothing hatred that people do not listen. And make no bones about it - where one is hated, many more will be included as time goes on. Hatred, prejudice, is like the Blob of the old teen movies. It just grows and consumes all within its path and no good results.
So this year, whether you are at the seder, eating a matza sandwich for lunch, or chasing Easter eggs in the hunt on the lawn, let us all remember the humanity that we share, that we need to further and stress, and perhaps we can all do a better job in making our world, large and small, a better place.
I will be away for the holidays with family and will try to post, but it will be irregular - and remember, the community wiring there is faulty (gee!), but be patient. Thanks.
I wish all a Chag Sameach, a zissen Pesach, a sweet Passover, and a Happy Easter.
Now......let's eat!
What is not so simple to explain away is the hate that has continued throughout history and time and why, even in countries where there are no Jews or very few, there is still that anti-Semitism , that virulent hatred that has pustules that burst all over the world.
And make no mistake about it. The hatred of anti- Semitism is the same hatred that abounds all over the world in other ways. The Sunni and the Shiites, the Houthis who hate everyone! The irrational hatred of those who are different in any way, real or perceived, the hatred of those whose orientations are other than what is considered the norms - and no matter how much rationality, logic and sense is applied to the problem, there appears to be no end in sight. What seems to have become better suddenly erupts from below the surface and it is ugly!
That is why the holiday of Passover is so meaningful this year. For hundreds of years the Children of Israel had lived in slavery in a land where their ancestor had once saved the country from ruin, where they had once lived in honor and prosperity. Yet they still managed to hang on to at least some of their heritage and some of their courage as they stepped off into the night on their way to the land of their ancestors, promised to them forever. They have never forgotten that promise and fight to keep it still, to this day.
Courage, humanity, decency, hope, all can be crushed, stomped on, until it is almost unrecognizable and yet, and yet,......there it is and will remain. In the depths of the horror of the genocide of WWII, possible survivors, the youngest and the strongest, were urged to survive, to tell the story. Even in that horror where the end goal was a stated mad desire to wipe out all Jewry, all over the world, where the goals and needs of the war were subjugated to this horrific goal, even then there was still that grain of hope , that knowledge that yes, some would survive and we would live once more, to fulfill our destiny and our assignment - to be a light unto the nations.
That light, that assignment, is what has kept us going, kept our faith with our G-d, ourselves and with the world. Tikkun Olam, the fixing of the world, is a commandment, a theme, that runs through our lives and will continue to do so for all eternity.
So when we see the hate that abounds today, the anger, the illogical laws that are passed trying to control all and condemn some to a lower, lesser place within society or even outside of society, we will join in the fray and fight for what is right. Today we have Arkansas trying to pass an even worse bill than Indiana, despite the boycotting and the shame that has hit Indiana. Walmart warns off the state of Arkansas but such is the hatred, the foaming, frothing hatred that people do not listen. And make no bones about it - where one is hated, many more will be included as time goes on. Hatred, prejudice, is like the Blob of the old teen movies. It just grows and consumes all within its path and no good results.
So this year, whether you are at the seder, eating a matza sandwich for lunch, or chasing Easter eggs in the hunt on the lawn, let us all remember the humanity that we share, that we need to further and stress, and perhaps we can all do a better job in making our world, large and small, a better place.
I will be away for the holidays with family and will try to post, but it will be irregular - and remember, the community wiring there is faulty (gee!), but be patient. Thanks.
I wish all a Chag Sameach, a zissen Pesach, a sweet Passover, and a Happy Easter.
Now......let's eat!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
THE FACE OF EVIL
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." Albert Einstein
Over and over again we have heard statements from people along the lines that if one does nothing to actively oppose evil, then one is actually aiding and abetting it to flourish. It is something where one cannot stand aside and say, "tsk, tsk" and await others to do the heavy lifting.
No bones about it, today's world is rife with evil, be it exploding from the groups who behead and torture to the cruel statements and actions of daily life. But again, think not that we here in the USA are immune from this concept and deeds. It seems that we were all becoming enlightened, accepting that others who were different were still allowed to live their lives as they saw fit as long as there was no violation of the rights of others or violence. So certain religious sects among Native Americans were allowed to use peyote in their rites without fear of arrest and prosecution. So said Federal law - and that was fine. But look at what has taken place now.
Indiana passes its own law which basically states that one can refuse service to another who violates one's religious beliefs and it seems that the major targets here are those members of society who are LGBT. It seems that if one sells a bouquet of flowers to a member of one of those classifications, that one's own religious sanctity is violated. Really and truly? Are we supposed to believe this in 2015 or will this be acknowledged for the major leaps and bounds backwards into the fog of hate and harm that it truly is?
Some LGBT are obvious to the eye while others are not. So what is one to do so as to avoid "violation" - even if that "one" is a big corporation? Oh, I don't know - maybe a search for these people and then a pink triangle along the lines of Hitler? That would certainly make it easier! And what about other bothersome people who impinge on one's religious beliefs? Why, let's not serve them either and let's mark them up too so we can avoid trouble to our souls!
No, this is not the world of the "Bad Guys" vs. the "Superhewoes" of my grandson's world. This is the world of the bad guys who try to disguise themselves as regular members of society and those who go along with them. There is no excuse for discrimination - EVER. For Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush to approve and try to defend this new Indiana state law is anathema. I was actually thinking about Jeb Bush, especially after his recent statement about working past the great divide in our society and looking for consensus, but now? Uh uh! WE need to stand up, admire and vote for those who have voted with their feet, with their wallets, and with their mouths against this Indiana law.
Laws like these lead to the Initiative in California which goes a step further, right to the max. If one does not like those who are gay and know that they are involved in sexual activities, why then just shoot them in the head and if that is not good enough, use any other convenient method of inflicting death upon them. I kid you not! This is up for approval in California.
Hey, after them we can go after whatever group we want. Just cut them out of the norms of society and then engage in a shoot 'em up, a hunt, or whatever tickles your fancy! This is where excess and hate go. This is where they lead to. And it is our responsibility to uncover this hate and root it out, both by laws that are active and by preventing such laws of hatred and most of all, by education.
And do not think that we here in CV are immune to this hatred. Before the Connie and Ruthie movie was shown in the Clubhouse, I heard the snickering of an idiot who told others to "see the movie and maybe there are some 'really good parts'". What I saw was a movie of heroic people, for that is what true heroes are - simple and everyday people who stand up in times of need against all odds. I have heard Jews being cursed as Jews, including myself, and told to go wherever it is that they belong. I have heard the "n" word and other derogatory language and I, myself, have been the target of this evil. I, too, have been made into a non-person of CV society, with my face and voice being banned, censored. Does anyone think that I am alone in this, the only one? Perhaps they have gone a bit overboard, yes, one might think, but I will not be the last.This is what happens when the hands that are supposed to be guiding hands turn into grasping and controlling hands and when people without any evident consciences are allowed to serve as point leaders and makers of policy. This is what happens when they are allowed to get away with it.
So where does this all end? Well, in the larger world, we must speak up, write our representatives in government and tell them we will not stand for this. We will show that defiance with our votes and with our refusal to honor these laws, demand their retraction and refuse to support those companies that follow these barbaric laws.. Some laws are immoral and society must ban them. The laws of Nazi Germany were laws, yet those who followed them were guilty of war crimes, of crimes against humanity. Are we, today, in 2105, going to allow such laws to be promulgated in our own society? We cannot allow this evil to flourish - not in the world, not in our country and not in our Village.
When good people stand aside and do nothing - that is when evil rushes in and flourishes. Think about that.
Over and over again we have heard statements from people along the lines that if one does nothing to actively oppose evil, then one is actually aiding and abetting it to flourish. It is something where one cannot stand aside and say, "tsk, tsk" and await others to do the heavy lifting.
No bones about it, today's world is rife with evil, be it exploding from the groups who behead and torture to the cruel statements and actions of daily life. But again, think not that we here in the USA are immune from this concept and deeds. It seems that we were all becoming enlightened, accepting that others who were different were still allowed to live their lives as they saw fit as long as there was no violation of the rights of others or violence. So certain religious sects among Native Americans were allowed to use peyote in their rites without fear of arrest and prosecution. So said Federal law - and that was fine. But look at what has taken place now.
Indiana passes its own law which basically states that one can refuse service to another who violates one's religious beliefs and it seems that the major targets here are those members of society who are LGBT. It seems that if one sells a bouquet of flowers to a member of one of those classifications, that one's own religious sanctity is violated. Really and truly? Are we supposed to believe this in 2015 or will this be acknowledged for the major leaps and bounds backwards into the fog of hate and harm that it truly is?
Some LGBT are obvious to the eye while others are not. So what is one to do so as to avoid "violation" - even if that "one" is a big corporation? Oh, I don't know - maybe a search for these people and then a pink triangle along the lines of Hitler? That would certainly make it easier! And what about other bothersome people who impinge on one's religious beliefs? Why, let's not serve them either and let's mark them up too so we can avoid trouble to our souls!
No, this is not the world of the "Bad Guys" vs. the "Superhewoes" of my grandson's world. This is the world of the bad guys who try to disguise themselves as regular members of society and those who go along with them. There is no excuse for discrimination - EVER. For Ted Cruz and Jeb Bush to approve and try to defend this new Indiana state law is anathema. I was actually thinking about Jeb Bush, especially after his recent statement about working past the great divide in our society and looking for consensus, but now? Uh uh! WE need to stand up, admire and vote for those who have voted with their feet, with their wallets, and with their mouths against this Indiana law.
Laws like these lead to the Initiative in California which goes a step further, right to the max. If one does not like those who are gay and know that they are involved in sexual activities, why then just shoot them in the head and if that is not good enough, use any other convenient method of inflicting death upon them. I kid you not! This is up for approval in California.
Hey, after them we can go after whatever group we want. Just cut them out of the norms of society and then engage in a shoot 'em up, a hunt, or whatever tickles your fancy! This is where excess and hate go. This is where they lead to. And it is our responsibility to uncover this hate and root it out, both by laws that are active and by preventing such laws of hatred and most of all, by education.
And do not think that we here in CV are immune to this hatred. Before the Connie and Ruthie movie was shown in the Clubhouse, I heard the snickering of an idiot who told others to "see the movie and maybe there are some 'really good parts'". What I saw was a movie of heroic people, for that is what true heroes are - simple and everyday people who stand up in times of need against all odds. I have heard Jews being cursed as Jews, including myself, and told to go wherever it is that they belong. I have heard the "n" word and other derogatory language and I, myself, have been the target of this evil. I, too, have been made into a non-person of CV society, with my face and voice being banned, censored. Does anyone think that I am alone in this, the only one? Perhaps they have gone a bit overboard, yes, one might think, but I will not be the last.This is what happens when the hands that are supposed to be guiding hands turn into grasping and controlling hands and when people without any evident consciences are allowed to serve as point leaders and makers of policy. This is what happens when they are allowed to get away with it.
So where does this all end? Well, in the larger world, we must speak up, write our representatives in government and tell them we will not stand for this. We will show that defiance with our votes and with our refusal to honor these laws, demand their retraction and refuse to support those companies that follow these barbaric laws.. Some laws are immoral and society must ban them. The laws of Nazi Germany were laws, yet those who followed them were guilty of war crimes, of crimes against humanity. Are we, today, in 2105, going to allow such laws to be promulgated in our own society? We cannot allow this evil to flourish - not in the world, not in our country and not in our Village.
When good people stand aside and do nothing - that is when evil rushes in and flourishes. Think about that.
Monday, March 30, 2015
LET'S TALK TERMINOLOGY
First, let me apologize for the spacing issue. I cannot figure it out and hope it will not recur. Also, Gerry saw Howie O'Brien last nite at the show so there is good news from that quarter.
Now to terminology. Lots of adjectives have been thrown around in recent days, lots of actions that lead to these adjectives, voiced and unvoiced, so let's examine some of them.
It seems that one morning I woke up to find myself a despirasido - and please excuse misspellings. What is this? It is a term used to describe those thousands upon thousands who simply disappeared off the face of the earth at a time of great upheaval and repression in Argentina. These mostly young, large percentage of whom were Jewish and many young women were pregnant or had young children, were ripped from their beds, from the streets, tortured, had their babies stolen and were then dumped deep into the ground or the depths of the ocean. It was only in very recent times that the fate of these people and their children has been uncovered to a degree and their names are recalled once more in public.
So I am decidedly not pregnant nor have I disappeared physically but the efforts are being made to disappear me from the Village. No entry to any media, no entry allowed as a UCO volunteer and now even my face and voice have been termed verboten by our "esteemed" David Israel and his deputy, Ed Black. Wow!!!! Makes me feel important that such efforts are being made to shut me down and shut me up. However, won't work. Sorry, boys. It just makes me ever the more determined to air your dirty linen in public. That is the way it works. It would be so simple, so much easier for you to just do the right thing and release papers for whatever, on request, as you are supposed to do in the first place!
You rant that we are on a fishing expedition. Well, aside from a short lived purchase and use of a fishing rod for my youngest, to indulge a wish of his, that has been my closest experience with fishing. The question here is - what are you trying to hide? If there was nothing then why not comply with a simple request. Instead, right now you stand there like a guilty little boy next to the shards of the broken vase and your hands behind your back, refusing to show the baseball in your hands and thinking that no one will ever know or figure it out. Wrong again!
Let's see....Ahh, I have called David Israel a sheikh. I guess that was incorrect for he is certainly not from Araby, certainly not a Valentino; nor does he have a harem, only a bevy of computers. But he does behave in a single ruler mode so perhaps we need to check other terminology. A fascist regime is an authoritarian and dictatorial regime wherein the rights of the people are denied. So, people, what do we have here.? Where are our rights? Why is one man and his buddy allowed to control all media? Smells like it, looks like it....so what is it? Answer that yourself.
Now how about hypocrisy and for that we must part the curtains into the past and oh, yes, what do we see? Why, can that be Ed Black threatening a UCO president that unless he releases papers that he requested, he, Ed Black, would then retain an attorney!!! Oh, yes, that indeed did happen so dear Mr. Israel and Mr. Black, shall we go berserk here with the word "sue, sue"? Goose and gander, my friend, goose and gander.
Now let's have a little fun. Allegedly,Ed tells me I am silly - no, not really, only in moments with friends and grandchildren, but certainly not when discussing evil issues. Old? Well, so are you, guys - and older than me so screw that. Slob? No, not a neat freak either but as Dr. Seuss wrote in one of his books, "just right, just right, just right." Finally, moron? That definitely not, else how could I write circles around you, understand your nefarious plans and by the way, how could a non elected resident of CV, the same as all other non elected residents of CV, have the right and power to censor media. How is that, exactly? You got some 'splainin' to do, Mr. Ed.
Oh, one more recent name - demented. Truly, Gracie? Can you find nothing better? Much better that you finally shut off your drippy faucet of nonsense and try to understand the depths of the issues facing CV and that means issues that will affect you too, dearie, like it or not.
So, despite the paranoia that drives one to try to censor all, we need to get down to the nitty gritty and find out where and why this place has gone off the tracks and how we get back on. And we need to do it NOW!
Sunday, March 29, 2015
CAN WE PLEASE GET REAL HERE?
After getting a look at the first page of the new Reporter I did not know if I should laugh or cry and this feeling persisted as I scrolled through. Let's take a look at the bottom line here in CV regarding our media outlets.
Channel 63 used to be a mere scroll of announcements and then we had talented people come in and work to change that. First we had Neil Moore who was first under the bus when he disagreed with you know who!
Then we had a nice developmental period of time under the aegis of John and Kitty Gregg who used their experience and laid out their own money to set up a professional system and enhanced the taping and sound of the various committee meetings. All fine and good but the ominous sign were there for the looking.
First Channel 63 was brought in to the Reporter building, the closer to the teeth of Joy Vestal. Better supervision, huh? Some issues about repayment of funds is what I heard but I cannot be sure about that, so reporting it as a rumor heard around the town. Finally we have a great Channel 63 and oops! No Go! Ed Black decides that an innocuous video about a book club that I belong to had to go and why? Because the powers that be have decided that I am to be a non person here in the Village. No paper outlet as I am verboten in the Reporter on the dictat of Vestal and now no visuals as anything I have to say is "tainted". Wow! McCarthy hearings and witch hunts of our own making! Er...Ed....er Fred, made sure to send me a note that the video was removed because "I am a silly old slob and a moron" so thank you for that shining example of the level of your thinking and that of your partner in crime. Sure do admire the syntax and advanced thinking it represents. So the Greggs resigned on principle.
So what is left? Ahhh.... the total and complete submission of the paper to the needs of David Israel and no bones about it. Israel knew and published the letters he received re the ballots from the previous election and in his own inimitable way managed to regress to kindergarten level and then made sure that the paper would have pictures of voting scenes. So what? What does that prove? Nothing, actually, but this is all an attempt to try the issue in a one handed one sided underhanded manner. Par for the course. Here is Vestal's promise - "We promise to seek the truth and to print both sides of an issue, to open dialogue to inform our readers, not to create controversy."
Because there is a disagreement, a different opinion, does not mean there is controversy. That DOES arise when differing opinions are censored based on the whims of a singularly unqualified person.
And yet, read the editorial questioning whether the questions that arose about the election would have been asked under other circumstances. Well, the answer is YES, emphatically so. Our election process is flawed, very flawed, outgrown, out dated, open to violations of honesty and accountability and the meeting was a farce. There was a meeting prior to that and promises were reneged upon, as they were at the election. The whole thing needs to be swept clean and perhaps even get an outside neutral adviser in to formulate new procedures and new voting systems. What we have is a travesty.
Look what the paper and UCO have sunk to. Instead of paying attention to the associations as UCO should be doing, instead of having real and timely meetings with the boards of these associations, instead of keeping an eye out for those associations that are struggling, we get a litany of excuses as to why this whole issue was neglected and allowed to grow and develop into this poisonous situation where there is danger to our very existence via Sheffield O and its venial disruptor. One fool says UCO cannot do anything legally, but who the hell said anything legally. It is called ADVICE. It is called assistance. It is called help during a time of need. It is called the duty of the VP whose assigned role is not to yes, yes to David Israel but to watch his/her own area. So let us see who the Vp for Sheffield area is. .....Ahhhhh - there you have it - Bob Marhsall.
Yes, the same VP who falls asleep at meetings. The same VP who chose at a time of crisis for the Village, to write stories of his grandchildren in his column. Very cute, but seriously! This will help how? Are we to have a grandparent competition to scare off the motel developer? Are we to go down laughing and going aawww, so cute?
The whole paper is rife with pleas for volunteers. Need I repeat the same old same old. Cornish, Vestal, et al, put your money where your mouth is. Have a bit of courage and face up to the sheikh in the back office. Use our resources properly or is asking a former officer, several times over, an expert at finances, to submit an application for a position as an Exec. Bd. member considered proper management and usage of resources. Hey, here's an idea - Howie O'Brien is unfortunately ill in the hospital - and we send our wishes for a full recovery - but how about using this person's skills during this time of need/?Who are you planning to stick in there instead? Bob Marshall, he who is asleep or telling tales, who signed away $80,000 or perhaps Ed Black...shudder...but then again, that man never wants to sign his name to anything and leave a paper trail. So put on your thinking caps for a change, not the dunce caps!
If we do not fix this place up, if we do not start using our heads, then I suggest that it might be time to move on for those for whom this is a home, our only home. I cannot afford to go down with the ship and nor can many others. Unless we get rid of this UCO administration, voting with one's feet may be the most honest way of voting and the most telling and effective. That movement has already begun. Sad, terribly sad, for all of us.
Channel 63 used to be a mere scroll of announcements and then we had talented people come in and work to change that. First we had Neil Moore who was first under the bus when he disagreed with you know who!
Then we had a nice developmental period of time under the aegis of John and Kitty Gregg who used their experience and laid out their own money to set up a professional system and enhanced the taping and sound of the various committee meetings. All fine and good but the ominous sign were there for the looking.
First Channel 63 was brought in to the Reporter building, the closer to the teeth of Joy Vestal. Better supervision, huh? Some issues about repayment of funds is what I heard but I cannot be sure about that, so reporting it as a rumor heard around the town. Finally we have a great Channel 63 and oops! No Go! Ed Black decides that an innocuous video about a book club that I belong to had to go and why? Because the powers that be have decided that I am to be a non person here in the Village. No paper outlet as I am verboten in the Reporter on the dictat of Vestal and now no visuals as anything I have to say is "tainted". Wow! McCarthy hearings and witch hunts of our own making! Er...Ed....er Fred, made sure to send me a note that the video was removed because "I am a silly old slob and a moron" so thank you for that shining example of the level of your thinking and that of your partner in crime. Sure do admire the syntax and advanced thinking it represents. So the Greggs resigned on principle.
So what is left? Ahhh.... the total and complete submission of the paper to the needs of David Israel and no bones about it. Israel knew and published the letters he received re the ballots from the previous election and in his own inimitable way managed to regress to kindergarten level and then made sure that the paper would have pictures of voting scenes. So what? What does that prove? Nothing, actually, but this is all an attempt to try the issue in a one handed one sided underhanded manner. Par for the course. Here is Vestal's promise - "We promise to seek the truth and to print both sides of an issue, to open dialogue to inform our readers, not to create controversy."
Because there is a disagreement, a different opinion, does not mean there is controversy. That DOES arise when differing opinions are censored based on the whims of a singularly unqualified person.
And yet, read the editorial questioning whether the questions that arose about the election would have been asked under other circumstances. Well, the answer is YES, emphatically so. Our election process is flawed, very flawed, outgrown, out dated, open to violations of honesty and accountability and the meeting was a farce. There was a meeting prior to that and promises were reneged upon, as they were at the election. The whole thing needs to be swept clean and perhaps even get an outside neutral adviser in to formulate new procedures and new voting systems. What we have is a travesty.
Look what the paper and UCO have sunk to. Instead of paying attention to the associations as UCO should be doing, instead of having real and timely meetings with the boards of these associations, instead of keeping an eye out for those associations that are struggling, we get a litany of excuses as to why this whole issue was neglected and allowed to grow and develop into this poisonous situation where there is danger to our very existence via Sheffield O and its venial disruptor. One fool says UCO cannot do anything legally, but who the hell said anything legally. It is called ADVICE. It is called assistance. It is called help during a time of need. It is called the duty of the VP whose assigned role is not to yes, yes to David Israel but to watch his/her own area. So let us see who the Vp for Sheffield area is. .....Ahhhhh - there you have it - Bob Marhsall.
Yes, the same VP who falls asleep at meetings. The same VP who chose at a time of crisis for the Village, to write stories of his grandchildren in his column. Very cute, but seriously! This will help how? Are we to have a grandparent competition to scare off the motel developer? Are we to go down laughing and going aawww, so cute?
The whole paper is rife with pleas for volunteers. Need I repeat the same old same old. Cornish, Vestal, et al, put your money where your mouth is. Have a bit of courage and face up to the sheikh in the back office. Use our resources properly or is asking a former officer, several times over, an expert at finances, to submit an application for a position as an Exec. Bd. member considered proper management and usage of resources. Hey, here's an idea - Howie O'Brien is unfortunately ill in the hospital - and we send our wishes for a full recovery - but how about using this person's skills during this time of need/?Who are you planning to stick in there instead? Bob Marshall, he who is asleep or telling tales, who signed away $80,000 or perhaps Ed Black...shudder...but then again, that man never wants to sign his name to anything and leave a paper trail. So put on your thinking caps for a change, not the dunce caps!
If we do not fix this place up, if we do not start using our heads, then I suggest that it might be time to move on for those for whom this is a home, our only home. I cannot afford to go down with the ship and nor can many others. Unless we get rid of this UCO administration, voting with one's feet may be the most honest way of voting and the most telling and effective. That movement has already begun. Sad, terribly sad, for all of us.
Friday, March 27, 2015
PARALLEL WORLDS
The world is in a precarious situation. Four countries in Africa are at war against Boko Haram, Saudi Arabia is attacking Yemen along with other Arab states, Syria is a heap of rubble, deserted by its population, we are bombing Tikrit again and this time Iran is supposedly on the same side - though we are in negotiations to limit their nuclear capacity (no wonder Israel is wary of these negotiations) and ISIS is all over the place including recruiting from every country, including our own. The Middle East is on fire, the Ukraine is burning and what shall be done? What can be done?
I do not have the answer in proper PC terminology and that is perhaps the problem. When we refuse to recognize the truth, when Obama refuses to state clearly that much of this world wide fire is caused by Islamic extremism, by religion perverted to goals of power, slavery, rape and terror, then what chance does the world have when our leaders are cowards.When our leaders acquiesce. When our leaders allow this to happen.
When there is a bit of mold, or a small leak, or some dry rot or whatever small problem in a home, the prudent thing is to fix it before it becomes big and unmanageable. The principle is the same in the world, but we have neglected these small fires, turned a blind eye to them and instead of small fires they have turned into huge forest fires, uncontrollable in their fury.
In 1969 there was a song, "One Tin Soldier" sung by the Original Caste. Go to You Tube and listen to it. How prescient it was. It speaks of a kingdom on the mountain which contained a treasure beneath a stone and of the valley people below who wanted that treasure, would get that treasure if they had to kill for it! So while the mountain kingdom wished to share it, the valley people turned that offer away, spurned it with sword and blood. After they had killed all, they turned over the stone and what it had buried there was the saying "Peace on Earth".
The refrain:
Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end.
Back to our world here in the Village. We also have two kingdoms here, one willing to share all with all, be inclusive of all the segments and sects of the Village, one which wishes to have that peace on earth right here in our home, but there are the valley people who wish to attain and keep total control, 100% control, and they are well on their way. When they can arbitrarily censor, force good people to resign, unable to work with people like this, when non elected people rule the roost, nastily, when we are told we cannot and will not be allowed to think for ourselves, then we are in big trouble and the small fires are now one big forest fire, ravaging our home.
The person who lit the matches must be thrown out of office, along with his aides and abettors, if we are to survive. They can try to justify it all, but the first two lines of the refrain say it all. There is no love here on their part, only disdain and contempt for those they "rule", for those they wish to control. By the way, since this is OUR Channel 63, OUR funds that pay for it AND it can be viewed from elsewhere other than the Village, besides free speech violations I am wondering if there is a Federal violation of the rules of the airwaves as well and yes, my attorney is looking into that as well.
David, I tried. I offered a hand and you slapped it. I offered to help and you spurned it. I offered a competition and you tried to crush it. I offered an easy way for the dilemma of the ballots and you refuse it and then cry wolf. Just exactly what do you think you will gain here? A legacy? I promise you, when you are gone that legacy will not be a positive one. So think about it. There is always time to reconcile, sign a peace treaty and do the right thing, the moral thing and call off the dogs of war. Your choice. And by the way, Mr. Israel, I am not "that person" as you referred to me in a rant at a meeting. My name is Esther and there are many "that persons" around, many who think like me.
I do not have the answer in proper PC terminology and that is perhaps the problem. When we refuse to recognize the truth, when Obama refuses to state clearly that much of this world wide fire is caused by Islamic extremism, by religion perverted to goals of power, slavery, rape and terror, then what chance does the world have when our leaders are cowards.When our leaders acquiesce. When our leaders allow this to happen.
When there is a bit of mold, or a small leak, or some dry rot or whatever small problem in a home, the prudent thing is to fix it before it becomes big and unmanageable. The principle is the same in the world, but we have neglected these small fires, turned a blind eye to them and instead of small fires they have turned into huge forest fires, uncontrollable in their fury.
In 1969 there was a song, "One Tin Soldier" sung by the Original Caste. Go to You Tube and listen to it. How prescient it was. It speaks of a kingdom on the mountain which contained a treasure beneath a stone and of the valley people below who wanted that treasure, would get that treasure if they had to kill for it! So while the mountain kingdom wished to share it, the valley people turned that offer away, spurned it with sword and blood. After they had killed all, they turned over the stone and what it had buried there was the saying "Peace on Earth".
The refrain:
Go ahead and hate your neighbor
Go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of Heaven
You can justify it in the end.
Back to our world here in the Village. We also have two kingdoms here, one willing to share all with all, be inclusive of all the segments and sects of the Village, one which wishes to have that peace on earth right here in our home, but there are the valley people who wish to attain and keep total control, 100% control, and they are well on their way. When they can arbitrarily censor, force good people to resign, unable to work with people like this, when non elected people rule the roost, nastily, when we are told we cannot and will not be allowed to think for ourselves, then we are in big trouble and the small fires are now one big forest fire, ravaging our home.
The person who lit the matches must be thrown out of office, along with his aides and abettors, if we are to survive. They can try to justify it all, but the first two lines of the refrain say it all. There is no love here on their part, only disdain and contempt for those they "rule", for those they wish to control. By the way, since this is OUR Channel 63, OUR funds that pay for it AND it can be viewed from elsewhere other than the Village, besides free speech violations I am wondering if there is a Federal violation of the rules of the airwaves as well and yes, my attorney is looking into that as well.
David, I tried. I offered a hand and you slapped it. I offered to help and you spurned it. I offered a competition and you tried to crush it. I offered an easy way for the dilemma of the ballots and you refuse it and then cry wolf. Just exactly what do you think you will gain here? A legacy? I promise you, when you are gone that legacy will not be a positive one. So think about it. There is always time to reconcile, sign a peace treaty and do the right thing, the moral thing and call off the dogs of war. Your choice. And by the way, Mr. Israel, I am not "that person" as you referred to me in a rant at a meeting. My name is Esther and there are many "that persons" around, many who think like me.
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