Political diversity

[JESJP]

Having only been here a couple of weeks, I am struck by the apparent lack of balance in the daily paper which seems to lean heavily on Republican views, some of the letters being very vitriolic. I have read only a few letters from 'the other side'. I also notice that there are numerous R clubs but no D clubs - am I right?
I had expected a more even take on things as people here are from all areas of the country.

[ijusluvit]

Whoops, I guess someone forgot to tell you TV is a monarchy.

[l2ridehd]

WOW, and I thought it was leaning to far left. Guess it depends on your ideology.

[waynet]

Maybe you and I can start a Dem. club to foster a different point of view.

[another Linda]

There are a few of us lefties around but not too many. We don't talk politics. And we stay out of the political thread!

[18togo]

You can't be leaning too far to the left with Ann Coulter and Oliver North as contributors and Mallard Fillmore in the comics. LOL.

Even if I was right wing, I don't think I'd still find Mallard Fillmore funny. How does that comic strip survive?! Oh, the good old days of Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes.:jester:

[zcaveman]

There ae several Dem clubs in the area. You just have to look around.

[golf2140]

There ae several Dem clubs in the area. You just have to look around.

They meet at 7 P.M on the 5th Thursday of the month. The meeting will be held in the phone booth next to R.J. Gators :pepper2:

[Chi-Town]

They meet at 7 P.M on the 5th Thursday of the month. The meeting will be held in the phone booth next to R.J. Gators :pepper2:

That's funny. No doubt it was the rest of the state that gave the 27 electoral votes to the blue side.

[petenj]

There are a few of us lefties around but not too many. We don't talk politics. And we stay out of the political thread!

Roger that! I'm retired and I don't need the conflict. I want to talk about the things I can fill my days with, and let the next generation handle the conflicts.

[beartrack]

Hey there Jes, May I suggest that you contact The New York Times. They have a whole department dedicated to unbiased news reporting because like The Villages, New York is made up of people from everywhere. Very diversified city.

[redwitch]

Okay, someone should give you a serious answer. Being an arch liberal, I was appalled when I first read the Sun. Now, I read it for the activities and the ads and the Letters to the Editor to indulge my basic masochism. I get my news from other sources, but it is a good way to see the perspective on the other side of the fence (and I don't particularly like their view, sorry gang).

The Morses own the paper. They are beyond Republicans IMHO. During the Presidential primaries, we had a plethora of Republican candidates here, up to and including Ms. Palin. The Dems had to show their candidates outside of TV. So, if you want unbiased reporting, don't look to The Daily Sun -- like most businesses, it will reflect the attitude of the boss.

In all seriousness, there is in fact a Democrats Club. I don't know when they meet but if you're really interested, just contact any of the rec centers and they'll look it up for you.

The reality is the majority of those residing here are Republicans. Some are even so conservative that they think the Republican party is liberal. However, many here will happily debate politics with those who are "bent the wrong way" (as I was once told). Or, as was said, we just don't discuss politics and enjoy ourselves regardless.

[Pturner]

Having only been here a couple of weeks, I am struck by the apparent lack of balance in the daily paper which seems to lean heavily on Republican views, some of the letters being very vitriolic. I have read only a few letters from 'the other side'. I also notice that there are numerous R clubs but no D clubs - am I right?
I had expected a more even take on things as people here are from all areas of the country.

Hi Jesjp,

Welcome to The Villages!

I suspect, though I could be wrong, that this is a DRI community. Not dry, as in, no alcoholic beverage sales, but DRI as in having Dems, Reps, independents and others (Liberterians, Tea Partiers, etc).

Sure, you'll find some people in TV, as anywhere, who are politically "vitriolic". You might even find a few who think anyone who disagrees with them is an idiot.

My guess, though, is that most people here are respectful of others, thoughtful, fun to be around, and appreciate people who, agree or disagree, think for themselves. So far, a vocal minority has yet to convince me otherwise.

So, whatever your political leanings, :welcome:

[redwitch]

Without the private sector developer Morse we would not have this wonderful place to live. Another proof that not only does the private sector provide our jobs it provides our places to live.

Don't knock Morse or our paper if you are a Liberal just do not read it. Get the New York Times.


I greatly admire and appreciate what Messrs. Schwartz and Morse created. It doesn't mean I have to admire or appreciate either of them as men nor do I have to like their politics. I do respect Mr. Morse's right to his beliefs and I would NEVER deny him that right. It doesn't mean I have to approve of them and, so far as I know, it doesn't mean that I can't speak about them.

I really didn't know that I wasn't allowed to read The Daily Sun because I happen to be a liberal. Something tells me Mr. Morse would be in my camp on this one (at least I hope so). So, sorry, cashman, but I will continue to read the local paper for my own reasons. And, yes, I'll also continue to read The Times.

[Larryandlinda]

I greatly admire and appreciate what Messrs. Schwartz and Morse created. It doesn't mean I have to admire or appreciate either of them as men nor do I have to like their politics. I do respect Mr. Morse's right to his beliefs and I would NEVER deny him that right. It doesn't mean I have to approve of them and, so far as I know, it doesn't mean that I can't speak about them.

I really didn't know that I wasn't allowed to read The Daily Sun because I happen to be a liberal. Something tells me Mr. Morse would be in my camp on this one (at least I hope so). So, sorry, cashman, but I will continue to read the local paper for my own reasons. And, yes, I'll also continue to read The Times.

Red
Smooth and Considerate
Keep reading The Sun and writing.
Your side is most welcome.
L and L

[Whalen]

Okay, someone should give you a serious answer. Being an arch liberal, I was appalled when I first read the Sun. Now, I read it for the activities and the ads and the Letters to the Editor to indulge my basic masochism. I get my news from other sources, but it is a good way to see the perspective on the other side of the fence (and I don't particularly like their view, sorry gang).

The Morses own the paper. They are beyond Republicans IMHO. During the Presidential primaries, we had a plethora of Republican candidates here, up to and including Ms. Palin. The Dems had to show their candidates outside of TV. So, if you want unbiased reporting, don't look to The Daily Sun -- like most businesses, it will reflect the attitude of the boss.

In all seriousness, there is in fact a Democrats Club. I don't know when they meet but if you're really interested, just contact any of the rec centers and they'll look it up for you.

The reality is the majority of those residing here are Republicans. Some are even so conservative that they think the Republican party is liberal. However, many here will happily debate politics with those who are "bent the wrong way" (as I was once told). Or, as was said, we just don't discuss politics and enjoy ourselves regardless.

Thanks Red,
I logged in tonight only to give you a Big Thumbs Up.
You say it all so well.
Live here and live and let live... there is a political forum to get into fisticuffs :boxing2:
Me? I'm a moderate.
I actually come from a place where there was such a thing as a Liberal Republican... give you three guesses where that was...

[graciegirl]

Well said Red and Whelan and PT and the lot of you. We are mostly grown ups here who are considerate and respectful of other peoples thoughts, values and politics. It is the FIRST reason I love this place.

[RichieLion]

I think you will find that any opinion that someone dosen't share is "biased'. We are all biased by our viewpoints. If you don't like to read the opinions of others who differ with you don't read the Opinion Page in The Daily Sun. Read the news and the activities page and call it a day and get your validating political spin from the online pages of The New York Times or The Washington Post. We have plenty of diversity on the web. Is this a great country or what?

[Talk Host]

Roger that! I'm retired and I don't need the conflict. I want to talk about the things I can fill my days with, and let the next generation handle the conflicts.

I didn't know is was possible to retire from our social responsibilities. I plan to continue my contributions to society until the day I die.

[another Linda]

I didn't know is was possible to retire from our social responsibilities. I plan to continue my contributions to society until the day I die.
But talking (and arguing about it) isn't in any way shape or form making any contribution to society as far as I can see. I make my contributions but I don't talk politics or religion.

[18togo]

But talking (and arguing about it) isn't in any way shape or form making any contribution to society as far as I can see. I make my contributions but I don't talk politics or religion.

I, too, have grown weary of discussing politics, especially in the style of today. We start counting down election cycles years in advance; cable news, of which I don't watch at all anymore, spends it's time doing point and counter-point style shows, with little fact checking. As TalkHost said in another post, it's about ratings. You put on what sells. Put on the most bizarre, the craziest people, and you have ratings. Everyone loves a train wreck. And with the mergers allowed by big corporations in the media industries and the scrapping of the old rules, they are worried about ratings and money, and little, IMHO, with accurately reporting News.

I have my political beliefs, and will share if asked, and even debate at a philosophical level, but I refuse anymore to be pulled into an argument. Most times with people it's as Dean Martin says during one of his Rat Pack skits with Frank Sinatra. "If you want to discuss facts, I don't want to chitchat."

[BB14616]

Back to the original topic, yes there are several Democratic Clubs in The Villages. I've been to some meetings of the Villages Sumter County Democrats held at the Canal Steet Rec center on Saturday. You can check at Canal and they'll give you the time and dates. There is also an active Lake County Villages Democratic club that meets somewhere on the north side. During the presidental elections there were numerous Obama signs in people's house windows along with political events, many held outside The Villages. I've heard the statistic quoted that The Vilages is comprised of 60 percent Repubs, and 40 percent Dems and Indep's.

There is no doubt that The Daily Sun is biased in its reporting. Most people I know just read it for local info, and read other sources of news to get the "real" story.

[another Linda]

There is a place for the "loyal opposition" but that does not include outright attacks by either side. And that is it for me!!!

[specialk]

Welcome Friend! Where are you hiding? haha - I've been here 1.5 yrs. and have discovered that if you're a Democrat, you'd best be 'in the closet' in order to live peacefully. Sometimes it is just too much to bear, and I would welcome a club just to be around progressive types. Our new hometown does offer so much and the developers were genius in that vein, however, the media here is so biased, it's laughable. I only subscribe for the activities and don't even read the rest...Boston Globe online is my choice.

[saratogaman]

Let's face it, the paper is owned by the developer and it is 1) a marketing tool and 2) a megaphone for his political views.
He wants to sell homes, thus a minimal amount of negative news (e.g., a few weeks ago a vehicle plowed through one of the structures in rotary at Buena Vista & Odell; three days later it is minimally mentioned but no info on who the driver was, when it happened, was any ticket issued?).
There is nearly no news about what happens in the state capital and rarely are we told how our elected reps vote on any measure in Tallahassee or Washington. The paper recently noted that our House of Representative person loudly bragged that she voted against the debt ceiling requested by Obama...but neglected to report that she voted for every debt ceiling increase requested by Bush.
His political views are clearly stated by not just the selection of columnists (both home-grown and national) but also the six-figure donations he makes to the GOP and his underwriting of the Palin/Beck gigs at Lake Sumter Landing. He wants business to be completely unfettered by laws and regulations. Are you ready for another Wall Street fiasco bailed out by we common folk? Did our paper tell us that Citizens Wholesale Mortgage took TARP money from the feds?
There is an alternative for news outside of the cocoon: you can get home delivery of the Orlando Sentinel...a fine paper from the Tribune chain.

[actor]

Sorry Lou, you lost me. What is WALA?
Next, why would you let the conservative talking heads chase you away from your political roots? Sure Hannity, Limbaugh and company push the envelope but that's where they make their money.
We have to examine the issues and listen to the candidates and try to make an intelligent decision.
Limbaugh, Hannity and Coulter aren't running for anything. Why would you allow them to chase you away from what you believe?
By the way, I'm a lifelong democrat.

WALA translated to VIOLA

[Pturner]

WALA translated to VIOLA

Now I'm confused. What's all this have to do with a musical instrument?

[Delta]

WALA translated to VIOLA

Voila!

[Chi-Town]

WALA translated to VIOLA

Voila!
I'm going to guess voilà! (pronounced vwä-lä)). French for HOLY COW!

[Pturner]

I'm going to guess voilà! (pronounced vwä-lä)). French for HOLY COW!

voilà!

[bluedog103]

I'm going to guess voilà! (pronounced vwä-lä)). French for HOLY COW!

Voila! That's funny.