[Nucky]

I really understand how people see the people from the Northeast. We really, some of us have a chip on our shoulders. Part of it is a survival mechanism but there is no way that you should have to endure any treatment like that. We are all here to live our lives and try to peacefully coexist. I am an equal opportunity offender with my mouth but have calmed down enormously in the last several years.

The things that you described in many ways I can identify with. I have been talked about just like you. It was at that time that the natural thing for me to do was respond as I have for my entire life. I went after the biggest guy there and ever since there has been peace. Anyone who messes with a person who was in the service and then becomes disabled for us to stay safe is just a piece of garbage but not easy to ignore. I'm surprised someone didn't stand up for you. If I was there I would have spoken up. I hope things turn around for you. Take Care.

[mamamia54]

Morons are morons no matter where they come from. I’m sure we have them in every state and beyond. I’m sorry you had to be subjected to such nonsense. This country is what it is because of you and all the others who so bravely gave of themselves for all of us. Unfortunately, even the morons! Thank you for your service. My dad fought in WWII, Battle of the Bulge. He was machine gun down. Spent almost two years in a German hospital where they almost amputated his leg. He received a Purple Heart, Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Star among others. No one better ever try that nonsense in front of me! I would probably be banned from any pools after that, lol!

[rivaridger1]

The posts on my thread demonstrate the good people in The Villages vastly out number the oafs. I apologize for the geographical comment but yesterday needed to vet a bit and did not think that part through prior to posting.

[billethkid]

The one bright spot is these inconsiderate folks are in the minority; tend to be the exceptions to the rest of us; wind up getting more discussion than they warrant.

I am not one to hold my tongue with inconsiderate behavior!!

[raynan]

First, thank you for your service and contribution to this country. I just don't understand how some people can be so rude. We see it so often in the younger people but our generation should know better. I definitely would have come to your aid and responded to them in my Boston accent. Sorry this happened to you.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by rivaridger1

The posts on my thread demonstrate the good people in The Villages vastly out number the oafs. I apologize for the geographical comment but yesterday needed to vet a bit and did not think that part through prior to posting.

You have no need to apologize, you were deeply hurt and probably embarrassed by some very ignorant people. I was telling my husband about your incident and he suggested that if there is ever a next time you should tell them your body is broken, not your ears!

[My Post]

Rude behavior can come from people from all kinds of places. I enjoyed being real active. Soccer games in Europe. World Cup. Plays, concerts. Worst experience was at a Nascar event in Atlanta. Drunk, rude, racist. Straight up crazy. Drugs.
Georgia Staties having people at gun point. Women fighting, tearing off clothes. Lost kids. Was 15 years ago, would never go back. It can happen anywhere.

I'm not sticking up for New Yorkers or anything. But it can happen in other places equally. Just sayin'

[graciegirl]

I don't think people are different, but I have to believe people's mothers were different than mine. My children to this day say they think someone is going to whisper to them to behave themselves, every time they enter a public restroom.

Some people think you are a wuss unless you confront a neighbor with a deed restriction. I think it is how we are raised. Some consider "speaking up" a virtue, and others not so much. I know many, many, many who are exceptions to this rule. An effort should be made to figure out why a person said what they said. I do not think anyone should ever shame anyone for any kind of disability. EVER.

I know it is possible. I have seen it happen first hand. I have watched a child's heart be broken.

Been to Georgia many times and never saw anything like bad behavior described. I guess it is where you go and who you hang with.

[My Post]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I do not think anyone should ever shame anyone for any kind of disability. EVER.

I know it is possible. I have seen it happen first hand. I have watched a child's heart broken.

Oh of course. That's very sad.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by rivaridger1

The posts on my thread demonstrate the good people in The Villages vastly out number the oafs. I apologize for the geographical comment but yesterday needed to vet a bit and did not think that part through prior to posting.

I would first like to say, that the verbal bullying and abuse that you've apparently endured...is abominable.

All too many people like to negatively judge and feel superior to others based on a number of criteria, of which the list is really long (race/creed/color/gender/sexual orientation/upbringing/religious beliefs/geographic/Etc., Etc., Etc.)...and I admire you for your strength in taking something that should be abhorrent to decent people.

I would also like to say that I admire the integrity you've shown by apologizing for doing, albeit to a much smaller degree, that which has been done to you...e.g.; judging others based on one of the aforementioned criteria (geographic).

You can hold your head high...as you've earned that right.

[queasy27]

I join the others who are horrified at those cruel and thoughtless comments directed at you. Sorry anyone has to endure that sort of thing.

I'm also puzzled why anyone would assume you're a poseur who wasn't in the military? It's not like you enlisted just last week using a walker, or that it's unheard of for people to develop physical limitations over the years. I'm female and have never served but wouldn't hesitate to wear an Air Force cap in recognition of my father or husband. I'm not claiming to be a team member if I wear a SF Giants tee shirt, either.

Jeez.

[LuckySevens]

Gracie, you sure have a nice 'way with words'. I've been enjoying your comments for 6 years.

[Bruiser1]

I am truly sorry and infuriated by that behavior. Keep in mind as we are 120,000 population certainly on our way to a quarter million population. As my neighbor said "if they were bums before they came here ..they will be bums after they get here".

Military experienced individuals come from a variety of our population. As we edged into the 1970's Military responsibilities were shifted from the draft to the Lottery. If you were a lottery winner ...you could continue in your life without any inconvenience whatsoever. "You could have your cake and eat it too" as Bob Dylan sang.
As the last of the draftees I donated 6 years of my life so my family could enjoy the fruits of the Greatest country in the World. Yes I was fortunate that I didn't have the adverse health issues that many vets suffer. But if anyone says anything derogatory about my Vietnam era or Air Force attire , you will find the fury of this Non Commissioned Officer. Thank You for your service and sacrifice!

[My Post]

Right, why give your opinion if it wasn't asked for in a public place like that? I don't even get rude about people on phones or talking at the movies honestly. I just move. Not enough time. Bigger battles to fight.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

About the pool, only: around here (here being New England, I'm not a Villager yet!), community pools aren't allowed to be open without a lifeguard. For the exact reason the loudmouths in your situation said: who's going to save him if he's drowning.

You are disabled. You've already stated as such, plus you need the lift to get you in and out of the pool. What happens if you become fatigued and just need to get out of the pool, but you can't make it to the lift? If there was a lifeguard on duty, the answer to that question would be "the lifeguard."

It's a pretty straightforward concern, however I agree it was insensitive of them to make an issue of it. The question applies to them, as well. What if THEY are in the pool and for whatever reason find themselves unable to get out of it, but want/need to?

The possibility of drowning by virtue of the fact that there are no lifeguards on duty and you are ALWAYS entering the pool at your own risk - can be scary if you grew up in and spent most of your life in a community where the community pools were not ALLOWED to open if there was no lifeguard on duty.

It wasn't a reflection you at all. It was a reflection on the lack of lifeguards, from people who aren't accustomed to that.


As for the person in the store - buttheads come from all states. You happened to run into one of the New England varieties. Just remember when a lovely cheerful southern lady says "well bless your heart!" - she probably means something entirely different.