Here we go again with Lauren Ritchie. To her credit, she has stated that she is not a reporter.....she is a columnist unencumbered by the constraints of balance and objectivity. The "usual suspects" frequently cite her as a credible source for all things related to The Villages. Therein lies the rub. I respectfully disagree, especially in matters where important decisions are at stake. For balance, you should read the attached link that offers another perspective. The context has nothing to do with The Villages, but, stunningly, suggests a pattern and agenda based on anti-development and anti-big business advocacy. It is a sometimes tedious, long read, but offers eye-opening details you have not and will never see posted here by the usual suspects. With your indulgence, I will attempt to connect what may seem like abstract forays, to the dynamics of the IRS issue. Of course I am an amateur and it's just my opinion.
http://lakecountygov.info/2010/03/31...e-hypocrite-4/
For starters, the Lake County Government blog cited, attributes this revealing gem to Ritchie, "Amendment 4 would stop companies from swooping down in Lake County just to make a profit and it would encourage only local people to do business here."
Stop companies from swooping down? Only locals?
In an earlier post, I said, "For balance, I guess if I was born and raised here, I may have some resentment about what progress has taken away. A quiet, idyllic countryside dotted with watermelon patches, horse farms, cattle grazing peacefully and fishing holes that never heard the whine of an outboard motor. A lifestyle that insulates you from car, truck and traffic noises. A lifestyle that keeps you from the pollution of progress. Damn Walt Disney and Gary Morse."
Another interesting assertion in the story is as follows:
Finally, Lauren Ritchie’s actual bark doesn’t match her pen’s bite. Her presentation at the Chamber Alliance meeting was that of a mealy mouthed scriber who couldn’t put two reasonable arguments together. After the meeting, Alliance Members said that when Ritchie was asked to speak to the group, she asked if there was going to be a debate on Amendment #4. Ritchie was okay with a debate format, as long as she wasn’t debating Don Magruder, Chairman of Citizens for Better Government, L.L.C. After hearing the comment, Magruder said, “Lauren Ritchie hides behind innuendo and lies on most of her arguments. The reason she is scared of an honest debate with me is because her ideas are devoid of reason – but any place, any time she would like to debate – I welcome the opportunity.”
The author in some detail, describes Ritchie as an anti-development and anti-growth "zealot", a hypocrite and links her to political interests. You will have to read the details and draw your own conclusions. In fairness to Lauren, keep in mind both sides are driving agendas. This is hardball stuff.
The writer, no shrinking violet, says "Lauren Ritchie is so far out in the black hole of the universe that it's really hard to understand how she can write such nonsense. If you've ever questioned whether Ritchie tells the truth, then this confirms one real important fact - she's a liar."
Permit me to digress briefly as I recall a Ritchie hatchet headline. We Villagers are such a "greedy" lot.......according to our new best friend...Lauren Ritchie.
The headline story screamed,
Greedy Villages fires first salvo in water war .....Commentary- LakefrontMarch 11, 2007|By Lauren Ritchie, Sentinel Columnist
Starting to see a pattern?
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/...water-villages
Where is the balance in Ritchie's commentary? Where are the articles on the positive economical impacts The Villages have had on the region, the new schools, commerce, hospitals, jobs, and medical facilities that came with Villages development? Where are the articles about the wonderful volunteerism and charitable contributions Villagers, including so many of my friends and neighbors, have made to the benefit of Ritchie's "locals"? Have Ritchie's "locals" enjoyed the shopping and entertainment that is available to them? Where is the balance in her commentary?
I noted in an earlier post that "She (Ritchie) lost significant credibility with many when in an early article, she admonished with cavalier arrogance and unbridled presumptuousness,
"And it is time for homeowners to worry less about their tee time and marvelous activities and more about their future property values and financial liability."
Give special attention to the headline below. Is it accurate and truthful or wishful thinking? Her admonishment is at the end.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...www.google.com
Like many others, I didn't work for fifty years, raise a family and serve my country to have Lauren Ritchie tell me what I should or should not worry about.
Back to the Lake County blog. Before I comment further, let me say that while professionally presented, this blog is just that, a blog of someone's opinion. Like Lauren's blog, it will never win a Pulitzer Prize for journalistic integrity and objectivity. As I previously stated, it should be viewed through the prism of skepticism. Objectivity needs to be factored into the equation and agendas need to recognized. However, what is noteworthy to me is the similarity in attack styles by the paper and its columnist. If you suspend belief briefly, replace the Lake County targets with the Villages and Morse, after a full careful read of the link, you may realize the attack tactics are eerily similar if not clones. Striking at least. The same anti-development and anti-growth disposition is evident. A thorough, patient read of the article with a little follow-up research reveals a lot.
Once again, "I cannot attest to the claims made by the article." What I do see are stunning similarities in attack styles that suggest and anti-business, anti-growth and anti-development agenda by a columnist who could have a biased interest on issues related to The Villages. Those agendas are arguable and stand or fall on their own merits.
I agree with those who hold that the IRS issue should be monitored. It would be helpful if there was more professional reporting and less agenda driven speculation on the subject......especially speculation that relies on commentary instead of facts.....and finally........that is the point of my excursion into what some may consider a hijack of the thread.
I respectfully request that before commenting, you read the articles in their entirety and make your own evaluations.
That said.....I have retreated to the bunker to brace for incoming. Yes...I have a rich, full life beyond the keyboard. This is what happens when your waiting for a contractor and your wife is out of town. :posting: I hope the new admin doesn't count keystrokes.
I also hope the links open properly.....I had a little trouble at first.
Have a great day in The Villages.
