Originally Posted by gloria321 (Post 1852925)

So sad! Maybe if everyone went outside at the same time and sang a happy song, smiled at each other, and said good morning, this evil hatred that has spread like this virus might go away. So sad.

Originally Posted by manaboutown (Post 1852673)

I'll take how things are in The Villages, over how they are in Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Baltimore, NYC and the like any day.

Originally Posted by DaveZ (Post 1852922)

pol·i·tics
/ˈpäləˌtiks/
Learn to pronounce
noun
the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.

Conflict and debate are uncomfortable things but why be close minded or judgmental and demand an echo chamber of your beliefs from friends and neighbors? How can you grow in that way? Who appointed me judge over right and wrong thinking? Why can’t I laugh when I find out something new and that I was wrong? Why is deep thinking without the use of media opinion exhausting if not impossible between acquaintances today? Why should I be embarrassed to learn at least what someone feels and choose to be passive aggressive instead? Our own judgement isn’t infallible and leads us to isolation. Political discussion on its face isn’t evil, rather it is a way for citizens or peoples affected by government outcomes to limit the chaos intended by those who actually practice politics in obtaining power from us.

Originally Posted by 2Jays (Post 1852954)

Over the years we rented a home in The Villages. We loved it and made friends. We retired and decided to buy here. I realize Covid has people more hesitant. However, between Covid and the election people have become rude, mean and intolerant! We never argue with those who choose to take a liberal stance. However we have become Persona Non Grata- especially since we have attended rallies. It went under the guise of we MUST isolate afterward and we can't be around them for weeks. At this point, I have no idea why we bought a home here. I assure you that the damage has been done by many and after the election and pandemic it will not reverse back to the happy place it once was. It makes me sad that those we know who are liberals feel they must control the rest of us. I appreciate that The Villages is getting so much positive air time as it will increase my property values. Hence to sell and find a nicer, happier place that was once The Villages. Did I mention that apartments were never been part of The Villages plan?

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 1852668)

The Villages isn't what it was when we moved here in 2014. The people are outrageously rude, mean, no filters and for no reason! I have no idea what happened over the years but I would love to find somewhere else to live. My husband FINALLY got to see the true colors come out in people today.... I'm actually embarrassed for their attitude and the way they act!

Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1852995)

I do not consider the situation to be a political divide.

Many years ago, I served on a board of 16 people. One aggressive member, in order to have more influence, played on the raw emotions of a part of the board, and did it at every opportunity and loudly. Those of us who had some procedural differences only, were finally split by the ongoing chaos.

Political divides, normally, never reach the point as we are reading on here. They can be discussed and understood. The raw feelings that are being played out right now, are not political, and I might add, importantly, have no political solution.

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 1852668)

The Villages isn't what it was when we moved here in 2014. The people are outrageously rude, mean, no filters and for no reason! I have no idea what happened over the years but I would love to find somewhere else to live. My husband FINALLY got to see the true colors come out in people today.... I'm actually embarrassed for their attitude and the way they act!

Originally Posted by gloria321 (Post 1852925)

So sad! Maybe if everyone went outside at the same time and sang a happy song, smiled at each other, and said good morning, this evil hatred that has spread like this virus might go away. So sad.

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 1852668)

The Villages isn't what it was when we moved here in 2014. The people are outrageously rude, mean, no filters and for no reason! I have no idea what happened over the years but I would love to find somewhere else to live. My husband FINALLY got to see the true colors come out in people today.... I'm actually embarrassed for their attitude and the way they act!

Originally Posted by LiverpoolWalrus (Post 1853039)

In my experience, this does happen at all the music-related events and pickleball courts in the Villages, and for that I’m grateful.

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1852664)

rustyp,

I will try to watch your video later. But I just wanted to say that you bring up an interesting point that I wish we could have a thread discussing — but it probably would not last.

There are so many vignettes of the division in everyday lives of everyday people showing us that many relationships are probably ripped beyond repair.

There was an overheard conversation at a table of ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who were at an outside restaurant. Two of the men said that their adult granddaughters no longer speak to them.

If we ever decide to sell our house, I thought I knew what agent we would use — unless we FSBO. But then her husband decorated his vehicle to the max to go to a parade. I suspected she follows his thinking but even so, how dumb it is to mix business and politics. I won’t forget and our listing now would never be with her. That commission would be a tidy sum and I just don’t feel the same about these people. Petty? I don’t think so. There is too much that has been revealed about who they really are — in my opinion anyway. (I keep my mouth shut but I sometimes wish I did not. I am glad we are not allowed to have signs because I might be tempted to put some in my yard.)

Families, and even couples, are being torn up to a place far beyond anything remotely imaginable in politics-past.

It makes me sad. (“It was my party and I’ll cry if I want to.” That’s probably what I would put on a sign — a sign from which only an elder-Boomer would pick up the allusion.)

Originally Posted by Dilligas (Post 1853058)

Why does everything in politics today have to be far right or far left in thinking. What ever happened to the middle where people cooperate and give and take some of the 'requirements and views'. In my past 50 years of voting, the last 20 have been voting against some candidate rather than voting for the best candidate. When we get back to both parties providing legitimate candidates that have the experience and instead of always trying to get re-elected, are working for the good of all the people, we will have pure democracy. I think the biggest contributor to the problem has been lobbiest...who spend and push hard to get more than what they want. The second biggest contributor is the media who are mostly out to get that exclusive breaking story....but dissecting speeches and reports to words out of context that can be made explosive and sell more air time or subscriptions. Both are troublesome on both sides of the 'isle' creating more division. Unfortunately I do not have the cure, only the symptoms.

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1852684)

Very true.

People should be able to vote as they wish without the hatred that is springing up all over.

My 3 sisters hate Trump and are mad at me for voting for him

Hopefully this will end after the election.

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1852684)

Very true.

People should be able to vote as they wish without the hatred that is springing up all over.

My 3 sisters hate Trump and are mad at me for voting for him

Hopefully this will end after the election.

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1853064)

To me two possible cures.

Term limits so public office is not forever
A third political party to help these people remember whom they work for.

Originally Posted by kenoc7 (Post 1853082)

I'm with your sisters. Good for them.

Originally Posted by rustyp (Post 1852652)

The U.S. Presidential Election: Can Donald Trump can once again defy the polls? | Four Corners - YouTube


Segment from the 7 minute to the 14 minute mark about The Villages. I wish I could edit this to just that segment as the rest of the video is about how important it is to win Florida in the upcoming election. My purpose is not political but to point out how we - The Villagers look to the rest of the country independent of political party and relay some sadness this has personally caused me. There is a segment around the 10 minute mark that describes people having become so hostile to each other they have been ousted from social circles. This hits home for me. For years I had a golf group playing 3 times per week. Last year it got so bad as leader had to make a rule no talking politics. Didn't work. We had to abandon the group and some friendships parted ways.

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1852664)

rustyp,

I will try to watch your video later. But I just wanted to say that you bring up an interesting point that I wish we could have a thread discussing — but it probably would not last.

There are so many vignettes of the division in everyday lives of everyday people showing us that many relationships are probably ripped beyond repair.

There was an overheard conversation at a table of ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who were at an outside restaurant. Two of the men said that their adult granddaughters no longer speak to them.

If we ever decide to sell our house, I thought I knew what agent we would use — unless we FSBO. But then her husband decorated his vehicle to the max to go to a parade. I suspected she follows his thinking but even so, how dumb it is to mix business and politics. I won’t forget and our listing now would never be with her. That commission would be a tidy sum and I just don’t feel the same about these people. Petty? I don’t think so. There is too much that has been revealed about who they really are — in my opinion anyway. (I keep my mouth shut but I sometimes wish I did not. I am glad we are not allowed to have signs because I might be tempted to put some in my yard.)

Families, and even couples, are being torn up to a place far beyond anything remotely imaginable in politics-past.

It makes me sad. (“It was my party and I’ll cry if I want to.” That’s probably what I would put on a sign — a sign from which only an elder-Boomer would pick up the allusion.)

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1852684)

Very true.

People should be able to vote as they wish without the hatred that is springing up all over.

My 3 sisters hate Trump and are mad at me for voting for him

Hopefully this will end after the election.

Originally Posted by xcaligirl (Post 1852668)

The Villages isn't what it was when we moved here in 2014. The people are outrageously rude, mean, no filters and for no reason! I have no idea what happened over the years but I would love to find somewhere else to live. My husband FINALLY got to see the true colors come out in people today.... I'm actually embarrassed for their attitude and the way they act!

Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1852703)

81 years old. Been deeply involved in politics and political differences.

Never ever Seen anything like what has been created.

Shame is nobody will allow discussion of the reason

Seems the reason is founded in hate, not political differences....not issue discussions at all. Hate is difficult to discuss.

Originally Posted by Sherry8bal (Post 1853048)

You are doing the same thing then - holding THEIR political views against YOURS. That makes you just as bad as everyone else who would let a business venture change or a relationship, etc.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1852696)

Just because we live as we grew up doesn't mean we are racist. I was told by family as a young person that when it was time to pick a mate to choose someone who is the most like the people you know and respect. I did. It was good advice. It isn't WRONG to enjoy people who think and believe similarly to yourself. Unless you are an Ax murderer.

Perhaps diversity is extolled. It isn't always comfortable.

Originally Posted by tvbound (Post 1852751)

"Petty? I don’t think so. There is too much that has been revealed about who they really are."

"Seems the reason is founded in hate, not political differences."



Those two statements perfectly sum up where we are right now. Prior to 4 years ago, no one could have convinced me that there were so many people who harbored so much hate for others based on their skin color, gender, place of birth, sexual orientation or anything else that makes them different than themselves. To find out that I have so many friends and relatives, that have apparently had this bottled up for so long and now feel free, nae encouraged, to publicly express it, is like a high-voltage electrical shock to the whole body.

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1853105)

In 2016 I could accept the fact that there were many I knew who voted differently from me. (It might surprise you to know that I have always been a moderate. Voted blue at the state level most of the time because of support for public education. But voted top of ticket, pretty much half and half throughout the years.)

But that was then. This is now.

I have never seen such behavior around an election. It is the in-your-face, loud, brazen, inane stuff that looks to me like it borders on worship of a person not a support of an ideology.



The object of this affection and attention behaves in a manner that represents everything we try to teach our children and grandchildren not to be and do.

I cannot accept lies, lack of empathy, mocking of sickness and death, dehumanizing children in cages, vicious mimicking of the disabled, saying our soldiers are losers and ignoring bounties on their heads, welcoming and encouraging violent organizations based on hatred for those of a different color, eviscerating the middle class with impossible health insurance costs and ridiculous college tuition, trying to destroy the free press, disdain for strong women, threatening to soon be wiping out protection of pre-existing conditions with no plan to replace that protection, falsely propping up the market with those cooperate tax cuts that are being spent on stock buybacks in the trillions, driving this country further into obscene debt, seeing the position of attorney general as a personal lawyer, staffing important government positions with those who will always say yes, delusions of grandeur, wannabe dictator with a plan to set up a family dynasty to go forth with the pillaging and plundering. I could go on — and on.

I know I am skating on thin ice here, hoping the moderator lets us have just this week, just this thread, to say our piece.

The piece I just said here is what I cannot say to those I know who are caught up in this never before seen behavior. I do not say anything because their mob-mentality is a little scary so it’s not worth it.

I just wanted to explain why I feel as I do. When I see people falling in line, loudly proclaiming their support of the behaviors as I listed above, it makes me wonder who they really are.

Boomer, defending herself

Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1852810)

You are correct.

Amazing how often I am called a liberal leftist democrat on here.

I have been a conservative (a real one) for close to 60 years I think.

Not really as simple as "thinking". There are no true conservatives around frankly. I believe, and the GOP used to believe in budget constraints, morals, etc. no more.

i might remind you that back in 2007, while it got heated, ISSUES were the subject. I get mocked even though I was a big anti OBama poster, but never attacked him personally because he was a good moral man.

I hate to even venture, but I still do not think this is a political movement...it is a cult....and the GOP, my party, is going to pay the price for what has happened, along with my country.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1853046)

This is shared with no double meanings or anything but the observation I see nothing but happiness here in these scenes.

It really is a Zippee doo-dah day today here in The Villages. Enjoy every second of it.

We were kids just moments ago enjoying this movie.

Uncle Remus singing it's a beautiful morning. - Bing video

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1853105)

In 2016 I could accept the fact that there were many I knew who voted differently from me. (It might surprise you to know that I have always been a moderate. Voted blue at the state level most of the time because of support for public education. But voted top of ticket, pretty much half and half throughout the years.)

But that was then. This is now.

I have never seen such behavior around an election. It is the in-your-face, loud, brazen, inane stuff that looks to me like it borders on worship of a person not a support of an ideology.

The object of this affection and attention behaves in a manner that represents everything we try to teach our children and grandchildren not to be and do.

I cannot accept lies, lack of empathy, mocking of sickness and death, dehumanizing children in cages, vicious mimicking of the disabled, saying our soldiers are losers and ignoring bounties on their heads, welcoming and encouraging violent organizations based on hatred for those of a different color, eviscerating the middle class with impossible health insurance costs and ridiculous college tuition, trying to destroy the free press, disdain for strong women, threatening to soon be wiping out protection of pre-existing conditions with no plan to replace that protection, falsely propping up the market with those cooperate tax cuts that are being spent on stock buybacks in the trillions, driving this country further into obscene debt, seeing the position of attorney general as a personal lawyer, staffing important government positions with those who will always say yes, delusions of grandeur, wannabe dictator with a plan to set up a family dynasty to go forth with the pillaging and plundering. I could go on — and on.

I know I am skating on thin ice here, hoping the moderator lets us have just this week, just this thread, to say our piece.

The piece I just said here is what I cannot say to those I know who are caught up in this never before seen behavior. I do not say anything because their mob-mentality is a little scary so it’s not worth it.

I just wanted to explain why I feel as I do. When I see people falling in line, loudly proclaiming their support of the behaviors as I listed above, it makes me wonder who they really are.

Boomer, defending herself

Originally Posted by Boomer (Post 1853105)

In 2016 I could accept the fact that there were many I knew who voted differently from me. (It might surprise you to know that I have always been a moderate. Voted blue at the state level most of the time because of support for public education. But voted top of ticket, pretty much half and half throughout the years.)

But that was then. This is now.

I have never seen such behavior around an election. It is the in-your-face, loud, brazen, inane stuff that looks to me like it borders on worship of a person not a support of an ideology.

The object of this affection and attention behaves in a manner that represents everything we try to teach our children and grandchildren not to be and do.

I cannot accept lies, lack of empathy, mocking of sickness and death, dehumanizing children in cages, vicious mimicking of the disabled, saying our soldiers are losers and ignoring bounties on their heads, welcoming and encouraging violent organizations based on hatred for those of a different color, eviscerating the middle class with impossible health insurance costs and ridiculous college tuition, trying to destroy the free press, disdain for strong women, threatening to soon be wiping out protection of pre-existing conditions with no plan to replace that protection, falsely propping up the market with those cooperate tax cuts that are being spent on stock buybacks in the trillions, driving this country further into obscene debt, seeing the position of attorney general as a personal lawyer, staffing important government positions with those who will always say yes, delusions of grandeur, wannabe dictator with a plan to set up a family dynasty to go forth with the pillaging and plundering. I could go on — and on.

I know I am skating on thin ice here, hoping the moderator lets us have just this week, just this thread, to say our piece.

The piece I just said here is what I cannot say to those I know who are caught up in this never before seen behavior. I do not say anything because their mob-mentality is a little scary so it’s not worth it.

I just wanted to explain why I feel as I do. When I see people falling in line, loudly proclaiming their support of the behaviors as I listed above, it makes me wonder who they really are.

Boomer, defending herself

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1853117)

And I don’t understand how anyone can defend those things you mention in paragraph 5.

Originally Posted by Bucco (Post 1853156)

That is the sad thing. Those folks do not defend. They tolerate and enable by silence. Never do these folks that are alluded to ever make statements supporting much of any policies. Because no policy can fix what you feel. I get it, but am so disappointed in the volume of hate, and the lengths they go to shed their moral compass in order to enable.

It is shameful to allow these things, and never speak up.

I still do not see this as political...there is no political fix for this. It appears they have been conned, and I realize what I said, but conned because they feel someone is speaking for them, to what end I have no idea. I do know the shrapnel from all this will be here for many many years, and it does not appear they care.

I would love to read their hearts to know why they allow these things, these words, these crazy accusations, these very personal smears, and fraud. What is in a heart that allows this ?

This always brings the posts about different hate issues. That is not political, that is something you feel, which no politician can solve.