[Boomer]

About those golf carts: Don’t those people know that to emblazon an image of their leader right across the middle of the Stars and Stripes is desecration of our flag. The flag is defaced by that face. Or any face. Or words. Or whatever. It’s just plain wrong.

Look around. The American flag is being hijacked.

Betsy Ross Boomer

PS: The new image of TV, now seen around the world, will repel some and attract others.

Remember the old days when you would tell someone you owned a house in The Villages and all they wanted to know about was the ridiculous STD story. How’s that for nostalgia?

[arickis]

If you think about it, most of our problems started with the advent of the internet. So much news, fake or otherwise, is being shoved in our face 24/7. Hate, disinformation, is being spread throught the internet. This gets people agitated, confused, angry etc. They react with a comment that is to easily misenterperted or taken wrongly and people get angry. Things are said in comments that would never be said face to face. The internet is truly a blessing and a curse.

[Lottoguy]

I never talk politics on the golf course. Once somebody goes there, it always goes south. One side will never see it the way the other side sees it. Even when presented with evidence it will still not change a persons mind. What will change a persons mind is time. A few years from now people will look deep inside themselves and say, "What did I see in that person?"

[Lottoguy]

There was no such thing as "Fake News" until 2016. Think about it...

[Bucco]

Originally Posted by DaveZ

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.

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.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by 2Jays

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?

I think that many people on both sides are justifiably concerned about spreading Covid-19 but most of all are concerned about catching it accidentally from someone and dying from it because 80% of people who died from Covid were over 70 years of age.

I wanted to go to the rally so bad when the president was here but I am very aware of the increased risk of catching Covid-19 with crowds, even masked crowds. Do not assume anyone who is over seventy hasn't learned a great deal by now. I find most older people are remarkably up on everything. I do think some people are born negative and will always be negative. Some people are also more prone to believe conspiracy theories. Not everyone has the innate ability to be logical. Some have been taught political bias in College, sadly. At any rate I find it best to search hard for the good and admirable in others. I am rarely disappointed.

[KRM0614]

Originally Posted by xcaligirl

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!

I’m gonna move and have nothing nice to say

They will say anything to sell and make money

This is not a life for everyone and for single women it’s very lonely

[DaveZ]

Originally Posted by Bucco

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.

Political divides have always existed and although they played well, Lincoln, Hamilton, and Jefferson are examples of how ugly they become and at least 3 people that hated politics and the media demons of their own times. The example you gave demonstrated how they are played even at the local level. The challenge for us enjoying the rest of our lives in TV is to discuss and not practice with the very neighbors that help make TV great.

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by xcaligirl

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!

I think you will find this is not unique to The Villages

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Originally Posted by gloria321

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.

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

[fastboat]

Originally Posted by xcaligirl

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!

Yup, we moved here in 2009, sure not the same place. Not throwing stones but think you'll find that many of the ones are from the NE and Upper Mid West.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by LiverpoolWalrus

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

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

[Sherry8bal]

Originally Posted by Boomer

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.)

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.

[Dilligas]

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.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Dilligas

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.

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.