Originally Posted by Taltarzac725 (Post 590230)

It does seem offensive especially with its relationship to the Jonestown Massacre. Seem to recall at least one TOTVer who had a relative who died in that tragedy.

Originally Posted by Down Sized (Post 590508)

Any statement or comment made could be offensive to SOMEONE somewhere. Can't please everyone.

Originally Posted by eweissenbach (Post 590297)

I do not think "drinking the kool-aid" as an analogy is older than Jamestown. I think it is directly related to that tragedy, and refers to people who blindly follow along with the crowd or a charismatic leader, without regard to the consequences.

As for people who snap at newbies, I think they see certain opinions as a threat to their strongly held beliefs and react accordingly. The dynamics of chat sites like this, and I have been a participant on several over the last ten plus years, are interesting to say the least, and would probably make for a fascinating psychological study. People who are relatively non-confrontational in their real life, suddenly become active debaters on a keyboard. People who are passive-aggressive in life become simply aggressive on a keyboard. With a level of anonymity comes a "courage" to say things one would seldom, or never, say to another person's face. Add that to the fact that many people struggle to accurately express their opinions and feelings, and you have a situation rife with the probability of misunderstandings. I have often found statements I have made to be minconstrued or mischaracterized. Sometimes it is my fault, particularly in an effort to be brief and concise when I don't provide adequate context, and sometimes it is because the responder did not read carefully, or misinterpreted what I said. I try not to get too excited about what people say here because; a. everyone is entitled to their opinion, and legitimate opinions can coexist, even if diametrically opposed, and; b. because I can choose what I read, and I can choose what I want to beleive, regardless of what anyone else thinks or types. Have a nice day and be kind to one another! Merry Christmas.

Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 591002)

This thread is classic The Villages"".

First there is more than one genesis for an idea. I can recall a guy who wrote the editor that the state finally listened to him and created a new license plate. Really just how many thousands of risents do you suppose had the sme thought. So I believe more than one incident created the need for the term kool aid.

Secondly, the over-reaction to senior citizen's informational post providing a definition of kool aid is instructive as to how deeply "political correctness has replace candid conversation in our society. Since most residents are over 55 should we also avoid the term dying death? What other terms or issues should we prohibit. How much further should we go in our society until we finally succeed in ending free speech. My best friend(a brother to me) committed suicide should I ask people not to use that term in my presence? No I welcome the oportunity to explain to people that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem

As to kool aid in connection to The Villages the fact remains that there are folks who did just that. You want to identify them? they are the residents who actually believe that by moving here they are wealthier, safer, healthier and living in a Disneyworld. Personally I have always subscribe to the belief that you can ignore reality and have it work against you or embrace it and have it work for you.

Some residents here just have to get a grip.

Senior citizen thank you for your post

Originally Posted by ugotme;590***

How about "We are Villed-out?"

Okay so shoot me argggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !