[billethkid]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

In my experience almost without exception if any politically inclined remarks are initiated at an otherwise pleasant social gathering they inevitably come, unrequested, from the lefties in the group. Most conservatives quietly keep their own counsel unless someone asks them what they feel/think. Those on the left just can't seem to contain themselves and must spout off regardless of whether it is appropriate or not.

That sounds about right.

[Villagesperson]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

In my experience almost without exception if any politically inclined remarks are initiated at an otherwise pleasant social gathering they inevitably come, unrequested, from the lefties in the group. Most conservatives quietly keep their own counsel unless someone asks them what they feel/think. Those on the left just can't seem to contain themselves and must spout off regardless of whether it is appropriate or not.

Actually, in most cases remarks about The Villages and the political leanings, are garnered almost without exception from this forum and one other.

And that is the result of the point you make.

I have many many democratic and liberal friends who live up north and invariably will ask me by phone if it is true what they read here on this forum and the other.

Most readers, on here do not even live here, or perhaps I should say a large percentage and the rep of The Villages is garnered from here. If you partake of the political forum, you will find that subject is a favored one. Readers have definitive take always from the accusations they read.

Seems, over the years there has been a self induced prejudice which in reality does not exist.

[Loudoll]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Since I bought last year, I have heard the STD thing dozens and dozens of times. So here are THE FACTS, gleaned from the CDC, Florida Dept. of Health, and the Census Bureau:

These rates are per 100,000 population and reflect syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia:

National rate: 566.9
Florida rate 538.0

Marion County 520.1
Lake County 377.1
Sumter County 277.9


Now for age adjustment:

statewide over 55:

GC: 313/19,555 cases
chlamydia: 411/77,851
syphilis: 78/1,375

So, if we assume 85% of TV population at peak season of 120,000 there would be 100,000 residents over 55. Florida has close to 20 million residents, about 30% over 55 = 6 million. Therefore about 1/60 of Florida's 55+ population lives in TV. If we evenly distribute the above 55+ cases across the state, we get expected STD cases in TV/year of:

GC: 5.2 cases
chlamydia: 6.8 cases
syphilis: 1.2 cases

And even these numbers are skewed a bit high since not all 55+ residents of these 3 counties live in TV
Hardly epidemic proportions, as you can see your chances (randomly) of contracting a STD is about 1% of the national average. Personal behavior will influence your individual odds
I wish the facts would put the rumor to bed, but we all know it will not happen

Thank you. I intended to Google that just as soon as I read all the comments. You saved me the trouble and I appreciate it.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Loudoll

Thank you. I intended to Google that just as soon as I read all the comments. You saved me the trouble and I appreciate it.

Your welcome

[AMROCKET]

This is the first message / reply I've posted on this site.

I'm in the process of closing on a house in the Village of Hemingway (plan is to close at the end of the month and move in Oct. 1st). When I shared with family, friends and business associates that I am buying a place in the Villages; I heard a lot of stories, among those the one about their being a significant VD problem in the Villages. So after hearing this comment enough I assured everyone that I'd be careful and not to worry. In fact I told some that "the Villages" had everything under control now and everyone had to be tested every 3 months and there are vending machines in the town squares that dispense free condoms. Oh, oh good............... The facial expressions were priceless( Is he telling us the truth or pulling our leg)??

Remember, perception can be reality in someones else mind.

Looking forward to meeting and making new friends once I'm moved in.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

age old proverb: Avoid religion and politics in polite conversations

And there you have it. In our family we were taught not to discuss religion, politics, or money. All very personal things, in my view.

We have great friends with opposite political views. We have a great time with them. Long ago we agreed to leave politics out of the equation.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

In my experience almost without exception if any politically inclined remarks are initiated at an otherwise pleasant social gathering they inevitably come, unrequested, from the lefties in the group. Most conservatives quietly keep their own counsel unless someone asks them what they feel/think. Those on the left just can't seem to contain themselves and must spout off regardless of whether it is appropriate or not.

Boy do I disagree with that.