THE DAY OF RECKONING

IN PITTSBURGH, IT APPEARS TRUMP IS NO MORE. HE IS JUST ANOTHER SORRY EXCUSE FOR A LEADER.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Conservatives understand Halloween, liberals only understand

Christmas. If you want to control a population, don't give it social services, give it a scary adversary.”  

 

Tom Robbins, Skinny Legs and All

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

MASS SHOOTINGS, ALMOST WEEKLY. IF YOU ARE BORN HERE, YOU CANNOT BE A CITIZEN. THE PRESS LIES, AND SHOULD BE SEVERELY CENSORED. THE PRESIDENT CAN DO ANYTHING, WITHOUT REPERCUSSION. THE MILITARY USES 60% OF OUR MONEY. THE ENVIRONMENT CAN BE RAVISHED IN THE NAME OF PROFIT. THERE IS ONE TRUE RELIGION IN AMERICA, AND ONLY ONE. IF YOU NEED HELP, YOU ARE WEAK AND NEED TO BE ELIMINATED. AMERICA HAS BECOME A LIVING HELL, BUT I KEEP TELLING MYSELF IT IS GOING TO GET BETTER.

REGARDING HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE

THIS IS NOT A COMPANY FOR THE CEO TO RUN. THIS IS A COMMUNITY FOR HER, OR SOMEONE ELSE, TO LEAD.

With Midterms in One Week, Bernie Sanders Says GOP Effort to Strip Healthcare From 32 Million Should Be Highlighted 'Every Hour of Every Day'

With Midterms in One Week, Bernie Sanders Says GOP Effort to Strip Healthcare From 32 Million Should Be Highlighted 'Every Hour of Every Day'



THE REPUBLICANS DON'T HAVE A PLAN, SHORT OF MAKING THE RICH, RICHER, AND THE POOR EXTINCT.

THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN

THE POA WAS BEEN SUED BY COOPER FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL INFORMATION THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO. ACTUALLY, THAT ALL OF US ARE ENTITLED TO. THE SECRECY IS BRINGING DOWN THE DIRECTORS AND CEO. WE SHOULD ALL THANK COOPER FOR DOING THIS FOR US. UNFORTUNATELY, WE ALL WILL HAVE TO PAY TO DEFEND A SORRY POA ADMINISTRATION. WE DO NOT HAVE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION. WE DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF THINGS. ALL OF THIS HAS TO CHANGE, OR MANY OF US WILL BE MOVING. THE BOARD NEEDS TO GO, AND NALLEY NEEDS TO GO. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

As Trump Gaslights Entire Nation About Package Bombs, This 'Will Go Down in History' as Clear Moment 'American Democracy Truly at Risk'

As Trump Gaslights Entire Nation About Package Bombs, This 'Will Go Down in History' as Clear Moment 'American Democracy Truly at Risk'



WE SHOULD HAVE THROWN TRUMP OUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. MANUALLY. BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

MARKETING DUMBNESS

THE BANK OF THE OZARKS CHANGED THEIR NAME TO BANK OZK. I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE GIVEN ME THE MONEY IT COST THEM TO MAKE THAT CHANGE. I COULD HAVE TOLD THEM THAT'S THE DUMBEST THING I EVER HEARD OF.

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Black Dog Alison Krauss Robert Plant

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: FROM WHOM NO SECRETS ARE HID

The priest says, "Almighty God...from whom no secrets are
   hid."
   We rush to the next phrase but now linger there.
We are rich conundrums of secrets,
   we weave a pattern of lies in order to be
                            well thought of,
    we engage in subterfuge about our truth.
We carry old secrets too painful to utter,
                             too shameful to acknowledge,
                             too burdensome to bear,
     of failures we cannot undo,
     of alienations we regret but cannot fix,
     of grandiose exhibits we cannot curb.
And you know them.
     You know them all.
     And so we take a deep sign in your presence,
         no longer needing to pretend and
                 cover up and
                 deny.

We mostly do not have big sins to confess,
      only modest shames that do not
         fit our hoped-for selves.

And then we find that your knowing is more
       powerful than our secrets.
You know and do not turn away,
       and our secrets that seemed too powerful
          are emptied of strength,
       secrets that seemed too burdensome
              and now less severe.

We marvel that when you find us out
        you stay with us,
     taking us seriously,
     taking our secrets soberly,
          but not ultimately,
     overpowering our little failure
     with your massive love
           and abiding patience.

We long to be fully, honestly
      exposed to your gaze of gentleness.
   In the moment of your knowing
           we are eased and lightened,
   and we fell the surge of joy move in our bodies,
     because we are not ours in cringing
         but yours in communion.

We are yours and find the truth before you
    makes us free for
      wonder, love, and praise---and new life.

Walter Brueggemann, Prayers for a Privileged People
    


    

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON: THE GOSPEL OF DOUBT

• THOU SHALL QUESTION EVERYTHING.
• IF SOMEONE IS CLAIMING TO KNOW "THE TRUTH," RUN.
• I DOUBT TRUMP IS FROM EARTH. HE APPEARS ALIEN.
• WITHOUT MUSIC, I DOUBT WE WOULD HAVE SURVIVED THIS LONG.
• MANY POLITICIANS ARE LAWYERS. I DOUBT THAT HELPS MAKE THEM GOOD PUBLIC SERVANTS.
• ANYONE STANDING AGAINST A FREE PRESS IS HIDING SOMETHING. AND I DOUBT IT'S GOOD.
• SECRETS ARE BORN OUT OF A NEED TO BE POWERFUL. BUT I DOUBT IT WORKS.
• IT DOESN'T HURT TO DOUBT YOUR FAITH. BUT IT DOES HURT TO LET OTHERS CONTROL IT.
• IF YOU CLAIM TO BE A CHRISTIAN, BUT OPPOSE FREE CHOICE, OR DESPISE GAYS OR SUPPORT PERPETUAL WAR, YOU NEED TO TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY.
• I DOUBT, THEREFORE I AM.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
 
Thomas Jefferson

As World Demands Justice for Khashoggi Murder, Trump Declares 'Open Season on All Journalists'

As World Demands Justice for Khashoggi Murder, Trump Declares 'Open Season on All Journalists'



GOD HELP US.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear."

Harry Truman

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE VOICE

OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER IS THE HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE VOICE. IT HELPS TO KEEP UP WITH LOCAL EVENTS, BUT BEYOND THAT, IT IS NOT MUCH MORE THAN ADS AND DAY OLD NEWS.
I HAVE BEEN A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR" SECTION. YOU ARE ALLOWED 2 PER MONTH. LATELY THEY HAVE BEEN BACKED UP OVER THE VILLAGE CONTROVERSY REGARDING THE UPCOMING VOTE ON CHANGES TO THE VILLAGE ARTICLES AND DECLARATIONS. MY LAST SUBMISSION WAS ABOUT A MONTH AGO. I SUGGESTED THAT THEY PRINT MORE THAN THE 5 LETTERS THEY PRINT PER WEEK, BUT THE ANSWER WAS NO. I'M ASSUMING THEY DON'T WANT TO ALLOW US TOO MUCH OF A VOICE FROM THE PUBLIC.THEY ARE GENERALLY PRO-POA, AND MANY OF US HAVE TAKEN A POSITION AGAINST THE PRESENT BOARD AND CEO. THE VOICE DOES NOT WANT TO GET ANY OF THOSE PEOPLE MAD AT THEM. THEY DON'T WANT TO LOSE ANY INCOME FROM AD'S. THEY NEVER PRINT ANYTHING THAT MIGHT BE NEAR SHAKY REGARDING THE BOARD OR CEO. THEY ARE SORT OF NEXT TO USELESS, BUT ARE ALL THAT WE HAVE GOT. THE LETTER SECTION IS ONE OF THE ONLY WAYS TO VOICE OPPOSITION TO OUR PRESENT LEADERSHIP.  ALTHOUGH THE VILLAGE WHISPERER IS BECOMING MORE POPULAR. I'M GUESSING SIXTY-SEVENTY PEOPLE ARE READING ON A FAIRLY REGULAR BASIS. THAT IS NOT MANY, BUT AT LEAST AN ALTERNATIVE VOICE.

TEN THINGS ABOUT MY DOG

1. He sure likes chicken.
2. He backs up and sits on the couch with me. We watch television together. He likes the dog channel, I like sports.
3. He doesn't like crows or squirrels.
4. He loves to meet people.
5. He comes in the bedroom and puts his head on the bed to wake me in the morning.
6. He hates thunder.
7. He can tear up a stuffed animal in less than a minute.
8. He eats anything.
9. He can hold it longer than any dog I know.
10. In dog years, he's about 61. So far, he's not complaining. Another year and he can start drawing social security. Dewey Weik, son of Bruce and Ann Weik. Guardians.

WE'RE NOT IN OZ ANYMORE

     We’re not in OZ anymore: Another letter from the CEO. I have never seen a CEO have to explain his or her actions so often. It would be much simpler, and more cost efficient, to make decisions reflecting sound reasoning and good judgement before the need to write lengthy letters explaining mistakes by her and the directors.

     Now that she is worried the articles and declarations will not pass, she has moved to a position of compromise. Sort of. Maybe we should look the CMP over more carefully before proceeding. And we really do like Cooper, even though we plan on sending them packing. The constant letters explaining why we should forgive her for “whatever” is not going to win over our support and confidence. They are amateurish at best.

     So what would the Wizard do, now that we have a convoluted mess on our hands? We should vote No on the articles and declarations. The most important reason for this is to send a clear message to the CEO and POA directors that we are not in-tune with their vision of what Hot Springs Village should be or become. We are a community, not a corporation. We demand directors that represent us, not the company. We can buy seven bobble heads cheaper than we can elect them. We need solutions now, not 30 years from now. The CMP states we are running a 5-7 million dollar deficit per year. Do the math. A 30 year plan is seriously ridiculous. Perhaps suicidal. A 3-5 year plan is stretching it.        When you are drowning, there is no need to worry about the future. You better put all of your energy into saving yourself. Now.

     Somewhere over the rainbow didn’t work out quite as we had hoped. It’s time to change that.

'They're Doing Us Like They Did New Orleans': Anger at Trump Inaction as Hurricane Michael Leaves Millions Without Power and Basic Needs

'They're Doing Us Like They Did New Orleans': Anger at Trump Inaction as Hurricane Michael Leaves Millions Without Power and Basic Needs



WE CAN'T DEPEND ON ANYTHING FROM THE GOVERNMENT WITH TRUMP IN OFFICE. SHORT OF A BUNCH OF NONSENSE.

BENEDICTION

WHAT DO I DO AT THE END OF THE DAY?
DID I HELP ANYONE OTHER THAN MYSELF?
HOW ABOUT THE HUNGRY.
THE HOMELESS.
THE SHUT-IN'S.
THE DISABLED.
THE PRISONERS.
THE ONE'S THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NO LONGER HELP.
AM I TOO COMFORTABLE TO EVEN SEE THE INJUSTICE? THE PAIN?
FOR THAT MATTER, DO I EVEN CARE?
GOD, I AM FILLED WITH DOUBT.
WALK ME THRU MY INDIFFERENCE AND APATHY TO A BETTER PLACE.
ONE FILLED WITH HOPE AND RENEWAL.
ONE FILLED WITH ACTION AND DEPARTURE.

AMEN

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Steve Winwood // Blind Faith - "Can't Find My Way Home"

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON

I met an angel. She was a waitress at the Waffle House. Those bright eyes and that infectious smile. She must have been about 23 or so. I heard her tell someone she had two children. I didn't hear her say anything about a husband. She wants to go to college. Pre-med. I think she can do it. An angel can do anything.

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: WHEN LIFE CRASHES

We have known forever that you call to obedience,
                                     that our obedience to your purposes
                                          brings well-being,
                                     that our departure from you may
                                          bring trouble,
                                     that life proceeds on a tight calculus
                                          of expectation and requirement,
                                     that in your awesome rule there is rigor
                                          along with generosity.

We have set out to be your faithful people
and then we fall into an unintended brokenness.
   We know about alienation from you and loss;
   we know about shame before our neighbors
               and embarrassment in the family;
    we know about the will to hide and become invisible,
    and we are consumed by depths of remorse.

When we are able, we come out of hiding long enough to face you.
                               We know all the cadences of confession and
                                         repentance.
                                   and that we have no secrets not already
                                         known to you.
                                We sense before you our deep dread of failure
                                      and our last shred of innocence gone.

We ask forgiveness and wait,
     at times before your presence we wait a very long time
        as we know of your silence and absence in our bottomness.

But we know more!
We know of your unfailing love,
                     your willing generosity,
                     your readiness to remember our sin no more.

And so,
      after shame before neighbor,
      after embarrassment within family,
      after dread before you,
we wait and then eventually you appear,
                                             you reach,
                                             you speak,
                                             you touch.
You give yourself to us without judgment---
          after we have judged ourselves.

You invite us to your presence,
            to the table of your feast,
            to your walk of companionship,
            to your mission of well-being.
We take timid steps toward home and are welcomed.

Now, in this hour of free-fall,
    be your good self again,
    meet us not according to our flaw
    but according to your generous self-giving;
    Be our Christmas,
       and start the world again;
    Be our Easter,
       and draw us from death to new life;
    Be our Pentecost,
       and breathe on us to begin again;
    Be your full, generous self toward us;
       we will begin again in obedience,
             and as we can obey,
        we will begin again
             in wonder, love, and joy.

Walter Brueggemann

THE ALCHEMIST

The alchemist was seeking to turn base metals, usually lead, into gold. It ends up the process lead the alchemist to the possibility of seeking a better life. The lead may not have transformed into gold, but the alchemist transformed into a better person.
In a similar fashion, chaos theory, applied to social change, attempts to do the same thing the alchemist did, transforming not lead, but the status quo, into disharmony, or chaos. In doing so, he or she is hoping that the resulting balance that the community, society, comes back to will be better, more enlightened, than the previous state.
The alchemist must be prepared to be ridiculed and dismissed as a threat to the prevailing conventional wisdom and power structure. A provocation of the status quo will result in a strong unwillingness of the public to change. This is the alchemists work, to stir static, entrenched, retrogressive ideas into new, progressive, creative, and hopefully more enlightened solutions to life's many problems and issues.

Facebook Accused of 'Full-Frontal Suppression of Dissent' After Independent Media Swept Up in Mass Purge

Facebook Accused of 'Full-Frontal Suppression of Dissent' After Independent Media Swept Up in Mass Purge



BYE, BYE, FACEBOOK

WHY WORRY WHEN YOU CAN PANIC: Hope In a Hopeless World

WIDESPEAD PANIC

WE'VE GOT ABOUT A THIRD OF THE POPULATION OUT IN RIGHT-WING LA-LA LAND, WONDERING WHO THEY CAN SCREW NEXT. THEY AIN'T GOT A CLUE. THEY LISTEN TO POLITICIANS WHO WILL DO WHATEVER THEY CAN TO MAKE THEMSELVES RICHER AND THE REST OF US POORER. BUT THEY HOOT AND HOLLER FOR THEM AND WAVE THE FLAG AND SING THE SONG. IT'S AMAZING HOW FAR ROBOTICS HAS COME. ANOTHER THIRD OF THE POPULATION REALLY DON'T GIVE A SHIT. THEY ARE BEAT DOWN. THEY GAVE UP LONG AGO. THEY'RE SCREWED AND THEY KNOW IT. THEY CAN'T EVEN GET IT UP FOR A FIGHT. THEY'RE ALONG FOR THE RIDE. OH, THEY WILL BITCH AND MOAN AT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING, BUT THEY WON'T TAKE TIME AWAY FROM THE TV TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THEY ARE PERMANENTLY DEPRESSED AND SATISFIED TAKING ANTI-DEPRESSANTS. THAT LEAVES ABOUT A THIRD OF US TO DO THE WORK REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A DEMOCRACY. I GET SO MANY REQUESTS FOR TIME AND MONEY THAT I CAN'T POSSIBLY KEEP UP. SOME DAYS IT GETS OVERWHELMING, BUT I CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THAT I, OR RATHER WE, CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

JUSTICE

JUSTICE. ONE OF LIFE'S FINER PURCHASES. FINE WINE. SUPER-SIZED HOMES. A LEXUS. ROLEX WATCH. THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS COLLEGES. EVERYTHING HAS A PRICE.

CHEAP LABOR

CHEAP LABOR. CORPORATIONS LOVE IT. CAPITALISM LOVES IT. BUT I REPEAT MYSELF. MINIMUM NOTHING ADDS UP TO NOTHING. CEO's SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT. IN BIGGER HOMES. FANCY CARS. EXOTIC EXPLOITATION.

PEEVER LAW #26

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR STATUS IN LIFE, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO TELL THEM TO KISS YOUR ASS.

BENEDICTION

I’VE WALKED OUT THESE DOORS A LOT OF TIMES.

I’VE ALWAYS COME BACK, SEARCHING, LONGING, WONDERING.

STILL, IT ALLUDES ME.

AS I WALK OUT THE DOOR, IS TODAY THE DAY?

DID IT FINALLY SINK IN THAT IT IS ME WHO HAS TO CHANGE, NOT THE WORLD.

SUNDAY MORNING HYMN: Marc Broussard - Edge of Heaven

SUNDAY MORNING SERMON: I CAME BACK HAUNTED

It was 18 yrs. ago I had a heart attack. It wasn't bad, but did require open heart surgery. No problem until 10 weeks later. A massive sternal staph infection. They called my family in twice, thinking I was about to die. But I came back haunted.

• After being out for 8 days with a 105.8 degree temperature, no one was for sure if my brain hadn't been fried. As luck would have it, I'm the same left handed, left leaning goofball I was, minus a bit of memory. Unfortunately, I can still remember all my failings. Just the luck.
• You get to wondering why you were spared? I haven't come up with really a whole lot. I haven't turned over any new leaves, to speak of. I did decide to finish 18 hrs of credit in seminary to finish a theology degree I started in 1971. My first course was hard. I forgot how demanding and time consuming graduate courses can be. My professor took it really seriously. More serious than I was hoping. Still, I managed an A. Actually, it was credit with distinction. No letter grades. First time I've ever done anything with distinction. It felt pretty good. Course number 2 was a writing course: creative nonfiction. This is useful for ministers, what with sermons, prayers, bulletins. It was great, but again, hard. I did learn a lot. After two courses, I'm  currently resting. Four to go.
• I am trying to use my time in a more useful and effective way. I volunteer on Tuesday and Thursday at the food bank in Hot Springs. I mainly load food as providers come in to pick it up. The work can be a little heavy, but so far I've managed. I enjoy meeting all the providers of service. Sure a lot of good people. I'm thinking of changing one day, or adding one day, to serving meals at the Salvation Army. I miss the contact with people receiving services. It makes me feel uncomfortable seeing so many people in need, which I prefer over getting naive' and comfortable with the status quo. I feel more useful and in touch with the community when I'm right there.
• I am, unfortunately, getting less and less tolerant with all the right-wing nonsense going on. It all seems pretty hateful and racist oriented to me. I channel my frustration into writing, which helps. Where these people are coming from is a place I have never been, thank God. I'm glad I came back haunted. Not only am I haunted about what might happen when you die, I am haunted about what might happen when you live.

SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER

You are the God who feeds and nourishes.
You are the God who assures that we have more than enough,
  and we do not doubt that
  you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Even in such an assurance, however,
   we scramble for more food,
   After we have filled all our baskets
               with manna,
   we seek a surplus---
       enough education to plan ahead,
       enough power to protect our supply,
       enough oil to assure that protection.

And in the midst of that
        comes your word,
      that we share bread and feed the hungry,
         even to the least and so to you.
We mostly keep our bread for ourselves,
                                                our neighbors,
                                                and our friends.

It does not occur to us often,
        to feel our enemies,
        to share your bounty with
                    those who threaten us.

We do not often remember to break vicious cycles
      of hostility
           by free bread,
           by free water,
           by free wine,
           by free milk.
Until we remember that you are the giver of all good gifts,
                                                 ours to enjoy,
                                                  ours to share.

Stir us by your spirit beyond fearful accumulation
         toward outrageous generosity,
      that giving bread to others
              makes for peace,
      that giving drink to others
               makes for justice,
      that giving and sharing opens the world
               and assures abundance for all.

We pray this even as we ponder the gift of your Son,
    whom we ingest as bread and wine,
         and tasting, find ourselves
               forgiven and renewed.
    Feed us till we want no more!

Prayers for a Privileged People, Walter Brueggemann

SOUL COLLISIONS

SOULS COLLIDE. IT'S PROOF THEY EXIST. THE COLLISION CAN PRODUCE LOVE. JOY.  HAPPINESS. SOMETIMES DESPAIR AND DARKNESS. UNPREDICTABLE, THOSE SOULS. BUMPING INTO ONE ANOTHER LIKE THAT.

PEEVER LAW #105

I PUT KETCHUP ON MY KETCHUP.

MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOURS

MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN YOURS: WHEN RELIGION EMBRACES IDEOLOGY, ALL YOU GET IS STINK. SANCTIONED KILLINGS. RELIGIOUS BIGOTRY. MY GOD IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN YOURS. IDOLATRY. THE SMELL OF SUPERIORITY.

More Than Doubling in a Day, Now 1,200 Law Professors (and Counting) Have Signed Letter Declaring Kavanaugh Not Qualified

More Than Doubling in a Day, Now 1,200 Law Professors (and Counting) Have Signed Letter Declaring Kavanaugh Not Qualified

500 Law Professors Agree: Kavanaugh's Testimony Was 'Disqualifying For Any Court,' Let Alone Supreme Court

500 Law Professors Agree: Kavanaugh's Testimony Was 'Disqualifying For Any Court,' Let Alone Supreme Court

THE RIGHT-WING AGENDA: JUST SAY NO

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? NO TO SOCIAL JUSTICE. NO TO HELPING THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING. NO TO HUNGRY CHILDREN. NO TO DESPERATELY NEEDED HEALTHCARE. NO TO HOUSING THE HOMELESS. NO TO HIGHER WAGES. NO TO FOOD SCARCITY FOR SENIORS. NO TO CLIMATE CONTROL. NO TO THE ENVIRONMENT. NO TO IMMIGRANTS. NO TO SCIENCE. NO TO LIFE AS WE KNOW IT.

PEEVER LAW #106

I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT AMERICA SO DUMB AS TO ELECT A COMPLETE FOOL FOR PRESIDENT.

THE BREAKDOWN OF COMMUNITY

     The breakdown of community: Our leadership has let us down. The board and CEO have wondered away from democratic rule, toward corporate rule, which is a far cry from democratic.

     They continue to make decisions about our future inappropriately behind closed doors, encouraged by the board president. Eight reasons to go into closed session.  As a “private club”, they can do whatever, which definitely needs to change.

     Short of becoming a municipality, we need a board that will adopt municipal rules to govern us. All the bylaws and proposed articles and declarations we have are designed to run Hot Springs Village as a corporation. I,  and I know there are many others, stand firmly against this. We need to vote for 3 candidates opposed to this direction. And a fourth person on the board to join them, which seems unlikely. We were once again duped the last election. All followers.

     I would sum up our current situation as a “convoluted mess.” The board lets the CEO do whatever she wants. Secret contracts. Secret salaries. Secret bonuses. All secrets. While we elect them, they are a far cry from transparent. They do as directed.

     Voting “NO” on the proposed articles and declaration will send a clear message to the board and CEO that we are having nothing of their proposed corporate rule. Corporations have their place, but not in running a community. We need to seek our independence. From them.

     And as for an orientation session, I would skip it if I were a candidate. It appears to be more of an indoctrination session. An attempt to intimidate and control the candidates even before they are elected.

     As for a recruitment committee, I would assume they are looking for the finest followers. Any candidate that comes out of this committee, beware.