Letters to the Editor

Editor:

To the anonymous person who left a beautifully painted rock on my neighbor’s and my porch 10 days ago, how thoughtful!

Good fortune smiles on those who are kind, especially during these trying times.

If there were more people like you, this world would be a much better place. Thank you!

Julia Howell Mutual 9 Editor:

I’ve read nearly all the letters coalescing around David Harlow and the sign on the tent of the Republican Club (Sept. 16, 23) and his referral to the statement: “Has the Democrat Party rejected Christians?” I searched the net for this phrase and found the following articles in the Washington Times and Sovereign Nations, among others. If you type in Democratic National Committee Resolution passed Aug. 17, 2019, there are links to the actual DNC resolution document with its wording and meaning as to the goals of the DNC and why they passed this resolution.

May I suggest reading the actual resolution document. That suggestion also applies to the wording of the Declaration of Independence regarding “religion” and “freedom of speech.”

As in life itself, there are good and bad on all sides of an issue. It’s very easy to be swept away by emotions rather than by reason. We shouldn’t be fearful if, in our gated community, we have differences of opinions and ideas. All of us who’ve worked with others, professionally or in our families, surely have tread that bumpy track on occasion.

If we all, regardless of political party, can discuss, even debate, the issues of our times, won’t we have practiced the very freedom or openness the country’s founders foresaw and provided for us?

Richard Weaver Mutual 3 Editor:

What has happened to this wonderful community? Hate seems to be spreading everywhere. I returned home yesterday afternoon after being gone for two hours to find that someone had drawn a swastika on the walkway into my unit.

I consider this a hate crime and wonder who could be so hateful and bold to do this in broad daylight. I am terrified and concerned about what is coming next. I contacted my Mutual board, GRF Security and the Seal Beach police.

The police have spoken to a few of my neighbors; however, since the act was not witnessed by anyone, nothing can be done. How sad that we have to tolerate this hateful behavior.

Geraldine Wright Mutual 11 Editor:

The people who work for Leisure World are so caring. Instead of saying, “That is not in my work description,” they can see us having a problem and want to help if possible.

Here’s an example: I had a technical problem with my new iPad and was frustrated. Heather Kaveney, the lead clerk at the LW Library, was wonderful! In seconds, she had my iPad working to perfection. It was a miracle.

The iPad books and the help online just didn’t work, but Heather saw me struggling, came over and zip, it works wonderfully!

I want GRF officials to know how special its staff is. Heather is a jewel, so giving, and she really cares for us in Leisure World. Thank you, Heather, for being so sweet, helpful and understanding.

Paul Adair Mutual 12 Editor:

My thoughts and beliefs are mine alone and should be of no concern to you. However, I would like you to know I don’t like politics or politicians very much.

When I read the editorial articles in the Sept. 23 LW Weekly newspaper, I came away with a totally different slant. To my surprise, it was a pleasure to read about people talking about God, so refreshing.

Their belief in God and the number of people willing to share their love of God with strangers was amazing. I do not care what you think of “the sign.”

For me, the real takeaway is the importance of knowing true believers of Christianity are in Leisure World.

S.A. Goodreau Mutual 15 Editor:

While the outpouring of outrage over one political party’s display near Clubhouse 6 (Sept. 23) is certainly welcome, it’s doubtful that many scales will fall from that party’s members’ eyes.

A recent poll shows that 78 percent of that party still believes that our ex-president actually won the (2020) election.

The situation that our country is in could be considered humorous to the point of ridiculous were it not so existentially threatening to our so-called republic.

I think of two movies that are evocative of current events: “Being There,” starring Peter Sellers, and “A Face in the Crowd,” starring Andy Griffith. The first, a comedy, shows how this country could be convinced to elect a totally unqualified, even inane, president through manipulation of public perception.

The latter is a story about a charismatic, small-scale politician adored by his base until it learns how he actually regards them. They respect themselves and their principles enough to desert him, unlike the ex-president’s base.

Lee Holt Mutual 11

Editor:

Words are powerful and are often used to influence people to do what they may not actually choose to do. In reading E. Winslow’s letter (Sept. 16) stating that she is “deeply offended” and “find(s) a sign “inflammatory, false, and misleading” with “offensive language,” claiming it “should not be tolerated in Leisure World common areas,” but giving no proofs, she is using emotional appeals for support of both an “insinuation” and accusation against someone.

Shouldn’t the editor have stated that such wording is not shared with the newspaper? The writer’s own words could also be conveyed as “inflammatory, false and misleading” against someone she accuses. Her statements could be taken as intolerance of freedom of speech since she provided no proof for her conclusions.

Today, American society is being bombarded by numerous claims that have no proofs. America’s founders made it clear that all Americans have the right to express their viewpoints.

Words are powerful tools that have been used indiscriminately by many people who want to influence others to support their positions. Words can also be used to speak the truth.

D. Schilpp Mutual 12