Stewart Richland

Hello Mr. and Mrs. Century Village and all our residents around the globe.

IS BEING ERASED HERE IN CENTURY VILLAGE

Regulating speech is a dangerous notion, and not compatible with the principles of a free society. The Founders recognized this, and thus explicitly prohibited Congress from making any laws that might abridge freedom of speech or of the press.

But we have in recent decades seen a steady erosion of this protection of free speech.  The temptation has always been great to legislatively restrict rudeness, prejudice, and minority views, and it’s easiest to start by attacking the clearly obnoxious expressions that most deem offensive. The real harm comes later. But “later” is now approaching. 

Actually the “later” has arrived here in Century Village.  David Israel and his partner at WPRF just don’t get it.  The principle of free speech should not be intended to make people comfortable it is meant to make them think.  To deny residents who are running for UCO positions from exercising this sacred principle of a democratic society,  is the first step towards tyranny and the dissolution of a free society.  It is not the proper role of UCO or WPRF to shield residents from ideas and principles they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or in direct contrast to their views.  This explains why the UCO Reporter does not print articles that contradicts the views of our President,  surreptitiously contacts Palm Beach County  code enforcement about Phyllis Richland’s campaign banner that was attached to the synagogue gate that resulted in its removal and by keeping silent give the “green light” to those who remove campaign posters on Association bulletin boards.  Some time ago I read the following: “A real man will be honest no matter how painful the truth is, A coward hides behind lies and deceit.”

Under this current administration the only synonym that best describes UCO and WPRF is deception.  They refuse to understand and appreciate that they have a “solemn responsibility not only to promote a lively and fearless freedom of debate and discourse, but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.”  (Quoted from the Foundation of Individual Rights FIRE)

This explains why UCO/WPRF conspired to eliminate electioneering in the Club House and pool areas.  They fear free speech and lively discussion unless the opinions agree with theirs.  This explains why our President often resorts to bullying speakers at the Delegate Assembly, when he feels that he is being challenged.  We also have witnessed on  many occasions that when the gavel is slammed down to cut the speaker off,  our President’s  style is to interject a rude or disrespect observation towards the speaker.   Niccolo Machiavelli observed:

 “Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.” This is right out of Machiavelli’s play book for tyrants, The Prince.

In March 2016 all delegates will be able to bring a halt to the downward spiral that UCO and WPRF have created here in our Village.  We need new leadership here in the Village.  Phyllis Richland has all the credentials to end this descent.  We need a fresh start.  Support Phyllis Richland for UCO President.