Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2016 18:14:23 GMT -5
President’s Message: Divisions 06/18/16
We are all aware of the schism that has been created by the few who continue to claim that even after revitalization, SLohA covenants to do not apply to them.
This past week however an incident was reported that hinted at other divisions that lie just beneath the surface, ready to emerge and cause discord, if we allow ourselves to polarize around discriminatory distinctions. The Board had to lay down parameters this past winter over use of resort facilities by people who are not resort residents. It was felt that there were good reasons for the regulations that were imposed in terms of the liabilities that the park could face. This was not an attempt to make S-bag more exclusive but rather to more responsibly monitor potential accident and security risks. This week It appears that someone was a little over-zealous in their attempts to discourage outsiders however and a complaint was filed over the use of the club house by a group, who upon investigation, appeared to have done everything in accordance with S-bag’s Operating Procedures. Was this an honest mistake or evidence of something deeper?
This past winter I recall someone suggesting that we should meter our water as a cost cutting measure. This may have been a well-intentioned suggestion which might have its merits, but when investigated it put the focus on the difference between the “part-timers” and the year-round residents. “Why should the part-timers pay for water in the summer when they are not in the resort?”
Another time, one full-timer said in my presence, “I won’t vote for that candidate. I want someone who lives here year-round.”
There have been occasions when I have heard someone comment, “You know, they don’t even own here. They are just renters.”
Then there was the time, last year, when my wife and I were told that we were “ visitors in this country so we should keep our opinions to ourselves.” I have to say that is the ONLY time that I have ever heard anyone suggest that Canadians are less than equal here in S-bag.
My point is, divisions are easy to find if that’s what we are looking for. History is a chronicle of the horrors created when humans emphasize the differences among us. Differences in race, religion, color, gender and life-style can so easily become a way to incite one faction against another.
SLohA is an association of owners formed over 40 years ago, based on common rights and responsibilities. “Common” is the important word. The people who came together back then put aside their differences and chose to focus on creating something in “common” that they could share. They were wise enough to realize that none of them alone could create a resort like S-bag but if they combined their efforts and resources great things were possible.
Had the fishermen opposed the tennis courts, the shuffle boarders opposed the swimming pool or the dancers opposed those who wanted to pitch horseshoes what a different place this would be today! But they didn’t.They cooperated in establishing and maintaining the resort’s outstanding facilities, which we continue to upgrade as the funds are available.
This winter, my fellow Canadians are planning a big party to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and that is all well and good. Our various State days too give Saddlebaggers a chance to demonstrate regional pride. But I believe we must be very careful about any activity which highlights our differences rather than what we share.
America and Canada were both formed on the basis of common interests. Both of our countries have narrowly escaped destruction when one group was pitted against another and we are again seeing strains on that unity at every level of society today. As each of our two countries prepares to celebrate another year of unity we would be wise to carefully consider the divisions that we suggest or allow to develop here in this wonderful community of S-bag.
We are all aware of the schism that has been created by the few who continue to claim that even after revitalization, SLohA covenants to do not apply to them.
This past week however an incident was reported that hinted at other divisions that lie just beneath the surface, ready to emerge and cause discord, if we allow ourselves to polarize around discriminatory distinctions. The Board had to lay down parameters this past winter over use of resort facilities by people who are not resort residents. It was felt that there were good reasons for the regulations that were imposed in terms of the liabilities that the park could face. This was not an attempt to make S-bag more exclusive but rather to more responsibly monitor potential accident and security risks. This week It appears that someone was a little over-zealous in their attempts to discourage outsiders however and a complaint was filed over the use of the club house by a group, who upon investigation, appeared to have done everything in accordance with S-bag’s Operating Procedures. Was this an honest mistake or evidence of something deeper?
This past winter I recall someone suggesting that we should meter our water as a cost cutting measure. This may have been a well-intentioned suggestion which might have its merits, but when investigated it put the focus on the difference between the “part-timers” and the year-round residents. “Why should the part-timers pay for water in the summer when they are not in the resort?”
Another time, one full-timer said in my presence, “I won’t vote for that candidate. I want someone who lives here year-round.”
There have been occasions when I have heard someone comment, “You know, they don’t even own here. They are just renters.”
Then there was the time, last year, when my wife and I were told that we were “ visitors in this country so we should keep our opinions to ourselves.” I have to say that is the ONLY time that I have ever heard anyone suggest that Canadians are less than equal here in S-bag.
My point is, divisions are easy to find if that’s what we are looking for. History is a chronicle of the horrors created when humans emphasize the differences among us. Differences in race, religion, color, gender and life-style can so easily become a way to incite one faction against another.
SLohA is an association of owners formed over 40 years ago, based on common rights and responsibilities. “Common” is the important word. The people who came together back then put aside their differences and chose to focus on creating something in “common” that they could share. They were wise enough to realize that none of them alone could create a resort like S-bag but if they combined their efforts and resources great things were possible.
Had the fishermen opposed the tennis courts, the shuffle boarders opposed the swimming pool or the dancers opposed those who wanted to pitch horseshoes what a different place this would be today! But they didn’t.They cooperated in establishing and maintaining the resort’s outstanding facilities, which we continue to upgrade as the funds are available.
This winter, my fellow Canadians are planning a big party to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and that is all well and good. Our various State days too give Saddlebaggers a chance to demonstrate regional pride. But I believe we must be very careful about any activity which highlights our differences rather than what we share.
America and Canada were both formed on the basis of common interests. Both of our countries have narrowly escaped destruction when one group was pitted against another and we are again seeing strains on that unity at every level of society today. As each of our two countries prepares to celebrate another year of unity we would be wise to carefully consider the divisions that we suggest or allow to develop here in this wonderful community of S-bag.
