Time Honored Tradition denied to all except...

Time honored tradition denied to Century Village Candidates

Stew Richland

Throwing your hat in the ring is a metaphor to announce that a person is ready to nominate someone or oneself to run for political office. Originally it was a boxing metaphor that originated in the early 19th century when one who wished to challenge a boxer would throw his hat into the ring as a way of having your challenge noticed in a crowded ring.

In 1912 Theodore Roosevelt, who was an avid boxer, was the first presidential candidate to use "throw my hat in the ring" to announce his run at the U.S. presidency. 

The reason why a boxer threw his hat in the ring was to get noticed by the noisy crowds attending boxing matches. 

The 2016 political cycle is crowed by lots of candidates that have “tossed their hats in the ring.”  This explains why presidential elections are compared to a “three ring circus.”  What these candidates have that is being denied to potential candidates here in Century Village, is a form to communicate with the voting residents. 

Historically Century Village has never had any restrictions on politicking and campaigning.  In fact, during past election cycles, campaigning for office was a “happening” here in the Village.  Candidates would announce which pool they would be at, usually in the early evening.  The audience would arrive early, bringing chairs, beverages of all kinds, schmoozing with their neighbors, in  anticipation of a fun filled evening.  The candidates had the opportunity to “meet and greet,” and state their positions on the issues of importance and then field questions from their neighbors.  This type of electioneering harkens back the days of small town America.   This type of “meet and greet,” was the norm here in the Village until our current President and WPRF administrator decided to put an end to a time honored democratic practice. 

Every candidate running deserves a “level playing field.”  Why have they stacked the deck against those who want to run for office?  They want to keep their job! They don’t care if the By-Laws limit time served to two consecutive terms.  This a Kabuki Dance orchestrated by the UCO administration and WPRF. This is a play in which the actors have worked together to determine the outcome beforehand.

We have the well informed pundit, Bob Rivera suggesting that a room be set aside for a “few times” for candidates to announce they have thrown their hats in the ring and describe their positions.  How generous.  Shall we clap our hands for such largess.  Wouldn’t it be just dandy to use the house organ of the Administration, the UCO Reporter,  as  an additional forum to allow candidates to get their message out to the voters.  I have a Fountain of Youth for sale if you believe this scenario.  Based on the existing set up, each candidate can write a short bio. of about 25 words or less (sounds like entering a soap contest) and it will be published in the Reporter.  Perhaps,  based on what is being accomplished by the current administration, 25 words is enough to run for this office.  Lets use Channel 63, that is if its working.  From what I understand, most Villagers would rather watch a reality show than streaming notices. According to a recent posting, Eva took it upon herself to rule out politicking at pools and other WPRF properties and she felt it worked out well. For who?  What does this mean?  Rhetorical.   It means that the democratic process is ended in Century Village.  I wonder how our WWII, Korean, and Vietnam vets feel about this.  Shame, Shame, Eva (WPRF) and UCO.