Censorship proposed

[riceflower]

I share Mr. Smith's concern above, and wonder if our President Jeff Spaur might address that topic in this forum?

Also, I am wondering about the funds in Union Bank, as I see they were charged with money laundering.

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/Septemb...m_726.html

[Kelena]

Okay. Money laundering? That leans into a defamatory posture. You should remove that comment. For your own sake.

I am anti-roadster. I was against the paving of roads in HPP. It's a set-up for a Sysphean task (one you have to do again and again). I can't even keep a BBQ in my patio. The roads will be subject to some of the most relentlessly destructive weather on earth. Dirt is better. However, the decision was made and now more complex decisions have to be made about how to deal with these responsibilities.

The worst thing that an Association can do in the face of challenges such as this is to launch intra-association warfare. I have seen it many times. Never good. As a general rule, I have found that those who get personal quickest are of least benefit to the Association. They can pull it down quick as Jack Sprat.

It is one thing to disagree over the direction of the Association and how we should deal with the roads issue. It is another to attack the integrity of elected -- that's right, elected-- officers and the people that they appoint to assist them.

And the most recent Conch was jarring, provocative and uninformative on the issue underlying the dispute. And asking those that have seized the Conch to show a little restraint and to learn basic journalistic principles before they write is not "censorship" -- it's professionalism.

Let me be clear. I side with the crazy-cat-women who wrote the piece of trash that was the latest Conch. On the underlying issue -- what to do about the roads-- we are in agreement. On how you express that, I could not disagree more.

Start over, get your emotions under control, quit personalizing, quit attacking our elected Board members and get elected yourself. If you can.

[riceflower]

Glen, I always research things, and the money laundering article just turned up. I thought people might want to check into it, and make sure that bank is the best place for HPP to have all their money.

I don't know any of the board members personally. I am certainly not attacking Mr. Spaur with mentioning my concern about the bank. I did not mean to imply he was connected to that in any way! They were mentioned in the same post, but were two different thoughts. I don't know him, or the other people who post here, at all. Sorry for any confusion that may have caused.

[Chunkster]

Glen, you've gone way over the top this time. Stick to humor. It works better for you. Riceflower in no shape, form, or fashion defamed anyone. Your suggestion that she delete her comment on money laundering is nothing less than trying to suppress free expression. If someone did that to you, you would scream.

As a ten year HPP property owner who shifts back and forth to the mainland due to work assignments, I appreciate differing points of view. My own is probably way too redneck to get much traction here, lol. I've been lurking lately, but I couldn't stay out of this. I hope the contrary elements in HPP continue to make noise and post here. This is the United States of America. That is what we do.

[Devany]

Geesh... HPP has turned into Peyton Place, or worse. Puna Place!

I think Glen is spot on in this case.

Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com

[Kelena]

I do serious very, very well. It is, in fact, what I do best. I think that Riceflower has clarified the unpleasant innuendo that resulted from the conflation of two different topics that created an unfortunate impression. Because of the risk of confusion, I would remove it. As to whether it is somehow American to "make a lot of noise", I agree that the mob mentality has gained traction lately: instead of debating policies, we demonize elected policy makers and even shout them down if we don't like what they are saying. What gets lost in this is any chance to deliberate. The Founding Fathers would spin in their graves if they knew this is what we have substituted in place of vigorous, but civilized discourse. Accusing someone of nearly accusing someone of sabotage is not discourse. It's just a slur.

The latest issue of the Conch, and in fact the first comment in this thread, is nothing more than crazy-cat-woman cauterwauling of the shrillest variety. It does nothing to inform the citizens of HPP of the important issues facing the Board, and of important decisions that were made BEFORE the current board took office. Morever, it tends to confirm what most of us suspected when we read the latest issue of the Conch: the megaphone has been seized by firebrands who can't restrain themselves from using the association newsletter to attack elected assocation leaders.

I've spoken with Suzanne. She is wonderful and deserves our gratitude for her service. I've spoken with Jeff. He is a good-hearted guy with a difficult job. But if we are to go forward intelligently together, we have to stop the personal attacks, stick to the issues and have an honest debate......nationwide. And we can start in HPP. Here and now.

[jade]

I agree with Glen. At the very least there should have been an opportunity for Susan to respond.

[Chunkster]

Glen, in your world is calling someone a "crazy-cat-woman caterwauling" not a personal attack? Mr. Kettle, may I introduce you to Mr. Pot.

[Kelena]

Nah. It's just funny. I do funny well, too.

[Punatick]

Reading the above comments restores my belief in the premise of debate and that most people want accurate information and will act with common sense.

I did call the editor of the Conch and denied his request to have a President's Message with my name on it in the upcoming Sept. Conch. I refused given the current status of the publication. This publication in intent and purpose is to provide accurate information to members all over the world. Based on the comments above and comments I've received directly, I would offer .....that someone picking up this piece for the first time would not be impressed with some of the content and at best be confused by it. Censorship.....give me a break....never suggested. Accuracy and accountability......absolutely. A better way to deliver the message to the collective? I think we can accomplish that.

Mr. Thompson's opinions stated above are taken out of context or just flat wrong, if compared with previous full disclosure and facts. All of these items have been substantially addressed in the past. I will use the same source he quoted in my response to him. "Trust, But Verify" Ronald Regan. This measure needs to apply to anything and everything given for others consideration. Was that the case in the Conch? You be the judge. In fact, the accurate information that would repudiate all the assertions above can be provided with validation of receipt by Mr. Thompson. In the interest of remaining positive and productive, I’m in hopes that won’t be necessary.

Now to the only request to address a specific item that was posted:

" Although I am not a resident of HPP, but of the subdivision across the highway, I have to express concern about Rod's point No. 3 which said the HPP association's president ordered board members and association employees to not talk to the former manager.

Under what possible authority in a free country could the president make such a statement? Do the bylaws give him that authority? Foolish me, I thought only judges could issue gag orders."

This or any organization, when directed by their attorney, has to act on behalf of the HOA and comply with that directive. That was the case and for good reason. We already knew that Ms. Mayhew had contacted our attorney to represent her in litigation against you and I ( HPPOA). Simply put; per attorney directive all contact was to be conducted via our attorney. Hello.....no conversation with a potential plaintiff against us.....again common sense.


I hope this helps

Jeff