I sat in a meeting

for the neighborhood we just joined...

sandwiched between people so upset and polarized that lawsuits and threats of lawsuits were being flung around like party favors.

Turns out, a neighbor did not follow the rules. Now don't get me wrong - I do not condone his actions, shame on him. However, on the other side of me sat a man who actually said "I am not threatening anyone with a lawsuit. I am simply saying that if you [board members] do not pursue a lawsuit against this individual, then I will be forced to sue the individual members of the board." Did I hear him right? Aaaaagh - these are all people who have come to this beautiful island to relax, rejuvenate, retire...

What is happening to us
...that we have forgotten our priorities?
...that we don't take responsibility for our actions and words?
...that we make the choice to disregard rules so we can benefit at the expense of our neighbors?
...that we are so quick to bring lawsuits against others?
...that we threaten perfectly innocent volunteering members of a board with lawsuits if they don't vote in a particular way?
...that anyone remains on the board after those threats?
...that I sat there, for 5 hours, trying desperately not to take sides or create any enemies?


Shame on us all.