Us vs. Them?
The following is a member submittal:
Polarization and “Us versus Them” Mentality
Perusal of the Surfside United (SU) website reveals numerous falsehoods, mistruths, and sensational, conspiratorial overstatements. Perhaps far more revealing, is the attribution of “hate” by people on J Place for everyone else in Surfside. This is a deliberate attempt to create an “us versus them” impression, and convince people that J Place members are somehow taking something away from them. But in reality, stating that people on J Place “hate” everyone is really a reflection and projection of the bitterness and rancor within SU members themselves. I don’t hate everyone not on J Place. I don’t hate people I've never met. I have friends all over Surfside. I do not appreciate being unfairly categorized as a selfish, hateful elitist, and one who tramples on the rights of others.
We all knew that there were rules and covenants (CC&Rs) when we purchased property in Surfside. Those CC&Rs were not written, (long ago), for the exclusive benefit of J Place properties, but for the overall benefit of all members within the community. Some properties have views, some don’t. Some properties cost more than others, some less. Some covenants prohibit certain uses of properties so that enjoyment by others of their property will not be compromised. This is reasonable and fair, and promotes the greater common good. There is no secret conspiracy to disadvantage those who are not on J Place. People made their own choices in the selection of their properties, knowing the responsibilities that came with their choice.
Virtually all properties throughout Surfside including those on the west side of J Place have a 16 ft height limit. I trim my trees to 16 feet, or less, so my neighbors enjoy their views. We are no different, and we do not seek to have all trees cut to stumps as the SU website alleges.
The SU website and its polarized “us versus them” mentality is an attempt to vilify people who own/chose property on J Place. Yes, I chose and purchased property because it had a view, which was a lifelong dream. I do not vilify others for not choosing view property. They chose their properties for their own reasons. I have not taken anything away from them, because they made their choice in the full light of day and that choice came with certain responsibilities. There is no secret conspiracy. There is no “us” and “them”. There are no unwitting victims. There are simply different property owners who made their own choices for their own reasons.
We can all acknowledge that mistakes in the administration of CC&Rs have occurred. We can all agree that there is room for improvement, and we can all strive for improvement. But that acknowledgment is fundamentally different from the manufacture of some great conspiracy, the spreading of mistruths, the attribution of “hate”, and the vilification of others. It is different from radically changing long standing agreements and understandings, which will harm the lifestyle and property value for a significant number of Surfside members.
Polarization and “Us versus Them” Mentality
Perusal of the Surfside United (SU) website reveals numerous falsehoods, mistruths, and sensational, conspiratorial overstatements. Perhaps far more revealing, is the attribution of “hate” by people on J Place for everyone else in Surfside. This is a deliberate attempt to create an “us versus them” impression, and convince people that J Place members are somehow taking something away from them. But in reality, stating that people on J Place “hate” everyone is really a reflection and projection of the bitterness and rancor within SU members themselves. I don’t hate everyone not on J Place. I don’t hate people I've never met. I have friends all over Surfside. I do not appreciate being unfairly categorized as a selfish, hateful elitist, and one who tramples on the rights of others.
We all knew that there were rules and covenants (CC&Rs) when we purchased property in Surfside. Those CC&Rs were not written, (long ago), for the exclusive benefit of J Place properties, but for the overall benefit of all members within the community. Some properties have views, some don’t. Some properties cost more than others, some less. Some covenants prohibit certain uses of properties so that enjoyment by others of their property will not be compromised. This is reasonable and fair, and promotes the greater common good. There is no secret conspiracy to disadvantage those who are not on J Place. People made their own choices in the selection of their properties, knowing the responsibilities that came with their choice.
Virtually all properties throughout Surfside including those on the west side of J Place have a 16 ft height limit. I trim my trees to 16 feet, or less, so my neighbors enjoy their views. We are no different, and we do not seek to have all trees cut to stumps as the SU website alleges.
The SU website and its polarized “us versus them” mentality is an attempt to vilify people who own/chose property on J Place. Yes, I chose and purchased property because it had a view, which was a lifelong dream. I do not vilify others for not choosing view property. They chose their properties for their own reasons. I have not taken anything away from them, because they made their choice in the full light of day and that choice came with certain responsibilities. There is no secret conspiracy. There is no “us” and “them”. There are no unwitting victims. There are simply different property owners who made their own choices for their own reasons.
We can all acknowledge that mistakes in the administration of CC&Rs have occurred. We can all agree that there is room for improvement, and we can all strive for improvement. But that acknowledgment is fundamentally different from the manufacture of some great conspiracy, the spreading of mistruths, the attribution of “hate”, and the vilification of others. It is different from radically changing long standing agreements and understandings, which will harm the lifestyle and property value for a significant number of Surfside members.