I admit, try as I might, I never could understand how so many are swept up in the Cult of Trump and now I finally do - I finally do, and it scares the bejesus out of me. For if it could happen here, in the microcosm that is my world, it could happen anywhere.
My building has 49 apartments with approximately 55 tenants. All of us are seniors ranging in age from 65 to 90+, independent, self-cooking, self-feeding and self-bathing and -dressing.
The building was purchased last September by a very well known charitable organization. I have donated to them in the past as they help so many disadvantaged and have a stellar reputation. As you know, I was elected Chair of the Tenants’ Committee.
So the manager of the building was fired. We are not privy to the reasons and we shouldn’t be as he is an employee of the building owners (who have at least 500 employees). It would be a breach of confidentially.
He has been allowed to stay on here in his reduced rent apartment until he finds another position. Which is more than fair.
Since his firing last week he has gone around the building summoning support for a petition requesting his re-hire as he has been treated so unfairly.
I overheard a few of his conversations with fellow tenants, he has threatened some and yelled at others and monitors the notice board in the lobby all day and night dragging tenants over and hovering over them as they sign.
I have asked the committee not to get involved in this as the full picture is unknowable at this point and our new owners would certainly have grounds to dismiss him. (I know of a few of his transgressions, learned on the grapevine).
The answers from the 66% (so far) who have signed are:
(1) He’s a wonderful kind man and it’s appalling how they are treating him
(2) They were forcing him to do jobs that wasn’t part of his agreement (they’re not)
(3)They told him he had lied on this application about being computer literate.
(4) They’re saying he went AWOL and we know that’s not true (it is)
(5) They’re saying he wasn’t out of his pajamas before noon and watched TV all day and that’s not true (it is)
And on it goes. The man should have been canonized long ago.
I have no idea how it will all go down But I did phone one of the board today to give them a heads up on the confrontation the tenants have planned. The adversarial discord in the building. The glares those who didn't sign up are getting. Some on the committee have caved under the pressure.
I felt it only fair to warn them. As this board is truly amazing on what they are planning for here (and have secured funding for). And I just know they would never dismiss anyone without just cause. And this “saint” of a man has definitely given them many.
And it really hit me, as I mull all of this over, this is Trumpville. The truth doesn’t matter but let us hang my hat on a cause and be part of this wonderful cult.
Please.